A New Normal

It finally seems real, that this is our new normal.  That we actually live in Minnesota, instead of just enjoying an extended stay with family.  I thought it would feel real when we moved into our own home, but then it just felt like we were "playing house" with me at home with Vinnie every day.  Reality hit when we found a new routine in work and school. 

Vinnie has started his new daycare/preschool and I am in full swing at work.  So "full swing" that I can barely keep my eyes open as I write this.  There is a reason why people don't change jobs as they get older.  New jobs require a different kind of energy and stamina...one that I am struggling to find again!  Now, I am just trying to find the best balance between family and school.  I've determine the best time to leave work each day to allow for Vinnie to have the full preschool experience, but not be there for TOO long of a day.  Nights at home include family dinners, walks outside, trips to the park, and focused family time until Vinnie goes to bed, at which time Jon and I desperately try to stay awake to watch ONE tv show before heading to bed ourselves.  "It WILL get easier" I keep telling myself.  I have had much harder moments in my professional career and gotten through them...at one time I felt lost and a fish out of water in my previous position...in time I will find my groove.  We have all been there...change is tough.

While this big change has been challenging, we did make the best out of our last bit of summer before it slept away.  After taking a long hiatus from the Minnesota state fair, we returned this summer, this time with Vinnie along, and enjoyed ourselves, more than I think we all anticipated.  Arriving early and staying well into the afternoon, we enjoyed everything from the animals to the tractors, the food to the freebies.  It was a great time, and an adventure that I envision being a staple in our end of summer fun for years to come.

Amongst all the big changes in our house, Vinnie became a Preschooler.  We couldn't be happier with our new daycare/preschool program that is close to home.  Only a week in, we are already so amazed with the things Vinnie shares about his day at school.  Learning letters, numbers, making friends...it is such a great fit.  Just before he returned to school full time, we hit an exciting milestone in our house...definately long overdue, Vinnie finally bid farewell to his beloved Nuk's during "sleepy times."  It took just one week, a small sticker chart, and a trip to Target for a toy to seal the deal.  But he has been Nuk free for almost two weeks now.  Up next...POTTY TRAINING! ;-)