Adjusting

So, how have we adjusted to our new lifestyle now that we are one month in?

We are doing great.

We have settled into a routine and even have a few things planned throughout the week. Charlotte and I went to our first music class this morning and we go to story time at the library once a week. We play with paint, play doh, and her kitchen. She "helps" me start dinner in the evenings as we wait for Daddy to get home. We have had a few play dates and love spending time with other kiddos.

During the 8 days that Judd was in Australia I had a few really hard days. Those days I wanted nothing more than to drop her off at day care and head to work. Listening to co-workers whine is a lot easier to take than listening to a toddler whine for hours on end. I think she was just sick and tired of me by the end of that time - luckily Judd's mom came for the night at the end and provided much needed relief.

Charlotte asks about school a couple of times a week and even will ask about specific friends. It's funny that I get this horrible feeling of guilt because I pulled her out of day care. So, rather than feeling guilty about having her there all day, I feel guilty that she's not.

We have been eating better and I feel much more organized around the house. We eat at home 5-6 nights a week, which is a huge accomplishment for us. I'm not running to the grocery store 5 times a week - but actually taking the time to plan meals and shop for them in one trip. I can't say that I've cleaned every blind and baseboard in the house, but I'm keeping it clean. I'm even doing laundry better.

We have noticed a wonderful side effect - the relationship between Judd and Charlotte is getting a lot stronger. It's not that they didn't have a good relationship before - Charlotte has always loved her Daddy - but Charlotte always wanted me to do everything - bath, bed, dinner, etc. Now, she asks Judd to give her a bath and to put her to bed. She goes to him without a fight and they have special routines they do together now - like making his smoothies in the morning. We don't know if she just grew out of a phase, or if she knows I'm around more now and feels comfortable that I'm not leaving all of the time. Whatever it is, it has been wonderful to watch.

So, all in all we are settling in. I knew the transition wasn't going to be easy. I knew there would be days when Charlotte and I would get on each other's nerves. I am also trying to figure out who this new Carrie is. When I filled out her admission form for school starting in the Fall, I had to fill out the line for my occupation - it took me by surprise and I wasn't sure what to put. I wrote in "Stay at home Mom." I have missed some of the mental challenges of work - trying to write the most logical and efficient code. But, those mental challenges have been replaced with new ones - like how to persuade your 2 year old to go potty at home before you leave for music class rather than having to use the music class potty.

I know that with time I will settle into my new role as a stay at home mom and I don't regret my decision one bit. One thing is for sure - I get a lot more hugs and kisses throughout each day than I did at the office. And for that, I (and Judd) am very grateful!