Time

I cannot believe it's almost been a year since my Lou baby joined us. It's been a great year full of trial and error, tears and laughter, frustration and elation. We've been so blessed with the people in our lives and we truly are grateful to every person who has been a part of this journey.

As we look ahead, we've made some decisions that will affect our lives. Next year, our wonderful sitter has decided to take her life in another direction. We are so happy that Emma got to spend a year in her care. Finding a good care giver is difficult, and the older Emma gets the more I expect. My sister has recently taken a job at a hospital in downtown Phoenix, working the late afternoon/night shift. She has also decided to take the responsibility of having Emma during the day. I'm so excited for this because Emma will be able to play with her cousin Davin during the day. Because Tabby will have to leave for work earlier than I get off, I've decided to ask for a reduced schedule at work. Although there is a lot to consider including money and the stress of reducing a work schedule in the midst of a recession, everything that we need to worry about is highly outweighed by the amount of time I'd get with Emma. Each month, it would be an additional 40 hours, and over 9 months it starts to add up. The benefits way outweigh the costs in this situation.

We do need to take a hard look at our finances, and make some cuts. Luckily, we've already planned our trips for the summer, so we don't need to worry about those. Next year, we will get creative with how we spend our time together and our time with friends. 

I worry often, but am always reassured by my husband that it's all going to work out. And deep down, I know it is. 

I look forward to really simplifying our lives and spending time with Emma. That time is worth more than anything.