On Hiatus and More...

Well it has been a really long time with no updates from the Auffhammers. There has been a lot going on and probably not enough time to talk about most of it before the baby wakes up, but I'll do my best to get the important stuff in.(Note: I did not get to finish more than the first 2 paragraphs before she woke up. It took me 2 days to get back to thinking about this post)


As some of you know, after having Rachel I took a 4 month hiatus from working. It wasn't exactly planned, but God works all to the good of those who trust in Him. Instead of having to rush back to work after 6 weeks of unpaid leave, I was able to stay home full time with my baby on unemployment for 4 months! Those have been some of the best months of my life. Watching my little Rachel grow and learn daily has been wonderful. Seeing her interacting more and more with her world and with daddy (and she IS daddy's little girl!!) is incredible. I am constantly amazed at how quickly she learns. 5 months ago she was still a kicking little ultrasound, now she is honing her fine motor controls.


This new job, while much to be preferred over my former job, is still a huge adjustment and an unwanted intrusion on my time with my husband and baby. Never in my life did I think I would say this, but I was actually content being a housewife and stay-at-home mom. I mean nothing disparaging towards either of those vocations - they are a lot harder than I ever believed! - I just never thought that either would be "for me." Nevertheless, with an eye on the future, I have taken a hiatus from being a full time mom and am back to work. Once again, what I thought was "easy" was just other people making something look easy. Working full time and taking care of a family (even as small as mine) is not... NOT I repeat.... easy. I am now in awe of my mother and my sister Caterina. Seriously? How have either of you not succumbed to exhaustion yet?


When going back to work I really did not want to put Rachel into daycare/childcare. Fortunately we have been able to work it out so that I am working days and Mike is working afternoon/evenings. This means Rachel is just with a nanny in the afternoons. While I hate leaving her, I do like that she is getting some interaction with another little girl. In the morning she is loving her daddy time and in the evening I am loving my baby time! Being away from her makes every moment with her more precious. I suppose I could go to sleep earlier to avoid some of this exhaustion, but I love spending time with Mike too. I'll adjust! Maybe I'll even be able to make it look easy after a while.


Anyhow, I'm already late as it is for getting ready this morning. To close this post I would like to share with you some of the women in my life who amaze me in their mom-hood (feel free to add your own):


   Denise Obregon (aka Mama, who put up with US)
   Caterina Wesson (aka my amazing sister raising 2 kids on her own)

   Katy Lockney (aka Grandma.. mom of 6, grandma to everyone!)

   Gloria Shively (aka Grandma.. constantly learning new things, pushing me to learn more too)

   Mary Auffhammer (aka mother-in-law, always so generous!)

   Paula York (taking in stray college students and making them feel loved)

   Shell Keim (mom of 6, making it look easy, and still taking on more!)


...I'm only stopping because I have 20 minutes to get ready for work, not because I forgot about anyone else. I love you all, and even you currently un-nammed ones are my inspiration. I hope someday I get to be as good at it as you are!