The One Not About the Baby

WARNING: lots of writing/little pictures and probably pretty boring for most…but I have to take a minute to update everyone on some of mine and Chap’s recent “milestones”.

Chap has been working his hiney off!! He was out of town nearly the entire summer working on a big project for his company. While we were incredibly appreciative for the work opportunity, WE MISSED HIM SO MUCH! We are VERY grateful for all the hard work he does to support our family. I know leaving his little boy for weeks at a time was NOT an easy task, but he did an amazing job and it’s finally paying off. This past week he was given an increase in responsibilities of the survey department (by increase, I mean all of it). In October, he’ll take the second part of the PLS to complete the initial goal he’s been working towards for the last five years. Words can’t express how proud I am of the man I married. His enthusiasm and perseverance through a journey that has definitely had its pitfalls in this crap economy, remained consistent. He’s passionate about doing honest and attentive work with everyone he comes in contact with, a trait that I admire and respect more than he knows.

I don’t like to brag much (unless it involves my child) but since this post isn’t about him…
I graduated with my Masters in Reading and Literacy this week (with a 4.0…while I’m at it). I started the program three years ago with a colleague, and very dear friend of mine, Angela Williams (she suckered me into it one day in the teacher workroom, and I can’t thank her enough!) SUCH an amazing experience and something I am very proud of. During our evaluative conference last week with our supervisor and professor, I (surprisingly) started crying in the middle of our discussion. Reflecting on how far I’ve come as a “reading specialist” while maintaining two jobs, being pregnant, having my sweet baby boy, and basically being a single mommy a good portion of this last half, has definitely made me realize that I’m a stronger person than I give myself credit for. All of which I couldn’t have done without my amazingly supportive husband and wonderful learning partner/friend, Angela. I am sooooo looking forward to putting my newfound time into being a better teacher, mommy, and wife (yes Chap, that means adding more entrees to my cooking repertoire that currently exists of a fancy chicken/mac & extra cheese dish).

So, there you have it. Our milestones. Even though it’s “not about the baby”, it all kind of is. It’s a pretty amazing thing that we have these opportunities to make a better life for our little man. I’m thankful for a partner that realizes this, and not only supports my dreams, but continues to pursue his as well.

I love you, Little Lare, and can’t wait to see what else we accomplish together!!