. . . for Lauren and Lauren: A whole year home

February 12, 2014

A whole year home

sweater: target   jeggings: ace and ivy   scarf: discovery  boots: dsw 

When I wrote out my letter for my maternity leave I had said I planned on coming back February 12th, although I had hopes of being able to stay home the rest of the school year.  When the school year started that day seemed so far away and it amazes me how quickly it came.  As the date drew closer we had lots of conversations about whether or not we could afford for me to stay home. With Chris having his own business this was kind of up in the air as the idea of being on his income alone was unstable and a little scary. 

polarbear onesie: gap 

We have savings, but my type A, saving and planning self felt like that should be kept for emergencies.  Chris continued to remind me that this would be a time completely worth it to use our savings if needed.  I would love to have the guarantee of how much money Chris would make and know that we would be set financially until next school year.  But I know that isn't possible, and know that in life most people don't have that guarantee.  Anything could happen and that's where I knew to trust God more.  He has been so faithful to us throughout our marriage and has always given us what we need and way more.  

I struggle with the idea of where the line is of being faithful that God will provide and being responsible with the situation God has put you in.  I didn't want to take the year off if I felt like God gave me a job that I needed to return to.  And that's where a lot of prayer and conversations came.  When it came down to it I feel confident in our decision for me to stay home.  Especially as the day for me to return draws closer.  


There is a part of me that is sad about not returning to work as I do miss things about teaching.  I miss the routine of going to work.  Getting dressed, driving to school, drinking my hot coffee.  I miss the funny stories from kids, feeling purposeful and the creativeness of teaching.  Making bulletin boards, filling out a planner and coming up with new ideas.  I really miss my friends at school and the chance to have adult conversations daily.  But when it comes down to it, I knew if I at all at the choice I want to be home with Addilyn.  As we get in more of a routine together, I feel like this is what I should be doing day to day.  


I'm not sure what next school year will look like.  I don't want to give up teaching altogether, but would love to not work full time.  I am praying that there will be an option for me to work part time so I can still teach and spend time at home with Addilyn.  Sometimes I get anxious when I think about next year.  I'd love to be able to know what I'm going to do and what it will look like.  But God continues to teach me that I am not in control.  That worrying gets me nowhere and that I need to continue to trust in him.  Whatever happens next year, I am beyond grateful for this first year home with my baby.  I know how lucky I am to be able to spend this year with her and do not want to take it for granted.  

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32 comments:

Jenna Griffin | Gold & Bloom said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Maybe you could work at a preschool? They usually do halfdays (8-12) and Addilyn could stay in the nursery? This is what my mom did and it worked out so well for her. I plan on trying to do the same!

Just an idea! :)

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

How great you get to stay home for the rest of the year!

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I too miss the routine but I know I would miss these kids more. Dual income would be nice but you can't get these moments with them back :)

J and A said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

So happy for you!! I'm so glad I can be at home for a full year with D (thank you Canada) but also hope to do part time next year (if I have to!!)

Megan C said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I'm a teacher in Texas and I was only able to have 8 weeks off (I ended up with 9 weeks because we also got a week off for thanksgiving. I could've taken more but I would lose more pay and I just didn't see that working out. I've been back now since the beginning of December and it is tough. I want to be home with my son more than anything. There are days when I only see him for 2 hours :( Our goal is for me to finish out the year in May and then hopefully be a stay at home mom! That's great you get so much time with her, soak it up! I miss the cuddles.

Lisa @ MMT said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I am so happy for you to be able to stay home!! It's so hard to not think and worry about the future! When I get worried I remind myself that Gods plan is so much better than mine!

Kayla MKOY said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

God will open that door for part-time employment if its meant to happen girl. I know you trust His plan for you, so just keep praying!! :) either way, you're so blessed!

Ashley said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

So glad you are able to stay home with A for the rest of the school year!! I don't know when I will end up going back to work, but with having our own buisness, I was also concerned when I quit, but you learn to make cut backs where you can, whether you need to or not, there just becomes more things you don't need when you are home!! I hope you enjoy every day of it!!

The Lady Okie said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

That's really great you are able to stay home. This is something that makes me nervous about the thought of having a kid, because we definitely can't afford for me to stay home. But I guess we'll figure it out when/if that comes.

Desiree Macke said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

YAY for staying home with Addilyn! We went back and forth with our decision of me staying home or going to work. In the end you just *know* what it is you are supposed to do (be it work, or stay home).

Katy said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I'm home with my baby girl, too. It's the most amazing time in my life and I'm so very grateful to have the ability to stay home with her. So glad you get to do it, too!

