The End After 5 Years

Today was a day that has been anticipated and looked forward to for a long time...but I never anticipated the emotions I experienced. Today was the last day of my DCFS career.Last week I cried as I went to work and left my baby at home. Today I wasn't prepared for the tears that came as I was driving home from work and from my identity as a DCFS caseworker. I have worked with various kids and families...some that I loved and enjoyed and some not so much. But the tears today were not for those kids or families...it was for my amazing coworkers.

I don't think that I will be able to hear, see, or experience things that won't remind me of those amazing coworkers...such as hear a U2 song or eat cheesecake; see a New York license plate or listen to Evanescence; see a picture of a camel or Celtic dancers; see a Pepsi with Lime or a can of pineapple; see an old Crown Vic police car or see a security officer; or see an office that is decorated like Martha Stewart or a smorgasbord of food.

Each of my coworkers have touched my life and helped me be able to be a better caseworker. Thank you for a wonderful 5 years...I couldn't have lasted so long without you!

Happy Halloween!

What I've Missed Most

This is what I've missed most this week while being at work....

the first morning smiles after waking up.

Thanks to Grandma Lewis for watching Natalie this week!

Natalie sure has loved spending the time with you!

The Dreaded Day

Today was the day that I've been dreading for the last 3 months...going back to work. I technically didn't have to come back to work to give my two weeks notice and work those two weeks, but we didn't want to give the insurance company any reason to deny paying for Natalie's birth.

I only cried for about 10 minutes during my drive to work. I thought that I had it under control, but then I saw a billboard with a kid on it and I lost it again. I then got it back together and walked into work...then cried a bit when my coworker saw me and asked me how I was.

All today I've thought about Natalie, missed Natalie, and ached to have her in my arms. I know that she is in excellent care at home with my mother for this week. And I know that Grandma Lewis is loving being able to watch Natalie.

This cartoon says exactly how I've felt all day at work today...

So far at this point it looks like I might only need someone to watch her through next Monday and then I can bring her in to work on Tuesday next week and then I'm done working...for my paid job that is...but my job of being a mother will be full time all the time!

2 Month Check-Up

Natalie had her 2 month check-up today (even though she is almost 11 weeks old). I gave her some Children's Tylenol prior to her appointment and she wasn't too sure about what I was giving her. Natalie's current stats are:

Weight: 11 lbs 1 oz (75th percentile)
Length: 24 inches (95th percentile)

Then came the shots...not fun for her or for her mother!

Natalie wasn't too fond of the oral immunization and threw some of it up on the way home. After getting home and calling the doctor about it, she then choose to share with me her dislike of the oral immunization.Both her and I were covered in her throw-up and we both had to completely change our clothes. Natalie looked and acted much more like herself once she had thrown it all up. Luckily the doctor's office said that she got what she needed from the oral immunization by it being in her for at least 5 minutes and so there was no need to worry about it.

Blessing Natalie

On Sunday we blessed Natalie. It was a wonderful day with nice weather, loving family and friends!

Our precious little girl!

Nap Time

The other day I put Natalie down for a nap.

After 20 minutes, this is what I found...

Silly little girl!