Back in the Saddle again!

Well, a LOT has changed since my last blog entry 12 days ago!  The biggest news is, I am BACK!  Back at work, back at OSU, back to burning the candle at both ends.  I interviewed for this new job at the end of spring break, and was offered the position on the spot! What a day that was!  And while it is bittersweet on SO many levels to be working again, it feels good to be contributing financially as well as being among people taller than 2 feet.  I started a new job with the College of Education today, and it was exactly as I expected!  A bit overwhelming, a lot awkward, and fun to meet a lot of new people - all at the same time!  This position is "new" in the sense that they have had some moving around happening, and they are combining/splitting responsibilities, and I am the first person to have this specific role.  So, there are still a lot of questions to be answered and bugs to be worked out - and a lot of that won't happen until later this summer when the new full time Dean takes over.  So, for now, I am content to learn the ropes, find the bathrooms, and meet the people.  I know how to do all the tasks I will be assigned (although I am a bit rusty - haven't worked for over 8 months!), it's just a matter of getting to know the people and who does what to be able to help me.  Everyone is super nice and very friendly - as is the custom at Oklahoma State!  I hope to settle in quickly and not be "the new person" for long!

I sure missed my little man today!  This is the first time I have ever been away from him for this long.  Drop off was actually pretty good.  I teared up a bit as we drove off, but I was doing well.  Until mid-morning when our babysitter for today texted me a picture of Mr. Finn:

She just wanted me to know he was HAPPY!

I cried like a baby for 10 minutes after this came through on my phone!  Missed him SO much!


In other Finn news, he got his 3rd Synagis injection for RSV prevention last week (he'll get one more at the end of April and then we'll be done for this year) and the home health nurse weighed him in at 12 pounds 1.5 ounces!  Way to GROW, Finn! The new formula seems to be working out.  He has also pooped on his own a few times in the past week, so everything seems to be falling into place, there, too.  We did get a small setback when his appointment with the pediatric surgeon got pushed back an entire week.  While we are frustrated with that, it's better than having no appointment at all!

This past week, T-ball practice (2x a week) started for Jake, Volleyball practice (2x a week) started for Emma, dance is still going strong for Lara, and I worked my "second job" at the twice yearly Adorable Affordables consignment sale.  I also have so much fun doing that!  It is HARD WORK, but I am glad I get to do it.  It's high quality girl time,plus I get to shop for new (used) clothes for all my kids.  What could be better?!?  I was specifically looking for a few things for Finn "gear" wise and struck out, so I will have to spend some of my earnings on things for him, but that's why I do it!  So, between that as well as finding day care for Finn, shuffling the kids to all their activities, buying a new work wardrobe, parenting 4 kids, and being a wife, time has been a precious commodity.  And if we make it through this crazy week without dropping the ball somewhere along the way, it will be a miracle!  Thankful for my trusty Cozi Calendar that texts me when I have things I need to do, and a FABULOUS husband to help make it all go smoothly.  Plus, our very flexible babysitters, Nana and Grandpa!

Here's to a new chapter in our lives!  This is a crazy time for us, but we are looking forward to ironing out the wrinkles and making it all work.  Did I mention we are moving, too?  Oh yeah, and that....  We start settling into a new home on May 1...  The kids will go to a new school next year and everything.  We really are upsetting the apple cart around here!