This is my desk this morning.
It's actually a new little space I created for myself in the kitchen. While I try to do a few things this morning, Birdy is bringing me her stash of animals. I can hear her coming now. And she's dragging a xylophone behind her. Eventually, I'll start giving them back to her. "Back" she'll say and toddle with them back to her room. She's so meticulous. Picking up bits of trash and carrying them all the way to the kitchen trash can. Picking up her sleepers and putting them in her laundry basket. Pushing a chair under the kitchen table when she sees it out of place. I wonder how to nurture this behavior because I love it. I go a little overboard for now when she puts things where they belong. I'm hoping this will encourage her.
Today is Monday and it marks the first day of a new "adventure" for me. It's a new writing opportunity that kinda shakes out to more than just the here and there kind of freelance writing I've been doing in the past. The work will be with Babycenter but I'll have to wait a bit to get the all-clear to give more details. Sorry. I hate it when people do that. But I'm writing about it here to let you know that there are going to be some growing pains at first. It's definitely more of a commitment. More of a job now, than a hobby. But a job I'm excited about with a company and group of people I'm so happy to be part of. And, to be completely honest, a blessing for my family--somewhat flexible, work-from-home, still homeschool my children, work with great people, add to our family's income. It really is a good thing.
For now it feels a bit like bringing home a newborn. How it takes a bit to determine your new normal. Figuring out how you'll manage to still do laundry, make dinner and vaccuum the rugs, even though you have this little baby to care for. I know a routine will develop and I'll find ways to carve out time to get everything done. And I know, I'll be asking for help when I need it.
So hello and thanks for listening and that's the news from Thomas Run.
More soon, hopefully sooner...
Congrats on the new job! I also work from home and juggle that with all the stuff a home, marriage and 3 kids bring. It is sometimes overwhelming, but I always feel very blessed to be keeping my foot in the career world, being able to put my kids on the bus in the morning and be there when they get off in the afternoon. Not sure how I would add homeschooling to my mix, but I'm sure you'll work it out! I look forward to hearing more about it. Way to go!!
Posted by: Susan | 23 January 2012 at 10:31 AM
Thanks, Susan. It's comforting to hear your words as I move into the first week!
Posted by: mommycoddle | 23 January 2012 at 10:38 AM
Good luck, Molly. I am sure you will embark on this new adventure with style.
Posted by: Heather | 23 January 2012 at 11:15 AM
good luck! what a great opportunity- congratulations!
Posted by: cecilia | 23 January 2012 at 11:24 AM
Congratulations! I hope the growing pains aren't too painful. I am glad to see you getting recognized and compensated for the writing you do!
Posted by: amy h | 23 January 2012 at 11:37 AM
you totally got this molly!
enjoy the newness of it. the new rhythms that will come to your family.
be patient with yourself and always get dressed for the day as if your going somewhere...that always Always gets more accomplished around here ;)
Posted by: sarah | 23 January 2012 at 11:57 AM
Sounds very exciting! Best of luck!
Ellie, my 3 year old, is like your Birdy. She will put things away without being asked, she will happily help empty the dishwasher, she knows what goes in the trash versus the recycling bin, etc. My older daughter is the exact opposite. She is getting over a cold and I found a stash of used tissues tucked in the couch cushions this morning. Heaven forbid she get up and throw them away. :)
Posted by: Amy | 23 January 2012 at 12:25 PM
congratulations! the piece you did on ppd really touched me.
Posted by: kendra | 23 January 2012 at 01:24 PM
so wait. now we both have a newborn. xo.
Posted by: emily | 23 January 2012 at 03:58 PM
Congratulations! Best of luck! I know you will find a "normal" routine.
Posted by: megan | 23 January 2012 at 04:33 PM
all good things coming your way, molly. i am thrilled for you! congrats!
Posted by: Erin | house on hill road | 23 January 2012 at 08:38 PM
You'll manage beautifully i'm sure - just be kind to yourself while the 'new' beds down.
Posted by: domesticali | 24 January 2012 at 06:16 AM
Hooray for you! No worries - it is the perfect time (of year) for new beginnings, right? Good luck!
Posted by: Mary Jo, Five Green Acres | 24 January 2012 at 10:02 AM
congratulations!! they chose wisely. and I love that newborn analogy. be patient with yourself, and your family and before you know it that new rhythm will be there.
Posted by: mama-pan | mary frances | 24 January 2012 at 02:19 PM
Good for you, Molly. May the transition be smooth for you all.
(I'm very jealous.) : )
Posted by: Alicia A. | 24 January 2012 at 03:21 PM
Molly, You so deserve the recognition! Looks as though you'll be using yet another BBB column or two to organize your posts. Best of luck! (Babycenter's most definitely the winner here ;)!)
Posted by: Joan Goldner | 27 January 2012 at 07:53 AM
oh good going, miss molly! i am so pleased, if anonymously so :) that you're excited is enough. and your newborn analogy is most excellent. why have i never though of new work commitments in that light? brilliant.
Posted by: Molly | 29 January 2012 at 01:53 PM
Congrats! Kit is also meticulously tidy (unlike my other children) and I am doing everything possible to encourage it. We can use a little clean freak around here.
Looking forward to hearing more about the new gig.
Posted by: Sarah Jackson | 30 January 2012 at 04:36 PM
Hope the new adventure is a great one!
Posted by: Dorie | 31 January 2012 at 08:08 AM
congratulations!! they decided correctly. and I really like that baby example. be individual with yourself, and your household and before you know it that new beat will be there.
Posted by: home insulation Toledo | 31 January 2012 at 10:12 AM
Congrats on your new gig! It's so amazing to be offered a job we can do staying at home with our kids.
My son has the same bunny! :) Love your blog, just found it - through BabyCenter :)
Posted by: Dagmar ~ Dagmar's momsense | 29 February 2012 at 12:46 AM
Hi...nice blog...found it thru my google search on 'how to write blog for BabyCenter'... yet, I couldn't find the right links....Perhaps you could guide as to what it takes to write blogs for BabyCenter
Am a writer & now a mommy to a toddler. Basically, now I do have much more time n things to write about babies/kids... :)
Please suggest.
Posted by: Nidhi | 19 May 2012 at 11:10 AM