Sunday, March 03, 2013

Fatigue


Do they look older to you?

Michael will be FIVE on Saturday, which is completely mind-blowing. We are in the midst of things like kindergarten screening and just signed him up for spring soccer. I know how cliche it is, but seriously, where does the time go?

And speaking of time, there isn't much of it these days. I really thought I would be able to keep blogging once or twice a week while I worked and I think a lot about it. However, when it comes down to it I tend to choose sleep and sanity over computer time. I miss the blogging community though, and I hope to dial back into things over the summer.

The last four weeks have been a special kind of brutal because we have been sick, sick, sick around here. Harper and Michael had no-apparent-reason fevers the first week of February. Then we had a visit from the vomit fairy the second week of February (only for the children, thank goodness). Last week Michael was diagnosed with strep. After three hours at children's urgent care today we realized Harper had an ear infection, which we expected, and pneumonia, which was an unfortunate surprise diagnosis.

Of course with all that illness comes the ever-exhausting dance to figure out which adult is not going where he or she thought for the day. Matt's parents have been hugely helpful, but Harper alone has already had six sick days since February 1st. It's getting a little old. There wasn't one day last week that both of my children went to school.

My job is exhausting and frustrating and lots of wonderful. I have gotten to know some amazing children and families this year. I have worked with some of my favorite people on the planet. Aside from all the sick days and maybe being a little extra tired, Harper and Michael are both thriving in their environments, childcare included.

Soon it will be time to make decisions about what next school year will bring, for me and for our children. I thought by this point in the year I would have a clearer picture of whether we'd made the right decision and what decision we should make going forward. If there was ever a time I wished for a crystal ball, this is it. I never imagined the choice between working and staying at home would seem this difficult. We'll all have to stay tuned to see what happens next.

I am not sure who might still be checking in here, after all this time has passed. Still I would be remiss if I failed to mention that we are once again raising money for March of Dimes and planning to walk in the 2013 March for Babies at the end of April. We've had such amazing support for the event the past few years. I'm hoping a few of you will consider supporting us again - the link is over on the right.


7 comments:

Christina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christina said...

I've missed you, but am glad we get to connect on Sundays. It has been quite the winter for you guys! Hang in there and we can hope that spring is better.

And no matter what decision you make, you'll second guess if it is the correct one, because that is what *we* do. Just go with the gut, if you ask me. It's often right.

bluedaisy said...

The vomit fairy...one of my least favorite visitors! Hope that as March progresses, you will get the gift of good health for all!!

I am going to be deciding about working- how much and when and where- in the coming months. It really is a complicated decision and I wish you the best as you assess what will work best for you and your family. In the absence of that crystal ball, just try to make the best choice you can with the information you have. That's what I'm striving for!

Nice to "see" you here :)

Jill said...

I was thinking about you the other day, and yes, we are still reading (I have you in my reader, so I get a msg whenever you do post, I'll be looking forward to summer!)

I'm sure whatever you choose will be what's right for your family. I'm sorry the kids have been sick. We had our first real bout (both with colds and double ear infections) this year. Most likely from Keeley going to be around other kids. Both adults got sick, too, although we can handle it without having to have antibiotics and such.

If you do have a chance to stop by and visit my blog, please do, I have decided to write every single day through 2013, and even though I know people are reading, there are no comments, which drives me crazy, if you know anyone who is looking to connect, send them my way. I'm at lifeisnotbubblewrapped.com still. I write about kids, parenting, cloth diapers, books, gardening, crafts, etc <3

Mommy Daisy said...

They both look so grown up! Especially Harper. I hope that Michael had a great birthday! And I hope that everyone is healthy and stays that way.

CARRIE said...

Ah, I miss reading your posts, although knowing how tiring life is for you now makes me question why I'm so game to go back to work (although I'm not planning on full-time). I would love, if you ever had a bout of insomnia and felt compelled to blog in the middle of the wee hours, to hear more of your thoughts on figuring out the whole working thing.

Sara said...

Yep, still reading and wondering how you were doing. This winter has been SO rough. Both of girls have been sick multiple times the past few months. That stupid vomit fairy's sister, the diarrhea fairy, has visited Ally a few times. And it is times like this that I am thankful (in a way) that I am home, b/c then we don't have to have that dance of who stays home. I am curious to know more about your thoughts and experiences as a working mommy. I am definitely leery of heading back to work. I hope that your kiddos stay healthy and they look so big--and cute! :)