To work or not to work

September is quickly approaching and that means that my mat leave will soon be ending. No more EI payments finding their way into my chequing account without leaving the house.

So the decision had to be made.

This past year has been a rollar coaster of emotions that surprised me. I love the job that I have had for the past five years and spent most of my pregnancy fully expecting that I would love to go back. In the last weeks of my pregnancy I started feel all sorts of emotions that I can only describe as *motherly*. I got excited at the thought of the little person that was growing inside of me. I had no idea who he or she was, but I knew that when Trevor put his head on my stomach and the little baby kicked him in the head, I was going to like this kid. He had spirit.

I have loved being at home with him. More than I ever could have imagined. My worries, while large in the moments that I've been living them, have been minor. As evidenced by the many pictures I have posted of him, he has been my pride and joy. I am in awe of him as he discovers new things. I love the enthusiasm he brings to trying new things. Steep stairs? No problem. Look at me go mom.

So, how can I decide to leave him every day and go to my place of employment? Because I am not just a mommy. (For ever person that is reading this that has chosen to stay at home with their children, know that I'm not implying that people who stay at home are *just* mommys. I am saying that we are all people beyond just the title of mommy or friend or employee.) I have missed using the part of my brain that I get to use at work. I think that I will be happier doing that. And just like Elijah's daddy doesn't stop being his daddy when he goes to work, I will not stop being his mommy.

That doesn't mean it will be easy for me to leave him. Childcare is still not finalized (although a whole lotta wonderful friends have passed on some good possibilities). I will miss the things that he does while I am gone from him. It breaks my heart to think about that.

So, to everyone who has an opinion about stay at home moms and working moms and what you should do, unless you have something encouraging to say to me about our decision for our family, I don't want to hear your thoughts. I'm sure that you feel strongly about where a mommy should be, but we've made this decision and we're good with it. Please don't imply that I love my child any less because I'm going back to an employer that I love. (As I will not imply that you are any less of a person because you choose to stay home with your child. Every family has to make the decision that is best for them.)

And yes, in case you're wondering, my boss has promised to have a box of Kleenex waiting for me when I get back to work.

Laundry helper

I'm sure I should be thankful that he's helping with the laundry. I only wish that his helping didn't extend to pulling the folded laundry onto the floor as well.

The new car

So we finally found a vehicle. (OK - it's been a couple of weeks. I forgot that I said I'd tell you when we bought it.) 2004 Toyota Camry. Fully loaded. We bought it privately from someone who took really good care of it. It's no 1992 Camry but it'll do...

Childcare for Elijah

September is rapidly approaching and that means I'm heading back to work. That also means that we're going to need someone to look after Elijah. Look at that happy boy. Who wouldn't want to hang out with him every day?

If anyone has any connections, ideas or has availability to look after him, I would love to hear from you.

Weekend at the lake

Thought you'd enjoy some pictures of Elijah's first summertime weekend at the lake.