Mama got a job and Dad came home for a visit!

So, I realized that I never posted an update on the job situation. After meeting with the Occupational Therapist (OT) and Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) I was offered the job! I start March 2nd and can only describe this as bittersweet. It's great that I am going back to work, but not so great that I'm leaving my babe. Today was tear filled, for both of us, as I dropped her off at daycare for a couple of hours. I almost didn't know what to do with myself as I walked around Target all alone. Mackenzie and I have been together all day, everyday, for the past 9 months. I don't think I can talk about this anymore....still too emotional.

Nathan was able to come home for the long weekend and it was FABULOUS. I love these two people more than anything. Thanks for making the trip.

Story Time Dropout

My girl, Mac, is a mover and a shaker. Not much will keep her down, other than a DVD by the name of Happy Feet (which I have seen 4519 times). I am aware of this, so why did I think something as simple as story time at the library would be a good idea? We arrived a little early so she could run around and get that out of her system. She was doing the usual, climbing stairs, dancing, laughing, looking cute and devilish all at the same time. The mother sitting next to me smiled and asked, "Is she always like this?"

Why yes, my daughter is a ball of energy that keeps me going at all times. I looked at her daughter that was a little older than Mac and she was sitting next to her mom. I could have been jealous of that mom and her docile little girl, but as I looked over to see Mackenzie scaling the steps and then celebrating with a little jig, I couldn't help but laugh and feel my heart fill with love.

Story time started with a little song and Mac enjoyed this part as she continued to sing out "yea, yea, YEA!" for a good 30 seconds after the song was over. This made me a little nervous, as I wanted to be respectful of the other parents and children. I guess Mackenzie didn't realize that she was only part of the pre-game show. The woman started reading a story, that was completely inappropriate for this age group, and Mackenzie wanted nothing to do with it. Fortunately, I had my mother-in-law with me so she helped with a swift exit. Good times with the Miller family!

As for the job situation, I received a call on Friday from the school and was asked to come in Monday morning for a second interview with the OT and SLP that I would be working with. Not sure what to think of this......

The Interview

The interview went well.

However, I do not think I will be offered the job. I have not actually spoken with the school, but the job posting was taken down and I can't imagine they would do that if they had not already offered and had someone accept the position. At first I felt annoyed and slightly disappointed, but I'm okay with not working right now...or am I just telling myself that since I didn't get the job? It felt pretty darn good putting a suit on and walking out of the house with a purpose. I felt like my old self, before the military, before moving 4 times in one year, before spending 6 out of 12 months away from my husband. It's not that I like my old self better, it's just that I'm still getting acquainted with my new self. Did I lose anyone?

I spoke with Nathan on the phone tonight about not getting the job and his response was-

"Who cares....you already have a job, you're the mother of our daughter."

And THAT is why I love my husband.

Who does this?

I have an interview Monday morning at an elementary school near base.

I'm sort of freaking out about it. Too many things to think about...daycare, waking up early, looking presentable before noon, and actually working. I was complaining to Nathan about having to leave Florida three weeks earlier than planned.

He looked at me and said, "Do you want to go back to work?"

I looked at him and replied with, "I don't know."

I have a nasty habit of doing things, just to see if I can. Once I know I can do something, I'm over it. So I'm left wondering, do I really want to go back to work or am I just trying to see if I can get a job? I think I want to go back to teaching, but I am not looking forward to putting little Mac into daycare. I did it before, so why is it so much harder now?

Wish me luck:) And enjoy the funny picture of Mac, it was taken around Christmas.

This and That

It feels like so much has been going on, but when I sit down to write about it, I can't seem to think of anything important. Mackenzie and I are currently in Florida visiting Nathan. We made it a whole three weeks at Cherry Point before deciding to leave. I know some people would just tough it out, but I realized that if we have the opportunity to be together as a family, we need to take it. Next time we are apart will probably be for a deployment and getting the fam together then won't really be an option. Military families spend so much time apart and I'm learning just how stressful it can be.

When Mackenzie saw Nathan she didn't really want anything to do with him. It made us both a little sad. She was very clingy and acted annoyed when Nathan and I were sitting next to each other. Mac would position herself in between us or on top of my lap. Their relationship is so important to me and I want to do everything I can to help foster it, but she's still too young to discuss Daddy. What to do, what to do.

Nathan, Mackenzie and I went to the beach this afternoon. I watched as father and daughter ran around in the sand and everything felt right. I love the beach, it's the one place I can go and forget about every worry. I probably had a smile on my face the entire time. I hope I never forget this afternoon.

See those animals Mac has in her hands? She is OBSESSED with these things. We have found ourselves strategizing on how to get them away from her without a full blown tantrum. Distraction is usually the best route. Sometimes I'll find her playing with them and they will be kissing or she will kiss them, or they will kiss one of her other barn yard animals. Kissing is big right now, I also saw her trying to make the crayons kiss.

Did You Eat Sand?

I don't even know what to say.

Mackenzie answers almost every question with "yea" or some kind of grunt.

Where have you been all my life?

True Military Wives Confessions

Did I confess? Of course!