Jade & I made a huge decision this past weekend. A big important life decision, one we didn't see coming until now.
We decided that I am going to stay home full-time until after Ollie recovers from surgery. We aren't entirely sure how long this will be. I'm guessing surgery will be around 4 months, but we shall see.
Originally I had planned on a typical 8 week maternity leave, and really thought I could do it. Now that she's here, and she's in my arms. There is just no way. Thankfully, I am blessed to work at one of the best companies. My bosses truly care about my family & want the best for us. They secretly expected this to come from me, and understand the need right now. I'm sure they want me back sooner, but they are willing to work with me to allow me this important time at home. For that I'm forever grateful to them! I'm sure my co-workers miss my ridiculousness because I miss theirs! If you think I'm ridiculous on my blog, you should know me in real life!
For your curiosity, I work at a top notch agricultural (mainly grain elevators & fertilizer dealers) software company. I am a customer support representative for the accounting area of the program. I specialize in inventory. If I completely lost you there - think Quick Books - but WAY better accounting software. I'm the gal the talks about purchasing to our customers...and other accounting areas. Most people in the support department are not fans of inventory and product costing, but that's my specialty and for some reason I really really like inventory! It's a great company that services customers all over the US. We are based out of my tiny little town in central IL, and our customers are thankful for that. We always surprise a few people that we aren't in a foreign country...it makes answering their questions much easier since we all speak English!!
From now until surgery it is my job to keep Ollie healthy, and to help her eat and gain weight. I know when her heart failure begins it will be hard to keep her awake and eating. I don't feel like that's a responsibility I should put onto the Grandmas. Yes they could handle it. I know they could and I trust them very much with my kids, but they shouldn't have to worry about her oxygen levels & ounces eaten a day. Plus, these few months are special. They are priceless especially if our worst fears were to happen. I won't ever get this time back, so I'm going to live it up for now.
So I'm staying home with all 3 kids and 2 wild dogs. I'm going to be a full-time hermit other than preschool & tumbling drop off and doctor appointments. When I emerge this house in several months - my hair may be to my chin. We shall see.
In the meantime I'm going to dabble in sewing for extra cash. I have comissioned some baby blanket jobs & some curtain jobs & will share as I go along. I'm anxiously awaiting a fabric shipment so I can get started! Maggie has also graciously given me her stamped jewelry business as well. So if you are local and want a baby blanket or stamped something - e-mail me. I'll work you in! Mother's Day is coming up!!
Oh and pray for us. This is a big deal! We have prepared financially. And hopefully I have prepared my sanity. Being a stay at home Mom is hard work!
A wonderful decision, Annie! After my maternity leave, my husband and I were both back at work. A month later, after Samantha's surgery, we decided that my husband would stay home with her until she was in school. He now works part time (4 1/2 years later!). We wanted to be sure she would stay healthy after her surgery and so he could coordinate her appointments, oversee her development, etc. It was a tough decision, but we were really happy with it. Incidentally, Sammi never went into heart failure before her surgery - the surgery was set for a time when she would be big and strong enough to handle it. Ollie may not, either, so don't panic yet! :-) Congrats on your choice! Maybe they'll let you work from home for a while...?
ReplyDeleteAnnie it's the best decision u will make. There is only this time, now. It was the best decision I ever made and I didn't have your challenges. Ann ((Ollie))
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing it is that you are able to do this for Ollie. This time with her will be so precious. And good luck with the new business! Can't wait to hear about all of your new projects!
ReplyDeleteAnnie,you will never regret your decision to be home with your family and sweet Ollie right now! Savor this special time!
ReplyDelete~Amanda
I remember when the exact thing happened to me. I was absolutely sure I'd head back to work and that little ticker of LC's had other plans for my focus and attention. This will give Ollie-O such an advantage in staying healthy and closely monitored. She's so blessed to have a family willing to think so flexibly and you're doing an AMAZING job. Wowza. You're a pro.
ReplyDeleteYou will never regret it. Enjoy your time with that beauty.
ReplyDeleteAnnie, I'm so proud of you guys for this decision! You will never regret it. I only work 2 days a week but I hate leaving him those days and pushing his therapy onto someone else. I also work for a family friendly company and love that they understand Ian is my priority, it helps take the stress off! Your little one is adorable, enjoy this precious time with her.
ReplyDeleteGreat decision, you two ! You won't regret this for a minute, I promise you. I've been home for 28 years and I can't imagine a different life. I will be forever grateful that I had all those years (15 !) of Jacob's healthy childhood to enjoy and share with him.
ReplyDeleteYou have some very lucky kiddies !
hugs,
gena
hi Annie,
ReplyDeleteI dont know how i found your blog but i have been following ms.Ollies story and just wanted you to know you all are in my daily prayers, and i must say besides my 5 littles you sure have some of the most darling beautiful children ever:)
god bless Siobhan
I think that's just perfect! :) I was so lucky and was able to be at home with all of our children until they started Kindergarten. It was not easy financially, but it was the right thing for us. :) It's going to give you time with your children that is going to be so precious and wonderful. I say good for you! :)
ReplyDeleteYay! That's wonderful. No one will take care of her the way that you would plus you'll be able to keep her a little more protected from illnesses before and then after surgery. I love staying at home with my kiddo's. I hope that you will too!
ReplyDeleteso happy you are going to get to stay home and love on miss ollie! and LOVE the 'sister wife' post...too cute :)
ReplyDeleteJust saw the new header w miss Ollie. Love it! Still on iPhone and it's driving me nuts but it helps me keep up! Ann ((Ollie))
ReplyDeleteI'm a stay at home mom and I homeschool. I have 3 boys ages 14,10 and 8. Most days I love it. Even on challenging days I'm thankful for the opportunity and I know you will be too.
ReplyDeleteI can see you have a really big problem that's only going to get so huge you won't hardly be able to handle it--- Ollie is only getting cuter and cuter and what will all of you do when she has all of you wrapped around her fingers? As if that hasn't already happened! Your family is so blessed!
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Annie! You will not regret this decision! Love ya!
ReplyDeleteDenise