Mommy goes back to work

I loved staying home with my daughters, and having the time to take them to Mommy & Me classes, the park, the library, or just be home together on a cold winter day. The time has come for me to return to work. Big Sister will be starting kindergarten in the fall, and Little Sister will accompany me to school every day as we have our own on-site daycare center. I will be working as a reading specialist for grades 6-8 at a nearby school district. My new job officially begins at the end of August. Everything has been arranged, including before-school and after-school care for Big Sister. Still, it will be a huge change for us all. I wonder if any of the other working moms out there have any advice for me. Can you offer any tips on making the transition smooth or how to get everyone up dressed, fed, and out the door by a very early hour? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

Three Word Sunday

Potty Training Blues

Just as round 2 of our potty training session begins, so does Little Sister's ability to clearly say her new favorite word, "NO!" Despite the "No's," she is peeing in her potty pretty consistently. More updates to follow.

Hummingbirds and Faith

When we adopt our child, the painful memories of waiting seem to melt away like snow basking in the sun. Life becomes busy. Responsibilities change, and our patience is tested in a new way. In my October LID group, there is still one couple who have not yet received their baby. After all this time, they are still in the waiting phase due to a complication with their paperwork. Theresa (not her real name) has sat back and watched members of our group joyfully announce their referrals, share baby pictures and travel plans, post Gotcha Day videos, and even complain about the hardships of being a new mother. She has done all of this with grace, but she is suffering. Her arms are still empty. Another member of our group posted this beautiful psalm offering Theresa courage. I thought it was perfect and wanted to share it with all of my readers who may also still be waiting. Where does the hummingbird come into play? It doesn't really. Only that they are one of my favorite birds, delicate and extraordinary gifts from God. I want to tell Theresa that God will grant her wish. He's listening.


"Faith is the assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things yet unseen."
Hebrews 11:1

Summer joy

Kung Fu Panda

Last Friday, I took Big Sister and her friend to see the movie, Kung Fu Panda. The girls hadn't seen each other since preschool ended a few weeks earlier so they were eager to get together. Little Sister was home with a babysitter. She is still too young for the movie theater. The movie which features the voices of Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Jackie Chan, and Angelina Jolie, was well-done. I think I laughed even more than the kids. I especially enjoyed the scenery of China, and seeing the animals perform their martial arts. Who knew that a praying mantis could fight so well? The film does include two obvious cases of adoption, but they are not addressed, only assumed by the adult viewer. When I asked Big Sister later on if the panda could really be the bird's son, she said, "No, it's just pretend for the movie."

It was a great week

Last week couldn't have been better. I finally found a full-time teaching position only 30 minutes from my home. It's for a middle school reading intervention specialist. I am excited about happy to stop working on those tedious and time-consuming teaching applications. On Saturday, my girls and I met with my single mom's group. We all share the common bond of having a little girl from China, or waiting for one. Big Sister immediately became fast friends with one of the girls. They were like two peas in a pod, holding hands and inseparable during our time together. It was a great week. The icing on the cake came last night when I finally got to see Kenny Loggins perform live at an outdoor concert. After all these years, he still looks and sounds great. It was a great week. I wish they could all be like that.

Middle Children

Middle children are used to giving
In to the younger and the older.

Middle children are used to turning
Soft, mild cheeks to the child
who's bolder.

Middle children make cheer
their talent
Smiling even through hand-me-downs.

Middle children will play a
willing audience for the other's
clownings.

Middle children are open-hearted.

Middle children will fetch
and carry.

Middle children don't need
unspoiling.

Middle children are nice to marry.

Author unknown