First Day!

On this day, August 14, 2023, I went back to work!!!

You're probably thinking, "Who would actually be excited for something like that?"

You just don't understand...let me tell you...

I think most everyone knows my daughter, Hazel's, story from when she was a baby and how sick she was. During that time I wasn't really able to work because I didn't really trust anyone else to care for her with her complications. If you don't know the story, go back in my posts...trust me, I wrote all about it. But, also, by the time she was well and her GI issues resolved, daycares were full with waiting lists over a years' wait. It was insane. Our next door neighbor, we later found out, is a nanny and she was able to take Hazel for a few months. At that time, I went back to work part time and it was great! Then I was back to working only Saturdays when the nanny had to get a surgery. I was and still am very thankful for the time that she was able to watch Hazel.

So, ever since I gave birth to Hazel, I feel like I never worked. I started back with Saturdays after maternity leave, then I actually resigned because it just wasn't worth the time. Then, went back to work, I think only working Saturdays again, and made my way up to 4 days a week with the nanny watching Hazel. Honestly, I don't even remember the timeline of events anymore. But when nanny had to stop taking Hazel for her surgery I went back, again, to just Saturdays.

Anyways, the point of this post is to celebrate the fact that Hazel is well, no more medical issues, and able to go to preschool!!! When nanny stopped taking Hazel, we were getting to a point, well, more like myself, where I was just LOSING IT.

I NEEDED TO WORK.

Being a stay at home isn't for everyone! It was for me when Hazel was sick, but I couldn't do it forever. So, Jared and I started calling around daycares again and Jared found a preschool at the Methodist church down the street from us. They had an opening for this school year! And it worked out perfect because Hazel had just turned 2 in July.

I'm sure a lot of people would say that 2 years old is too early for preschool, but it had to work out for me, my sanity, and our family financially. From what I hear, Hazel had a GREAT first day and I'm so proud of her for going.

With all that, today was a day of firsts! My first day back at work full time in what really feels like 2 years!!! It felt SO good to be back there! And I won't be working Saturdays anymore which will also be really nice. My husband also started his new job today which came with a pay increase so can I get a WOOP WOOP for that!! And finally, my little bit started preschool. I will forever look back on this day and be oh so grateful.

I want to thank everyone who stuck this out with me and Jared since Hazel was born. It's been one CRAZY journey.

Here's the little bit being a silly girl before we left for school.