Two very different days

Wow. Talk about a change.

Yesterday was a pretty rough day. I allowed several stresses to get the best of me. I lost all my patience and nearly all my hope. I spent the evening stuck in what felt like an out-of-body experience. I was just too worn out to really "be" there.

But I live with an incredible friend whom I can always talk to. My husband. Even when I could not muster up the strength to talk about it, he simply ran his fingers through my hair until I was able to give up my stress and fall asleep.

And sleep I did!

Nine hours of coma-like sleep. My body and mind were exhausted even more than I realized. Oh, how I needed that.

So today is another day. And it's been a great one! Amelia began her "big girl" school schedule. I went to the office and managed several moments of serious productivity. The time flew by. I swear this was the shortest day I've experienced since Amelia was born.

Steve was also thinking of his little girl today. He decided to leave work EARLY and join me to pick her up from school. He got to share in the joy of seeing that round little face light up. Amelia and I got to have some extra (and wonderful!) company for the afternoon. And to top it all off, he grilled a wonderful dinner for us! Pork chops with a semi-homemade honey BBQ sauce and grilled peppers & onions. With cupcakes for dessert (I picked them up to celebrate Amelia's first big girl school day).

Now we have full bellies, contented minds, and happy hearts.

Things always turn around, don't they?

Working 9 to 5 (or... 10 to 2)

The working mom is starting her comeback.

Today is Amelia's first day of extended stay school. She's going Tuesdays & Thursdays from 9:00 to 4:00. This is our very first experience with a longer school/daycare day. And it will be my longest period of time in the office in about 2-1/2 years.

4 straight hours in the office - that can't be so bad. I can probably bet that I won't have to pick any screaming people off the floor and put them in timeout. I do not expect anyone to push, hit, scratch, or pull my hair. I'm pretty sure all my coworkers can get their own lunch and clean up after themselves. And I think they all know how to use the big kid potty.

This should be easy. If my brain is ready.

Off to summer camp

Amelia went to summer camp at her school today. The last day of school was last week, but we're lucky to have her in a facility that offers full-time and 12-month programs.

Summers off are really not an option, either for my sanity or for my job. So, off to summer camp we went. I was excited... until we got there.

The school was painfully quiet. Most classrooms were empty with the lights off. No music class to greet our ears with adorable songs and preschoolers playing musical instruments. Most of the artwork was removed from the bulletin boards because it was sent home last week.

Cue that sneaky little brute - mommy guilt.

While Amelia's little friends are home with their moms all summer, she will be at school two days each week. Like I said, home is not an option. Two days per week certainly isn't neglect. But I still can't help but feel bad. And really guilty. I guess I will just have to pack all of our summer fun into the at-home days. We'll cram in our hours at "three P's" - parks, playgrounds, and pools on Wednesdays and Fridays. Maybe some Mondays now and then too.

Amelia likes school. Hopefully camp will be just as fun. Maybe she won't even notice the silence.

Fingers crossed.