Being a Working Mom. . .

This week, I officially returned back to work. After several wonderful Summer months off, it was only a matter of time before those back to school ad's and commercials made their ugly appearance. I always dread getting back into the routine of school, but being the Mom to a toddle with HORRIBLE separation anxiety makes it that much worse. Mackenzie has always been a Mama's girl and never likes to be apart from me. It has been a rough start back for both of us, and we have both shed tears most days following drop off. She begs and pleads with me on most car rides to "please stay home" and tells me that "I don't like when Mommy works. I miss you so much, it makes me soooo sad!" Luckily, she has the world's best sitter, who is wonderful at diverting her attention and distracting her with a story, art project or fun activity! I am just praying that her separation anxiety improves b/c it is a hard start to our day (and I am already an emotional pregnant woman)!

Today we shared a conversation on the couch that I don't think I will ever forget. It was sweet and heartbreaking all at the same time. I got up early, got myself totally ready, all of her stuff packed up for her sitter's house, and then went into her room. She was OUT cold! I wasn't really in a rush to get to work, so I climbed in her bed and just cuddled her for a minute. I rubbed her back until she woke up and told her we needed to get dressed. Without a word, she got out of bed, headed down the stairs, climbed up on the couch and waited for me to get her ready (such a sweet, sweet girl!) As I was dressing her, she looked up at me with the sweetest face and shared a conversation with me that I will never forget.

Mackenzie: "Mommy, where are we going? To the zoo?"
Mommy: "Not today sweetheart."
Mackenzie: "Mommy are you taking me to a playground?"
Mommy: "No honey, not today."
Mackenzie: "Where are we going today Mommy? I love doing things with you!" (This statement was said with the sweetest, most angelic voice AND her little hand on my leg).
Mommy: "Kenzie, I love doing things with you too, but today Mommy has to go to work. But we will do something fun after work. Where should we go together?"
Mackenzie: "No Mommy, I don't want you to go to work. I want you to stay home. I don't want you to leave me anymore! Please Mommy, Please, stay home!"

Then it was tears and a fast sprint up the stairs to be consoled by Daddy. Being a working Mom is the HARDEST job in the world. I am lucky to only have to do it 9 months out of the year....and part time at that.

We have enjoyed so many fun days together this Summer, that I assume she thought we were getting dressed and off for another adventure together. Completely broke my heart into a million tiny pieces. Oh how I miss our Summer days together...and it's only the first week back. I keep reminding myself to be greatful to have a daughter that loves me so much. It is a great compliment and I know the day will come soon enough when she wants nothing to do with me and won't let me be a part of her world.
I just pray that her separation anxiety drastically improves as the year progresses, so I am not dropping off a screaming toddler AND a newborn after my maternity leave.

So, Mackenzie, this post will serve as a reminder that no matter where I am, or what I am doing....I will ALWAYS love you...and ALWAYS come back for you! I miss you, my sweet Summer buddy! 180 days until our next Summer together!

Saying Goodbye to the Pacifiers

Well, we did it!! And by we, it was a team effort (and a team burden). As much as Mackenzie loves her pacifiers, so does Mommy, to be quite honest. When we are on a long car ride, when I am trying to carry on an adult conversation on the phone, when she is sick or grouchy...the pacifiers were OUR best friend. Not sure who needed them the most...or who will miss them the most! :)

We have been talking about this day for quite a while. We weaned slowly by allowing use at just bedtime and in the car. For a solid month, I shared with her that the Princesses were coming to take her pacifiers and give them to babies at Disney World. (Mackenzie is ALL about the princesses and Disney world after our wonderful, family trip there this past March). In exchange, we told her that the princesses would leave her a present. We asked her what she would want and she said a "pack pack" (aka-back pack) and candy. Done!

Here is how it all went down. . .



Holding her pacifiers for the very last time!

Putting her pacifiers in a bag for the Princesses (she even sucked on them one last time before placing them in!)

Walking the Pacifiers out to the Mailbox

Ready for Pick Up!

Waving goodbye (it is now starting to set in...notice the worried look on her sweet face!(

Turning to her best friend for comfort!


I am so proud of my big girl for all the changes we have thrown her way. In one short month, she has moved out of her crib into a big girl bed, moved bedrooms, gone back to her babysitter's and said goodbye to her pacifiers. She has done phenomenal! Night one and Day one were rough, but she rarely asks for them now. . . and it's only day 4! Naptime and Nighttime she is a lot more clingy and needs some extra cuddles, but we are making progress. I know it is hard on her, but it was necessary. My little girl is growing up and I am SO very proud of her!

Grandma's Recognition & Grandpa's Birthday!

This weekend, we headed up to Loudonville to spend some time with the fam. Saturday morning, we were honored to be a part of The Red Cross, Real Heroes Breakfast. Our very own, Grandma Buzzard (AKA Kathy Buzzard), was honored for her humanitarian spirit. We are so proud of Grandma for setting up and recruiting volunteers for a Red Cross Shelter in their hometown. Hundreds of families lives have already been changed thanks to Grandma and all the volunteers who supported them in their time of need. You will always be a hero in our eyes, Grandma and we couldn't be more proud of you!

Later that afternoon, we headed up to the Lakehouse for more celebrations...this time for Grandpa's (early) bday! The grandkids, as usual, had a blast running around and playing together. Ella and Kaylee attempted to teach Mackenzie the "right' way to play Duck, Duck, Goose, Red Light, Green Light and Freeze Tag...but Mackenzie had her own ideas! :) After a yummy dinner on the deck, overlooking the lake, we loaded up and headed back to Columbus. We are so blessed to all live near each other to celebrate all these special moments.

Summer Visitors

The last 2 weeks, we have had a steady flow of guests come for a visit. My older sister, Melissa, her hubby, David and 4 kids (Michael, Rachel, Anna and Jonathan) were the first to visit. We enjoyed a trip to an indoor playground, the zoo, backyard bbq's, and the constant laughter of children running through the house. Mackenzie loved having built in playmates...and so did Mommy and Daddy! All the Sister's even had a day out to shop and spend quality time together. We wish we weren't so far away and could get together more often. However, we always seem to pick up right where we left off and have a great time.























The day after my sister's family left, my best friend, Laura, from college arrived with her 4 year old daughter, Carlee. It was the first time our little girl's had met and they were two peas in a podTheir personailities could not have been more alike and it was neat to watch our two little girl's together. We enjoyed a day at the spray park, a trip to the neighborhood park, a night at the Ohio State Fair, a cookout, trip to a local Mexican Restaurant and all kinds of indoor imaginary play. Who would have thought that over 10 years, as best friend's in college, that one day we would enjoy watching our little princesses play together? I am beyond sad that they have returned to Mississippi, but can't wait for our next visit!