my big news!

No, I'm not pregnant.

(just thought I should get that out of the way first since you know you were thinking it)

When I was pregnant with N, I had aspirations to continue my career as an insurance agent, working full-time while she went to a small home daycare. Once they placed her in my arms at the hospital, I knew that plan wasn't going to last long. So, I started a part-time job when she was six months old, working for friends of ours from church. 

Even though I work part time, I still have a hard time letting her go twice a week to hang out at someone else's house all day. My heart aches still that I'm not with her to read her a story before nap time (on the rare occasion that happens these days) or play with stickers with her.

Being a part time working mama is weird, y'all. You don't really fit into the category of working mom or into the world of being a stay at home mom. It's this funky in between that I find to be isolating, confusing, and a little exhausting as I try to cram my "domestic duties," play dates, and quality time with her into two days a week. Our weekends are usually busy with family time and church. The hubs and I have been making it work but you know what? It hasn't really been working.

If you've been a reader of mine for awhile, you've heard me mention quite a few times that I have desired to be a stay at home mama since my little girl was a smushy baby. 

Well, it's going to become a reality!

(can you hear me squealing with joy?)

My last day of work will be August 1st and I couldn't be more thrilled! You see, I had all of these goals in my head of when I wanted us to be debt-free and have a certain amount saved. But, you know what? N is only going to be this little for so long and so we're adjusting our goals and tightening the budget to make this happen.

Sure, it's going to be a HUGE transition since I have been working since I was fifteen, minus my short maternity leave. But, I'm so happy that N and I will get to spend our days together, going to our favorite parks, trying new crafts, taking spontaneous day trips to see nearby friends, and most importantly, learning new things together.

I will finally have the opportunity to get involved with MOPS which will be good for my own growth as a mama and I'll have more time to create new designs for my shop so expect it to be fully (and regularly) stocked with new items! I also may have the opportunity to start selling my jewelry at a brick and mortar - still checking that out!

I'm just so thankful.