To Work or Not to Work?

Earlier this month I was offered my old job back. They offered me part time, flexible schedule, and more than I was making when I quit. If they hadn't offered me more it would have been an automatic no, what I was making before would not have been enough to pay for daycare for two kids under two. I definitely won't pay to go to work. The new pay they offered would give me enough to basically break even with daycare.

It was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. Why? I miss my job. I love GIS and I don't get to do it anymore. I miss the adult interaction at work. I miss having distinct projects that have a beginning and an end. I miss the sense of accomplishment when I finish a project. I miss the appreciation and rewards that go with a job.

Being a mom is hard. I feel like I spend most of my time on stuff that never ends--dishes, laundry, cleaning, diapers--if I get anything done at all. There's not much of a sense of accomplishment. There's very little gratitude or appreciation. There are a lot of tears, the girls' and mine.

I'm fairly certain that this is my last opportunity to stay up with GIS. If I'm out of the field much longer I will be too far behind to get a job. That may have been the hardest part of all, just thinking that this is my last chance to do anything with my degree.

But I just can't stomach the idea of putting my children in daycare. I can't let someone else be the one to teach my children. I can't imagine missing the cute things they do and say because I chose to go to work when I didn't have to.

So I said no. It was so hard. When I got off the phone I sat down and cried. Cora walked over and gave me a big hug, then wiped a tear off my cheek. Right then I knew I made the right decision. I have to be here for the little moments like that.

Two Left Feet

And she's only one.

Sharing

Look closely at Cora's face. Priceless.

Girls and their books

I love this picture of the girls reading to Ray.

My girls love to read their books. They especially love books about animals. As I am a book lover, I hope this is not just a passing phase.

Who Needs Highchairs?

The girls love to sit at the table in Daddy and Mommy's chairs. Ray usually gets in trouble when he tries to sit down at the table for a few minutes, because only one of the girls can sit at the table with him.

Happy Cousins

Cora, Ruby and Kayla

Here's one with Alicia, too.

Advice Requested

It may be hard to believe, but these darling little people are causing me difficulties. So I am requesting advice from of all of you who may have gone through this before, and anyone else who may have an amazing idea to share.

Problem: the girls are too big to share a crib much longer.

Option A: two cribs. I don't know how this might go, the girls have always shared a crib and I'm not sure what would happen if they couldn't be next to each other.

Option B: a regular bed. In trying out this option, I threw the two crib mattresses on the floor and put the girls down for a nap. (About half an hour ago.) Thus far, complete failure. How do I keep them in a bed that doesn't have sides? This is where I can really use some help. What advice do you have on making the crib to bed transition?

Update: two hours after laying the girls in bed, still no napping. Very ornery girls, but no napping. Too many things they can play with, even with the door closed so they are stuck in their room.

Update 2: about three hours after laying them down they finally went to sleep. The amazing part was they were actually on their mattresses. I opened the door so they could get out when they woke up. Ruby was very happy after her nap, she liked being able to get up and go on her own. Cora was really, really ornery when she woke up. She doesn't take change so well. Now, is there any way to keep them in their beds so I don't have to wait three hours for them to fall asleep? Anyone?


On a completely unrelated, but somewhat humorous note, the other day Ruby managed to get her diaper off, with her clothes still on. I found the diaper around one ankle. Her pants, socks, and shoes were soaked. Nasty? Yes. I'm just grateful she was outside when she did this so it was not all over my floor. Since I'm asking for advice, is there any way to get pee smell out of non-washable shoes? The socks and pants I just threw in the washer, but I don't know what to do about the shoes. I'm tempted to throw them out, they were hand-me-downs and are rather worn, but they're about the only ones I have that are the right size for Ruby right now. I'd appreciate any suggestions on this topic, too.

Thanks for all your help!