Snow, Work and Drew's Spiderman Party Extravanganza Preparations....

January, Jacob's Hand and Foot Calendar

Mr. Bee has returned to work this week. He got to return one week earlier than expected, therefore never having to go on unemployment (yessss!) because he used all of his vacation time. For the year. In the first two weeks of the year. To keep the bread on the table. How can I NOT love this man? On that note, while I am happy that he has his job and can go back, I'm totally going to miss my Mr. Mom. He actually worked really hard to do a good job and definitely pulled his fair share of the house duties. I'm proud of my man. I think his being off work brought us closer. I got a much deserved break, he understood where I was coming from on the stress level, and he also got a less pissy wife (and was less pissy himself and also got a much needed break. Lest I not forgot, Mr. Bee works his ass off at work, much harder than I do). I guess I am supposed to be excited he's going back.... but I'm not. I miss him being home already. Come back Mr. Bee!

On the Drew front.... Spiderman Festivities 2009 4th Birthday Party Extravaganza preparations have begun. I reallllllllllllllllly realllllllllllllllllllllly hate birthday parties and I tried to come up with any way to get out of throwing a party. I had a great idea: buy Bob the Builder Live tickets (it's coming here the day after his birthday, perfect timing right?) and a dinner and have a quiet night out? What a nice, relaxing, stress free birthday. I should have KNOWN that relaxing and stress free is NOT something Drew would want. Out of nowhere Drew starts talking about his Spiderman birthday party. ("Lets decorate the house in Spiderman decorations and can we please have a Spiderman cake, and I asked "D" and "T" to come to Drew's Spiderman Party [yep, still talking about himself in the third person] and can we have one please, please, please?") On a side note, no, he doesn't watch Spiderman, I have no idea what his obsession is, I just know that Mr. Bee is happy that he finally likes something "manly".

Of course I caved. Sadly. I actually CRIED, I so badly didn't want to throw a party. I mean, come on, it's dead of winter and I have a small house. It's not fun for ANYONE. Anyway, my sister came up with a great idea... rent the huge play area they have at their childcare It's called the "Village" and it has little houses and a ball pit and little tables and chairs. Do it at breakfast time and then get fruit and bagels and a cake and voila, party, entertainment and food all in one! Genius. So happy, it will only be two hours and then all done!

(Another side note: my Mom made the comment "well, I guess we can't bring alcohol then". I told her, "I never have provided alcohol at my CHILDREN'S birthday parties, you and my in-laws just bring it." Oh Mom, you know I love you [and I know you read this too]! You are too funny. And yes, I have thought about getting drunk indulging in some spirits to tolerate enjoy Drew's Spiderman Party but for some reason, I think it might be frowned upon? Just a guess?)

In Jacob news... nothing new... just the same crazy guy. He's discovered that he enjoys when I sing "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to him. After I finish, he signs for "more". I sang it five times tonight. Who needs American Idol Fame when you have the cutest judge ever requesting encore after encore?

So to Wrap up....

Mr. Bee: Back at Work.

Janana: Tired, stressed, overworked. The usual.

Drew: Going to Bob the Builder (Nana sprang for the tickets so we could do both- thanks Nana) and getting the best Spiderman Party evar! (Alcohol not included.)

Jacob: Enjoying his Mommy's renditions, and making Mommy feel like a star. Oh and still a wild and crazay guy. (Okay, I know this is totally dated, but I can't help but think of Steve Martin when I say that.)

The Bee Family: Making it through January, one day at a time. 9 more to go! Only 2 months till spring! Although this was the first day of spring last year in our area.

Decisions, decisions....

So after a long time of doing pros and cons, weighing all of my options, and a lot, I mean a LOT of serious soul searching, I have decided to return to work after the baby is born. I love the idea of being home with the baby and the idea of not working. I loved when I was home with Drew. What I DON'T love is the idea of being at home with the baby and a three year old. I am not the great entertainer. I can't imagine running around all day with a 3 year old who doesn't nap AND a newborn. I don't really think it is fair for Drew to be stuck inside all day while the baby naps or eats. I also think that Drew gets so much out of his interaction with his peers. He's such a shy little guy, he needs their interaction to help him stay out of his shell.

For the people that disagree or disapprove of my choice, get over yourself. Being a good parent is knowing your limitations and doing what is best for your child. For me that means a little me- time, away from the boys. I like being a separate person. I like going places with my husband and my friends without my son. Does that mean I don't miss him terribly when we are apart? No, it is one of life's annoying, heart wrenching little ticks. I miss Drew every day while I am at work. I love my son, I tell him I love him, I play with him (when I am not exhausted), and he only gets time outs when he is out of control. I will never be a perfect Mom, but I will always make sure that my children know that they are loved and that I am proud of them.

On that same note, I have TOTAL respect for SAHM's (stay-at-home Moms, to the newbies), I was one myself for almost a year. I think if you can afford it and you enjoy it and do it well, more power to you. I just know that it isn't my path to take at this time.