Thursday, August 19, 2010

New found respect

I have a new found respect for working single parents. Not just mom's out there, though I am sure there are many, but the working single dad's too! I get to experience this when Byron works relatively late. I have had the pleasure of this three times this week.  WOW it is crazy. Thank GOD I work the hours that I do and not some craziness of a grave yard shift or swing shift, (I have spent time doing that as a teenager though). I also have a new found respect for those spouses that get up early before their kids awake and arrive home after a long days work and their kids are asleep. TOUGH.

We each have responsibilities to parent, provide and have balance in life. I am reminded of this each and every day that I work a full 8 plus hours, come home and work another 4 and then have a few moments to myself while ignoring the rest of the "WORK" related household chores that did not get completed because I was spending time with Ty.

WOW the energy a 2 and 1/2 year old takes and exudes.  I love the boundless energy but it is tiring. I have given myself and Byron permission to rest a few minutes in the evening and not get bogged down with what was not accomplished.  This is only to support balance in our lives. The interesting part is that I would not trade our life for the world. We enjoy the times that Ty surprises us with a new word in his vocabulary, a new laugh, a new  funny dance and all the, "I miss you daddy, I love you" and, "I miss you momma, I love you's."  Even with the two year old teething fits, I would not change our life for the world!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Haiku for Ty from Papa Johnny!


going wishin'

the toddler tells his mom

as he baits the hook



Papa Johnny

I Wishin Mama!

WOW never underestimate what your 2 and 1/2 year old son can do! For the first time Byron and I took Ty camping and fishing! Knowing what an outdoors man he truly is we knew this adventure would certainly be just that, an ADVENTURE.  Little did we know that the CARS (Pixar Movie) red fishing pole would reel in the biggest fish of our trip.

I will say that once we got settled in the drift boat, a boat we have never put into the water and dropped both anchors the "wishing" began.  Byron realized for the first time why his father was never able to enjoy fishing. This reality came when he continuously changed bait, put new hooks on the line, grabbed the net for either myself or Ty and removed the hooks from the fish' mouth then placing them on the string back in the water.  Byron enjoyed every bit of it though. He was able to throw his line in and reel some in as well. But this was not on his time frame. Of course when he caught a fish it was not at the most opportune time. :-)

I was the first to catch a fish on this day.  My first wasn't very big. It was keep-able but barely.  We released this one and a few more like that throughout the day.  Ty was next to catch the biggest fish of the day! He was such a trooper reeling in his line. He would reel and reel. I don't think he actually knew what was going to be on the other end. But once he did he beamed! We scooped the fish into the net and Byron a proud father sat to have the first photo of the day! All Ty could say was, "my wishy, my wishy" and point.  He was unsure of the fish flopping around in the boat.  After his catch he decided he would help others.  Such a guide!

All in all he loved the drift boat, tried to row, fished a little and tried to pull the anchor. Ty was equipped with blankie and binky, snacks and of course fishing bait that he picked out at the store.  I might add it was great bait.  The next day we went "wishing" again.  For the second time, Ty reeled in the biggest fish and his fishing expedition was complete!  The camping resort even took a picture of him with his fish! I am  hoping they posted it online but I have not been able to find it as of yet.  (I will have to check again).

Ty is such an outgoing, active kiddo and has such good instincts about activities and even people it amazes me.  There is nothing that this kiddo can't do!

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Early Morning Risers

Back to work I went this past Monday. Amazing how years ago when I was a child I dreaded but loved the day I had to return to school. Nothing has changed. I have enjoyed a wonderful (short) month off, packed full with travel plans, staying up late, relaxation and more. Back to work I went.  Though as I awoke this morning I was not prepared to see darkness outside (5:25am). The realization today (my third day back) was huge, "I AM BACK TO WORK!" Not only do I need to settle myself into a work routine, early mornings, early evenings, I must adjust to the changes in weather and the light. I must also get Ty back into my routine. Such cruelty I say, but necessary for all involved.

Work provides another dimension into my life. I am a mother, a goal oriented person and I am proud to work. I do a damn good job if I say so myself.  I am constantly multitasking. Even as I write this blog! (Drinking coffee, listening to the news and also planning in my brain all the things I have to get completed prior to leaving this morning.) Ty goes to daycare again this week, he is very excited to see his playmates though I haven't told him he won't be going for approximately a month yet. His daycare provider Meg will be popping a child out any minute these days. We are just waiting for the call. Good thing I am right down the road from her I can swing by and pick him up!

So yes I am settling back into my routine, grabbing my quiet time in the early morning hours and preparing to get to work. I must say, the transition this year was not as emotional as they have been in the past.  "It is what it is, is my belief so I must go back to work.  It is a love hate relationship. I like it when I am there, I hate it when I am on vacation!