Our Baby Mercer: Endless Summer

Backyard fun!

She wanted her hair straight like Mama had

Going out for SnoCones

Cici's lunches

It feels so weird to see all of my teacher friends back to work, and all the mommas around me sending their kids back to school, knowing I don't have to go! It's so nice not having that knot in my stomach that comes with leaving my babies all day, but also so unfamiliar. There's no classroom to set up, no Meet-the-teacher jitters, no lesson planning, bulletin board decorating, no anxious students excited for a new year, no coworkers to goof around or gossip with during recess duty or planning periods... just me and my little ones taking it day by day.

It's a tad bittersweet, but so far I am loving it!! As of now, I have no definite plans to go back to the classroom at least until Jonah is in school, but even then, I may be happy to be the PTA and soccer/dance mom for awhile if I can!

I am so lucky to get to spend this time with them! Some days are rougher than others.. I get pooped on and spit up on and deal with tantrums and nap protests on a daily basis. My only compensation is in the form of drooly kisses, snuggles and giggles, but I truly wouldn't have it any other way. I always struggled with leaving Avery. Every Monday was always hard, even 2.5 years later. I can't imagine leaving 2 babies every day. Kudos to those working mamas of small kiddos, I don't know how you do it all!!

My 3 babies

As much as I swore I wouldn't "let myself go" I already feel it happening as more days pass without me even looking in the mirror much less putting on make-up and clothes that aren't made of Lycra. It's an endless cycle of dishes and laundry, but I'm finally starting to get it all under control. I'm also getting so much better at running errands with the 2 of them, although getting to run to the store by myself is an occasional treat...thanks mom!

No Make-up, looking crazy, but they are so cute!

Maybe I'll eventually have all my stuff together.. I dream of being the workout and healthy eating mom, maybe the clean freak mom or the no TV because we are always doing fun crafts and activities mom, the mom that does mommy-and-me yoga or baby wearing ballet and never misses storytime at the library, but for now I'm still the not so crafty, bribes her kid to go potty, Easy Mac for lunch, late to everywhere mom and it's chaotic, but so fun and definitely so worth it!