More Birthday Fun and Work

When I walked out the doors on December 19, 2008, part of me believed I'd never walk in them again - not as a teacher on staff anyway.  I thought something would happen, there would be someway for me to stay at home.  As January 4, 2010 got closer and closer I couldn't believe that my year was done and I was going to have to leave Kate.  Leading up to the 4th I had two blessings from Ken.  I was promised that I'd have the capacity to do everything I needed to do, and I was given the assurance that Kate would be blessed.  I knew going back to work would be hard on me, I just couldn't bear the thought of it being hard on Kate.  I was worried that she wouldn't be the happy little girl that she is.  I was worried that instead she would be clingy and sad. 

This picture was taken on the Thursday night of the first week.  And as you can plainly see my little girl is all smiles.  I still want more than anything to be home with her full time, but I know that can't be.  The blessing is that we're making the best of a less than ideal situation.  My daycare provider Antoinette is an angel.  She is so sweet, so loving and so kind.  When I picked up Kate today I asked about how well she napped.  Antoinette told me that they were sitting on the couch and Kate climbed into her lap then climbed up and put her head on Antoinette's shoulder and fell asleep.  Antoinette told me that she just let her sleep there for an hour and a half because she enjoyed the snuggle. 

My sweet little girl is still my sweet little girl.  And now for the rest of the birthday festivities!!

Antoinette gave Kate a present.

Mom and Dad gave Kate a present.

We took pictures in front of the birthday banner.

Kate enjoyed her favourite dinner, homemade mac and cheese.

Ken made banana bread, which is really more like cake.  He put cream cheese, whipped cream icing on it.

Kate loved her banana cake.

The next day Grandma and Grandpa Bacon came by to wish the birthday girl well.

It has been an eventful two and a half weeks, filled with lots of ups and downs.  I'm happy to report that I only cried every night during the first week and I don't think I've cried this week at all.  And just in case you were wondering, there are only 38 days until March Break.