Working Mama

A few weeks ago I rejoined the workforce. After two years off from teaching, I am officially back in the classroom - but not full time. I found a great job share situation at a local school (not the one I was at before I had Caden, but the next one over). My job share partner and I share a second grade classroom. She teaches Mon., Tues., and every other Wed. I teach every other Wed., Thurs., and Fri. It's a win-win for all of us. I get a little "adult" (although I'm hanging out with 7 year olds mostly) time, Caden gets to meet some new friends, and I don't have to give up my teaching contract.

The scariest thing about this endeavour was finding the perfect place for CP. We checked out several places and decided on the most wonderful home day care for him on Thurs. and Fri. Our day care provider, Ms. Amber, runs a toddler class out of her home. There are two teachers, 8 kids, and tons of fun! Caden has adjusted so well, and they really seem to adore him. They say he shares (really?!?), is mannerly (thank goodness!), and even sleeps on a mat on the floor with other children around him (no WAY!!!). I will say that I think he uses up all his "goodness" at Ms. Amber's house, but let's not even go there!

On the first day back to school I didn't know who would cry more, him or me. Without a doubt, it was ME! He hasn't cried yet! He just waves bye-bye to daddy and walks in to see his friends. Jeremy drops him off around 8:20 and I pick him up about 4:00, so he spends a good 7 1/2 hours away from us. One of the things I love the most about Ms. Amber is that, almost daily, she sends me text messages about how he's doing. On the first day I could hardly concentrate until she sent me this

A very content Caden P playing with chalk.

Another day, JZ sent me this one

My sweet boy walking into "school" with his puppy "pack-pack" and lunchbox.

And just when I was questioning how the sleeping was really going, I got this one

Yep, I don't think he even misses me. Actually, that's not true. I get to pick him up, and he always squeals with delight when I walk in. It's almost worth working just to get that kind of reaction! And then he goes and gives Ms. Amber the most gigantic hug good-bye. I guess I'll share.