Big change

After much debate and discussion in our house, I have decided to leave work and stay at home.  This is a big step for me, to let go of the only career I've had since graduating from university.  The fact is I haven't been focused on my career for quite some time.  I've been working part-time, thinking I could have the best of both worlds but with the career I was in that is very difficult to manage, at least for me it was. 

For Kyle and Jillian not too much will change day-to-day.  I'm already home after school with them, although hopefully now I will be more patient and not snapping at them to leave me alone while I work on the computer (I was able to do a lot of work from home in my job). 

For Leah there will be quite a change.  Currently she is in preschool 5 days/week.  Now she will be in preschool 2 days/week and spend the other 3 with me.  I've already signed her up for a preschool dance class on Wednesday mornings.  When Kyle and Jillian were around this age I was maternity leave with a baby so I was able to do lots of fun programs with them, library story times, cooking classes at the grocery store, and just general hanging out during the day.  I admit I was sad I would not get the same opportunity with Leah, so I am very happy with how things have turned out now.

For Jeff, I know the change he's hoping for is a happy and healthy wife.  He fully supports this decision and says this is my time to do what I need to do, what I want to do.

For the house hopefully there are changes on the horizon.  I'm hoping to have some time to do some serious organization.  I also want to clear out and restock my baking cupboard and try some new recipes.

For me, well that's the biggest change.  I'm still processing the fact that after next week I'm unemployed.  I'm planning to take advantage of this time to make some personal changes.  I need to get in shape.  I've already signed myself up for a pilates class one of the mornings Leah is at preschool (love that I have 2 days to myself to get things done while she is playing with her friends).  I'm happy I'll have more time to do things I enjoy like volunteer at the school.  I'm also trying hard not to focus on the anxiety I have about how will I ever re-join the workforce in 3 years when Leah is in school fulltime.  I need to just focus on enjoying and making the most out of this opportunity.