Realization

I am not sure if Sam really understands all our talk about "baby"...but today he had a small realization. While we were laying down for a nap the baby started kicking me and I asked Sam if he wanted to feel the baby kick. He said, "baby kick?" and put his hand on my tummy and then little Arlo gave a HUGE kick and turn and Sam perked up and smiled and squealed and said, "baby kick!" It was so great. I felt as if he did understand that there is a little person in there. I asked him after dinner if he was ready for the baby to come out of my tummy and he said, "baby go." I am not sure if that meant yes, or if it meant that he wanted the baby to go away! I think (hope) he meant that he wants to the baby to come out! I do too!

New Obsessions

I thought for sure that my second pregnancy would be easier....you know, easier in that I have already been through most of this, I understand a lot of what my body is going through and can anticipate/remember what is to come next. Easier in those ways. What I didn't anticipate is the same silly obsessions, obsessing about the same worries!

My newest pregnancy worry: in our last ultrasound, baby was breech. Though I still have 10 weeks or so remaining, I am worrying about him not turning. I have dreams about emergency C-sections and not being able to have the home-birth we so want to have. I know this is probably normal, but I can't help but think about it. I am pretty sure he turned, but I can't tell and I remember being able to tell with Sam. Matt assures me that I had this same worry with Sam...I can't remember!

Anyway, I have my next appointment with the midwives on Monday and I will ask them to feel around and see if they can tell if he's turned. I know all of the rationalizations...."he'll turn and if he doesn't then he'll come out one way or another and I will have my beautiful baby boy. That is what is most important..." But, I want a natural home birth. The experience is important to me. So many people don't seem to understand that. There are so many babies born everyday that the miracle of life we create has become lost and routine. The whole experience is so much more than that.

Shoes and Other Addictions

No, the shoes are not my addiction....they are my SON'S addiction!! He is 28 months old and he is so particular about shoes...which ones he wants to wear, what shoes other people are wearing...in books, he immediately looks for/at the shoes and we hear about shoes contstantly! He wants shoes on first thing in the morning and I ask him to pick out his shoes...if I choose them there will inevitably be a tantrum. I know this is probably a phase, along with a million other phases we will ride through and I mostly get a kick out of it...but there are many mornings when the word "shoes" is the last word I want to hear.

My recent "addiction", of sorts, is this job. The "non-perks" of the last post aren't so prolific anymore, and it is becoming quite routine and enjoyable. However, a day does not go by where I am not thinking or talking about this job and the "market". It feels good and it feels very strange to have something other than motherhood and Sam to think/talk/dream/obsess/worry about. I do find myself looking forward to the end of the market season already, but only because I am so physically tired at the end of my work days. That is largly due to the pregnancy and my ever-growing belly (of which I have recent photos and will post very soon). The weather is cooling and that helps a lot, but I still find myself quite drained by the time I get home.

Non-Perks of the Job

Ok, so "non-perk" probably isn't even a word, but I needed something to describe the things that I do not like about this job. And they seem a lot like what a "non-perk" would be if it existed.

1. I am SO incredibly tired at the end of my work hours! My body basically shuts down and on the weekends my boys are anxious for me to return home and once I get there I need a cold shower, lots of water and a nap. It is 5 pm or later before I am ready to be social and the part-time hours aren't so part-time when you consider all of that.

2. Sam is really noticing my absence. He is either very clingy or testing old boundaries when he's around me OR he wants nothing to do with me. I know with time he'll adjust, but it is hard for me to not feel guilty about enjoying my time at the market, when I know that his world has been shaken.

So there are the two major "non-perks". I feel like they are pretty big ones, but I still really enjoy the job. With time, both will become less evident.

Perks of the Job

Along with the time away from Sam and the non-mommy socialization I am getting with this market job...there are some great perks!

1. A laptop computer that is Wi-Fi compatible. I have been using it at home and it is so nice to be able to get little things done while Sam is in the living room playing or outside where I can see him. I no longer have to wait until nap time!


2. Lots of free organic veggies and fruit. I don't even need to elaborate!


3. A cute business card...


4. A market cell phone...though I have my own and it almost never rings (thank goodness), it is nice to have the option to make long distance calls on the market dime instead of mine.


5. Radio time! Yes, I did a radio spot on Tuesday afternoon. It will be a weekly event...granted, it was AM radio and it lasted only 5 minutes...but nontheless, it was radio!


6. The proud title of Market Coordiantor for the "most progressive farmer's market in the nation", according to Columbia University. (which Columbia Univ., I am not sure...heh)

Anyway, I am really enjoying the job and I didn't even realize how much I needed something outside of the home and my mommy circle. I have been floating on clouds the last week. I feel so much more fullfilled...and I still get to be at home with Sam! I am such a lucky gal!

Farmer's Market Gig

Today I was officially hired as the new Wenatchee Valley Farmer's Market Manager! I am excited and nervous about the job...as one usually is about a new job. I think it is going to be a very good addition to our family socially, and financially. Wish me luck and if any of you have any suggestions for me about what a good market manager should be, please let me know!

When It Rains...It Pours!

I wasn't even looking for a job. According to "Dear Abby" I already have a handful of positions as an at-home mom that could receive an annual salary of over $100,000/year!! I am about to get a "promotion" of sorts, being 6 1/2 months pregnant...so additional, out-of-the-home, work wasn't a top priority for me.

Then I heard about this opportunity to help a pottery studio get up on it's feet out at the Tierra Learning Center, a retreat center celebrating cultural diversity. I spoke with their interim director and had meetings with the staff. It looked as though I might have a part-time job!

When I returned from my visits in Maine, I had emails and calls from friends involved with our Farmer's Market. The market manager had resigned and the position was open...many folks thought I would be great at the job. I initially thought, NO WAY!! But, as I read more of the job description, then shadowed the interim market manager, hadn't heard from Tierra in a number of weeks...I decided to apply. The board decides tonight and it looks as though I will have a part-time job beginning Saturday.

This afternoon I had a call from the director at Tierra. They are still interested in getting me involved with their pottery studio! When it rains, it pours! I had a brief discussion with them about my availability and it looks as though we'll work something out....very, very part-time...teaching a class here and there in the pottery studio!

I really wasn't looking for a job, but I found some very positive opportunities I can't decline.