It's been a year of ups and downs, and I really debated whether or not I was going to keep up with this journal, of sorts, because of all that has gone on.
To start off with, two weeks into the new year, I was handed "my papers." So, at 32 weeks pregnant, I was laid off.
My head swirled for a good few weeks. At first, I panicked. I felt somewhat depressed and unwanted and I questioned my ability as a writer and a marketing professional. After I did all that I could do to try to get back on my feet (re-writing resumes, signing up for every online job bank, signing up for PA Unemployment, establishing a freelance business, and applying for jobs left and right), I resigned myself to enjoy the last few weeks of my pregnancy.
Then came the realization that I was now, indefinitely, a stay-at-home Mom! And I panicked again. I was not cut out to be a "SAHM"! Unlike a lot of Moms, I defined myself by my work, not by my kids. I honestly was scared. Here it was, winter in Pittsburgh and I was holed up in the house with an almost-three-year old! With the help of my husband, I put on my best smile and decided to make the most of my last few weeks as "Mom and Gavin." We went to the Aviary; we went to indoor play areas at the Mall and Burger King; we watched movies; played play-doh and trucks. In between, I had a couple of interviews and, to my surprise, the time flew!
Next thing I knew, I was being told baby #2 was measuring very big and a c-section was being scheduled. My Mom, God Bless her, flew in just in time to help us, and baby boy Conall Adam was born on March 15, 8lbs. 6oz., 21 3/4" (definitely not as big as doctors had expected!).
Here is a picture of all of my boys together, the day after Conall was born. (I think Conall is smiling because he already knew Gavin's voice!)
My Mom stayed with us for 3 weeks to help me with healing and the adjustment of having two children. Her visit led right up to Easter, and my Dad drove up as well to help us celebrate all of the new life around us. The spring and summer continued to fly as I took care of two boys (neither who would nap!), continued to build my business, and continued to look for jobs. We did a lot of visits to the backyard and the park (as much as the intolerable heat would allow a newborn baby, anyway), did a Zoo trip and a lot of errands - anything to get out of the house some days!
Finally, in late August, I landed a job as a proposal rep for a large bank. The team setup seemed very similar to what I was doing before, although the services offered were completely different. I've been in my position now for almost 3 weeks and am dealing with change yet again! But all is going well so far.
2010 has been a huge learning experience for me. I've learned that my patience level was worse than I originally thought, I learned that Lion King helps make for a great quiet time for a toddler who gave up napping one month after the baby was born, and I learned that I can handle getting two kids fed, bathed and in bed by myself.
And finally, I learned that unconditional love from ALL of my boys (along with a toothless smile and a toddler bear hug) will help me get through anything and it will always renew my spirits.
Finally, in late August, I landed a job as a proposal rep for a large bank. The team setup seemed very similar to what I was doing before, although the services offered were completely different. I've been in my position now for almost 3 weeks and am dealing with change yet again! But all is going well so far.
2010 has been a huge learning experience for me. I've learned that my patience level was worse than I originally thought, I learned that Lion King helps make for a great quiet time for a toddler who gave up napping one month after the baby was born, and I learned that I can handle getting two kids fed, bathed and in bed by myself.
And finally, I learned that unconditional love from ALL of my boys (along with a toothless smile and a toddler bear hug) will help me get through anything and it will always renew my spirits.
