Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Happy 2013!



We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. We couldn't have asked for a more meaningful Christmas and a very welcomed new year. We were so blessed to have a wonderful new home (even though it's a work in progress), a healthy little boy, and only better things to come this year.

I was pleasantly surprised on New Years Eve by a phone call from a prospective employer. I had gone through a total of 3 interviews with this organization, and I was REALLY hoping for the job (more so than any other job I had applied for...and there were a lot!). I interviewed for the Research and Evaluation Specialist position at INCCRRA (Illinois Network for Child Care Referral and Resource Agencies). I clicked with the person that would supervise the position and I really wanted to have a change of career pace. The supervisor said in the last interview that they were hoping to make an offer before the new year, so New Years Eve was probably the last day to hear any good news. I was on pins and needles most of the day waiting for a call.



Even though I know you probably already know what happened based on my introduction (eeeee!), I'll tell you about how we were graced with the best news to end 2012. Ian and I were running around the house getting some things organized (the new story of our lives after the move), and Ian yelled from across the house that my phone was ringing. He went to answer it, but just missed the call. Of course, it happened to be the supervisor from INCCRRA. I quickly jotted down her number from the message and called her back. Voicemail. I left an awkward yet semi-professional message that joked about playing phone-tag. I hung up the phone and smacked my forehead with my palm. I hate leaving messages. I attempt to go on with my day. I  had just finished giving Finnegan a bath (in true boy fashion, he got himself messy after eating "lunch") when my phone rang. I juggled a naked baby wrapped in a hooded towel while I tried to grab my phone. It was the supervisor. After the general pleasantries, Finnegan decided to join the conversation. After a couple awkward jokes and laughs, I was offered the position. I didn't know what to do with myself. I quickly dressed Finnegan while telling him over and over that mommy got a job. Each time I said it he smiled and giggled. Each time he smiled and giggled, I smooched on his cheeks. Ian was out in the garage, so I quickly wrapped Finn in a blanket and ran to the back door to tell him the news. I yelled to him from across the yard, and I could hear him drop everything he was doing and yelled, "What!?" He ran to the door and gave Finn and I a big hug.

It was an unforgettable moment. After being RIFed from one teaching job, "let go" from another, applying for over 80 jobs, and subbing on a temporary basis, the prospect of having a more secured job was overwhelming (in a good way). Beyond that, I felt like it was God's way of saying... "See, Christine? 2012 wasn't all that bad, was it?"


My first day is January 22nd. This week I finish up my last maternity leave substitute teaching assignment. I was blessed to be given this opportunity (thanks for having Harrison, Jessica!), and it couldn't have come up at a better time for my family! Even though it was trying at times, I feel like I learned a lot from this experience. I know that while I love teaching, it is not for me right now. In order to focus on my family and myself the way that I want to, I need to be able to come home after work and be with my family; not grading papers. Eventually I want to go back to education...but for right now, I'm anxious to try my hand at research!



In other news, Finnegan continues to thrive with his various therapy sessions. After his physical therapist retired in December, Finnegan has since been seeing his occupational therapist weekly, and recently began seeing a new physical therapist. We both really like her, and we have noticed a big change in his endurance and overall strength. One of the most exciting things for me is to see him interacting with toys, talking to his hands, and not screaming as soon as he is placed on his stomach. He can now prop himself up on his elbows and roll onto his side. We are working on rolling over and sitting up (among other things).

He is up almost every morning at 5am (or about 15 minutes earlier...before mommy and daddy's alarm clocks go off), and usually passes out at about 7 or 8pm. Between all the cute little girls he plays with while at day care, the eating of baby food, and the therapy sessions, Finn is just a busy bee, and he crashes at the end of the day.

Already this year, we have learned that Finnegan and sweet potatoes do not mix, diaper rash is no fun, and Finnegan has a vocal range of an opera singer.

Finnegan goes to the neurosurgeon next week to check on his head shape. His pediatrician was a bit worried about how flat it has gotten recently. This will help us figure out if Finn will need a helmet or not.

I hope you enjoy the pictures and videos of our little guy...there are plenty more where those came from! ;)



Finnegan rocking the tummy time!



Forever entertaining... :)



The best way to get Finn to prop himself up on his elbows is to put a mirror in front of him... he likes to see himself!


I have a feeling Finnegan will grow up to be one of those people who talks during movies...