First Day of Summer Vacation

Well, I was on maternity leave since the end of March....but today is the first day of summer vacation. And also the first day I am officially jobless since being laid off 2 weeks ago. I was not surprised to be laid off. Our school is in budget crisis and laid off 10 teachers. I have mixed feelings about it, but mostly I'm okay with it. Having Kate now kinda puts things in a different perspective for me. Yes I'm bummed to leave the school I've spent the last 6 years at, I'll miss the students and the community. But I will not miss the 2+ hours in the car each day, especially with a baby. And if I don't find another job, staying home with Kate, collecting unemployment, is not a bad deal. So last Friday I made a trip to Richmond to clean out my classroom and see the students on their last day. With the financial woes of our school things have really changed a lot since the first year I worked there. Not just that things are getting old and not being replaced, its a feeling and attitude. It's not as fun or positive of an atmosphere that it once was, fairly sad.

So today I interviewed for a PE job K-5 at a charter school that will be brand new, opening up this fall in Taylor. Only a couple miles from my house. My former principal got me hooked up with the interview. I think I did well. I feel confident that I answered all the questions with knowledge and confidence. I even put together a short power point presentation that highlighted great things I've done in pictures over the past few years. I almost brought in cookies, but I didn't want to seem too eager. :)

Kate is doing well. She is so strong! She has good head control and holds her head up high when on her belly. She loves to "stand up" when being held in our laps. She rolled over once the other day when she was on her belly. I think it was a fluke though, as she hasn't even come close to doing it again. She's always putting her hands in her mouth trying to suck her thumb. She refuses the pacifier almost always. I'll try putting it in her mouth and she pretends I'm gagging her and makes a very sour face. She will still suck on my pinky if I let her, and sometimes shoulder, arm, collar bone, etc. Sleeping through the night has happened a couple times now. She doesn't like to go to bed early. She's a night owl like her Aunt Annie! She would sleep in late if I'd let her, but generally I make sure we're up by 9 am or else bed time gets stretched later and later! :) We're working on nap routines, but for now as soon as she gets cranky I try and get her to sleep. The swing is great for nap inducement! We've been enjoying walks now. I have the best jogging stroller ever! She likes to be outside.