So Helpful

They can put on their own bibs now.
Yes, they were letting me know they were ready to eat. No, I was not ready to feed them.

They're getting bigger...

But still two lefts. :-)

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.