Thanksgiving week is always one of my very favorite of the whole year. All of the excitement of the holidays and all the fun that is to come, the decorations are out and you can feel the magic in the air, I just can never get enough!
This time around is a little bittersweet, I left Remerie for the first time and headed back to work Monday morning. Other than a few days in August right before I had her, I hadn’t been to work since last June — between summer break & then maternity leave I was off for almost FIVE months! Getting back into the routine will definitely take time and be an adjustment, for all of us, but I promised myself during my pregnancy and over Remie’s first few months that I wouldn’t worry or stress about it. I spent a lot of Avalon’s pregnancy upset just thinking about leaving her and after some work changes during her first year, I learned (the hard way) that being a teacher really was the best job for me and overall the best situation for our family. And that truly, no matter if I am a stay at home mom, part-time or full-time working mom — my bond with them and the kind of mom I can be to them is exactly the same. My girls live in a beautiful neighborhood and will go to great schools, they can do dance and the other fun activities that they want to without us having to stress about it. I always want them to know that part of the reason we have that is because I worked hard for it — FOR THEM. I know every family and situation is different and I support ALL moms in what they choose to do (because truly, I have done it all and no situation is easier than another), but ultimately this is what we found works best for us. I also of course am forever grateful for the schedule I have, and part of what gets me through is definitely counting down the days to our next break. Only one half day left until my very first one!
And some pictures! We are sooooo ready for all the red & green festiveness, but November is pretty, too.
Happy, HAPPY Thanksgiving to you & yours! XO