29 Week Baby Bump!

Loving

This weekend, Michael, Alice and I had a whirlwind trip to the DC area. We left on the 6:45 am train on Saturday morning, and came back on the 8:10 am train today. Not much sleep (I need a vacation after my long weekend), but all for a great cause: we were elebrating my brother's engagement.

The party was - unsurprisingly - perfect. My mom knows how to throw a shindig! The house looked amazing, and the food was delicious. And it was just awesome to meet Eileen's family. They were all so fun and warm, just like Eileen. It's exciting to add a new addition to our family unit, to have another person join the holiday fray. The best part is that we genuinely like Eileen.

This post should be longer and more specific, but it's too late for that. But just to share our lasting feelings from the weekend: exhaustion, love and excitement.

Another Reason I'm Excited for November

27 weeks!

Alice's Self Portrait

25 weeks!

We thought she was sleeping in the big girl bed...

Breathing

 

We have had a stressful, and absolutely wonderful, stretch. July passed in a blurry haze of travel, with trips to Massachusetts, Bethlehem and Rehoboth Beach. Mom came to help watch Alice several times after our nanny left to have her baby girl. Michael and I took turns watching our sweet girl. And - did I forget to mention? - I started a new job!

In many ways, I feel like I did in high school, just before starting a new year of classes. Michael and I are settling down into city life for the next few months. We've found a lovely young woman to watch Alice until her brother joins us. And I'm ready to sink my teeth into this new job. I've come back from vacation rested, and eager to hold on to the peace that defined most of our time away from the city.

Several weeks ago, there was a fabulous article in the Times called, "The Busy Trap." I've been thinking a lot about how to structure our lives in such a way that we don't buy into this absurdity. I'd like to be conscientious about this, particularly over the next few months before our new baby arrives. Any suggestions are welcome!

Some of my other favorite pictures from our vacation:

 

 

 

 

 

Day with Daddy

My New Office

Beginnings

Tomorrow my new job begins! It's mildly overwhelming. But I've enjoyed a lovely long weekend, and some special time with Alice. More to share on another day...

Baking

Sunset

Adventures in Babysitting

Today Alice and I went to a beach in Staten Island! Henry generously left us his car, so we have been taking advantage of it, driving out of the city as much as possible. I can't believe this beautiful beach is only 1 hour from our house - what a treat! Alice loved burying her feet in the sand, watching the water come in and out, and jumping over the water. She also loved the ice cream!

She didn't really like sharing it with me, though...

I am very emotional these days. Between the pregnancy and the job transition, there seems to be a lot going on in my head. I am going to miss my colleagues/friends so much, and leaving something you know for something you don't is just... horrifying. I've had so many horrible work experiences - terrible bosses, general meanness, and lots of whinny folks. But my tenure at the Health Department has been marked by the complete opposite - nothing but love, support, encouragement and faith. I am just trying to remind myself that I am no longer a 23-year old youngster who doesn't know how to respond to difficult situations. And that I have heard lovely things about my new office. I'm excited for the new challenge, and a little daunted by it as well...

I'm so pregnant

Dreams of Drives

Water

Balance

Happiness is...

Changes

 

This is the summer of change. On Wednesday, I resigned from my job at the Health Department. After 5 years working with the same amazing and inspiring team, I've accepted a new position in education.

I've been very conflicted about this decision. I interviewed for the job back in January, and as the slow, S L O W wheels of City beuracracy turned, I debated the move endlessly. Oh, and I also got pregnant. 

As I understand it, my new job will require more hours, more stress, and more analytic skills than I currently possess.  But it also comes with a slightly higher profile, more pay, and a new and engaging environment. I'm moving from an office that understands what it means to be a mother of young children into one that is occupied by younger, single women. Is this a good move? Who knows! But I do think it is time for a professional change.

Additional news from last week: our nanny left for (indefinite) maternity leave. We are facing a month without steady child care, but actually I'm excited. My mom is coming up for a bunch of days, Michael and I are both taking some time off, and we've hired a babysitting service for a few days as well. We're looking forward to a month of having Alice at home, not having to commute the 20 blocks south to our friends' house, and just enjoying the long summer days.

Please pray for our household. These changes are good, ultimately, but they are stressful, and not without worry. Thank you.