a little work

Last week I saw my very first client. It had been 10 months. To say I felt out of the loop is an understatement. It felt weird. But so good. I put on work pants and heels for goodness sake. I mean, that in and of itself was a huge deal. Just sayin'...

After a lot of discussing and praying, Dan and I decided it would be a great idea for me to work part-part-part time. Did you catch that? Do the math haha. I will help you--I will still get the blessing of being home with Noah every day, but will see clients again for about 5-8 hours a week. It works out perfectly for us, because I am able to schedule them around being at home full-time, so a typical schedule will look like 1-2 evenings/week or every other Friday afternoon/Saturday morning. So far it is feeling like a win-win. I am able to still able to be a stay-at-home mom, while also still getting to challenge myself (in something other than nap schedules and positive discipline!). It doesn't hurt that a few extra bucks a month can help go towards things like vacations and other special family things. 

Working, even if just a handful of hours a week, really helps my mood and keeps me centered. I can feel like I'm still working to better society (outside of my own family) and even help pay for a few things for our family. I know some people may not understand me pursuing a little work outside the home when I don't have to. Believe me, I struggle with this a little, too. It really is just a matter of me feeling useful and fulfilled in something other than being a mom. Yes, being with Noah as much as possible is SO fulfilling and meaningful....Being a parent is the hardest, most amazing job I've ever had! And I find so much purpose and joy in it, but sometimes, I need something else to think about, ya know? It's hard to explain, but I'm sure other stay-at-home moms can relate to this thought process. 

So that's that. Tonight, after Noah gets his dinner and Dan's gets home from work, I'm off to work with a little fella who needs help with compliance, friendship skills, listening, and handling anger. It's not going to be easy juggling these two worlds of mama and counselor, but I'm up for the challenge. :)