Blah, blah, blah I know it's been awhile since I posted. I'm having TOO MUCH FUN not working and taking care of my family. It's funny how everyone settles when the incidentals in life aren't being pushed around or ignored.
Which brings us to today's post. My mother pointed out yesterday how much more relaxed and engaged J Boy is when I'm not working. I hadn't noticed yet, I'm too busy enjoying my super clean house and properly preparing for Christmas, but she's so so right it hurts.
J Boy, as we know, can be a little obsessive. A proper routine every day makes a huge difference in his level of anxiety. Until about two weeks ago, he never knew which days I would rush out the door shortly after he woke or he'd get his requisite morning snuggle to start the day off right. When I was working, mornings could be very hectic for He Who Won't Be Rushed because duh, daddy had to get to work too before J Boy was good and ready to start his day. It seems 8 a.m. is his sweet spot for moving on from the huge task of waking up and from there he can proceed toward very productive and happy day. Otherwise, everyone is just anxiously awaiting the opportunity to go their separate ways, to put it very mildly. Also, there's no shuffling between me or my mother picking him up, and no guesswork as to where he's going after school (which still has to be Grandma's house for the time being). He doesn't call for me when I'm out of his sight or become upset when I have to be.
In short, he's happy. He's also using full sentences more, starting to use contextual language ("What about the bootie bag, Momma?) and developing a very silly sense of humor. Say "herky jerky" he's often reduced to tears from laughter (I don't know what it means, either). His teacher was very excited ( God bless her) the day she had to separate him from a classmate because they were being too silly together to pay attention to her lesson.
If I had any reservations about leaving my job, they've been obliterated by the positive developments we've seen in Jacob. It sounds hokey, but his sense of security is so worth giving up my small contribution to our family finances.
I know that my daughter feeds off my mood, and if I'm struggling, she will be, too. Congrats on leaving your job and being able to be home with the kids. The money just isn't worth it, and they will benefit so much from your courage (and your hubby's) to get off the merry-go-round of stress. Best of luck!
Posted by: Belle | 12/14/2011 at 11:39 AM