Carly said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Yay, so glad it worked out for you to stay home this year!!! I'm considering doing a split at some point in the future, too bad we don't live in the same place!!!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Kristine@thefoleyfam said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

My heart is so happy that you get to stay at home with that sweet girl! Can't believe how grown up she looks! Love you mama! XOXO

maria said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

This is such a great thing Katie!
B. and I have struggled with the same thing: trusting God but also being responsible.
I'm so happy I'm able to stay at home with Micha.
Sometimes money is tight, but I'd much rather have that than look back in a few years and wish I'd spent more time with Micha.

And how could you not want to spend every waking hour with that cutie! Addilyn is such a little beauty! :)

#mommylife said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Aw Katie I'm so happy for you guys! It's so special that we have this time with our girls.yay!

Lauren {By Lauren M} said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

That is such a blessing to be able to stay home! I'm sure the right opportunity will come along should you decide to return to work at some point in the future!

two birds said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

It's so great that you got the entire year to stay home with her! You will figure out what you want/need to do in the future, but for now, just enjoy this time with your baby girl!

Rachel said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

How awesome that you get to enjoy her babyhood with her without the distraction of work!

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Good for you! I got my teaching degree and found out I was pregnant even before I graduated. Now I am enjoying my time home with my 17 month old daughter and substitute teaching part time. Enjoy this time it goes so fast!

Helene in Between said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

what a well written post Katie. I think it's really a very hard decision for so many mothers you have to do what feels best for you. i hope that there will be a part time opportunity so you can tend to both your loves!

Erin said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I so identify...I'm a teacher and am taking the rest of the year in maternity leave. I will probably take next year, too, and then we'll see. Home with baby girl really feels like where I'm supposed to be, but it's hard to think about never teaching again.

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Ok first of all that little puppy dog outfit... To die for! Addilyn is the cutest! And the luckiest. She is so blessed to have such a loving, caring, ever-present mama. I'm glad you can stay home! And I'm sure that the right opportunity will come along for you with teaching.

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

...or polar bear. Definitely polar bear. Oops :) I guess I didn't look closely enough. Regardless, it's adorable!

Brittany said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I've so glad you've gotten precious time with your sweet girl! You'll never regret it. I hope and pray you find a part time position; that would be perfect!

Jessica @ Here&Now said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

What a special time for your family, it really is a blessing that you get to stay home during this fleeting time of Addilyn's childhood. Enjoy every moment!
xx
Here&Now
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Kelly said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

I hope you find the perfect combination!

xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes

Denise said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Wow, time flies.

Caitlin Cavallaro said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

For starters, I am so jealous that you were able to stay home with your little one! Going back to work, especially teaching, is so draining with having a little one! But, I am extremely grateful that I will be off for the summer and be able to spend every waking moment watching Colton grow. Hopefully you find something that fits your lifestyle for next year!

CGrattan said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Hi,

This is amazing that you get to stay home...I know that many moms have this exact same dilemma as they decide what to do.
My story?
I was living in NY and my plan at the time was to stay at home with my daughter. However things changed when my hubby lost his job. When my daughter was 14 months old we moved and I got a full-time position at the hospital. I remember feeling so sad about it...but I'm an adult an d you gotta do what you have to do right??? I worked in that position for 18 months, until my husband got a more stable.lucrative job. I then started to look and seriously pray for another job that would allow me more flexibility, more time with my daughter, but also a little cash. I applied for another job and weeks later was informed that I got the job!

Now instead of five days a week of going to work, and having my daughter in daycare, and having our lives just pass by so quickly...I can spend more time with my daughter, and try to become better at slowing down my life and being a better wife/mother/person. This has given me a special opportunity that I KNOW God gave me.

My two cents:
God truly knows the desires of your heart. He truly wants to bless and take care of you. IF you desire is to be a stay at home mom, he will continue to take of you...I am 100% sure about this.

It also helps that you have a supportive hubby, and it sounds like you do!

Love your blog!
Monique from wwwfocusedlivingblog.com

Anonymous said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Enjoy the time with your daughter.
I understand we had to think about my situation a lot and trust that thankfully my husband's one job is steady and thankfully the people at his new location notice how well he works. But his personal business doesn't do that well. And me working well is iffy.
I'm hoping next year that I can only work part time as well. Even though you have a much more happier reasons !
Sorry for rambling!
- Manda

Unknown said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

Katie - I went through the same thing, and while it seems like it was just yesterday, I have been home for going on 6 years. God has been faithful each step of the way and I know he will be to you too. New follower of your blog and love it! Inspiring to an newbie blogger like me! And your baby is precious!!!

Angela C. said... Best Blogger TipsBest Blogger Templates

First off - loving your blog. Totally relate to this too. It is hard trying to figure out what is best - going back to work or staying home. The thought of leaving my baby full-time sounds unbearable but t the same time I do miss more adult interaction and also think my sweet girl would probably benefit from being around more people too. Part-time would be ideal but waiting to see if/when God might reveal the right option.
Angela :)
www.acharlescoach.com/blog