Friday, February 6, 2015

My New Normal

For the first time in several months, I'm writing a post the day that it's going live. I really enjoy having my blog posts scheduled in advance so I can just sit back and reply to comments. Such is not the case today. It probably won't be for a little while.

Welcome to my new normal.
the mug says it all...
Have y'all ever had a moment in your life that completely jolts you, shakes your core, and makes you change your entire way of living? No? Well... allow me to be the first to say it SUCKS. It really sucks. My moment was the entire month of January. 

A lot of y'all know what happened, and there's a LOT of y'all that don't. For the sake of this post my sanity I'm not going into details. I'm still not sure if I ever will. But that's the beauty of this space being mine. I can talk about whatever the heck I want to. Just know, that I am OK and I really appreciate everyones' thoughts and prayers for me and my family. 

What I can (and will) say is this: I was not at home the entire month of January. This forced Josh to be the father that I've honestly never seen him be before. He gave the kids baths, he fixed dinners (the dinners may have been nuggets w/ mac n cheese, but it was dinner), and he did school runs. Josh really stepped up and only made me love him more. I'm really proud to call him my husband. My entire family is proud of him. Something that none of them have ever said before. Ever. I really do have an amazing husband, y'all.
Sure, he could've done all those things before, but let's be honest: I've spoiled the whole family and really taken care of everyone. I've always been the one to make dinners, give baths, and tuck everyone in. I never asked for help. I may have wanted it some nights, but those nights Josh was just as tired. We've both always worked full time. 

Until now.

I'm not working full time. I've even changed my sidebar bio. (Amanda, I didn't even need to ask for help!) My new normal has become the stay at home mom. I'm going to be honest, y'all; I'm still not used to it. This entire week, I've cleaned the whole house from floor to ceiling. I've done countless loads of laundry. You could eat off of my bathroom floor. Ainsley picks up her toys when she's done playing with them. It's really great. 
But. 
Yes, but... 
It's strange to me. I've always had a full time job. If I lost a job, it's never taken me long to find a new one. My close friends know this about me. However, when I came back home on Feb 1st, I made the decision to not go back to work. It wasn't an easy decision and I spent all of January thinking about it. It is, however the best decision for our family at this time. I need to be home. I need to be with my kids. Ainsley has me all day, and Zander is home by 3:30 from school. We've all needed this time together.

It's still going to take some adjusting on my part though. 

I've texted a few lovely ladies from my tribe this week, and the one thing I've noticed to be consistent in my conversations is that the quiet is strange to me while Ainsley naps. I've always been around some sort of noise. My time away from the house was spent in a very noisy atmosphere. Previous jobs have always been noisy.
While Ainsley is awake, we talk and play. Theres music, T.V., etc. When she naps I keep the T.V. on or listen to music, but I'm glad when I have someone to talk to. I'm still not used to the quiet. It's definitely an adjustment.

This is my new normal. Stay at home mom. Housewife. Whatever you want to call it. This is me.

I'm not regretting my decision in the slightest, I'm simply confessing that I'm adjusting. Eventually I'll get back into the swing of things in blog land. I plan on going back to doing link ups. I still have my sponsor page up and running. I haven't been promoting anything because I'm not quite ready yet. But I am back. I will be blogging at least 3 times a week again. The blogs I sponsor will have content to promote... that much I can promise. I love every one of my readers, and I'm happy to start to get back into the swing of things.

I must confess though, that during my adjustment period - however long that may be - your continued thoughts and prayers are appreciated. I'm very blessed that I'm surrounded by such amazing friends and family. Y'all have been amazing. So thank you. Thank you for everything. 
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32 comments :

  1. Melissa I love you In whatever you decide to be and do. I'm so glad that the Lord saw fit to put you in my life and in my "tribe"! You take has much time as you need to adjust...I'll be here for you. And if you need anything know that you can call or text I will do whatever in my power to help you! Love ya girl!

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  2. I'm so glad to have you in my life, Faith! You're such an inspiration and a joy to talk to. Thanks so much for reaching out and just being there for me when I needed it. :) love you so much!

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  3. Melissa - I am happy that you've made this decision for you and your family. Plus, go Josh! Sounds like he did an amazing job. It will take you time to adjust, but when you feel good about a decision, it's worth it.

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  4. oh man. I bet Ainsley is absolutely LOVING you being at home!

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  5. I know that both of your kids are just happy to have their mom home and they will always remember that. Enjoy it!

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  6. So happy that you're back! Hope you just adjusted to your new normal soon :-)

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  7. Praying for you friend. You are always on my mind. I'm so glad things are getting back to normal..whatever normal is...and that your pretty face is back in blogland!

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  8. you are such an amazing friend! I'm so happy to have you in my life. Thanks for helping me adjust back to my new normal. xoxo.

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  9. I really appreciate that! A lot! :) I've missed everyone and everything about blogland.

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  10. they really are. Ainsley randomly gives me the biggest hugs. I love it. I've missed everything about being home so much

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  11. she really is! I am too. It's the best! I hate being stuck without a car though. COME SEE ME! waaahhh

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  12. I'm so glad to have you back. You absence was felt so deeply in my life, I just cannot even describe it. You know I am here for you, whatever you need, and I will help you as much as I can. Love you Llama.

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  13. thanks for your kind words. I've really missed everyone!

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  14. omg the water works are real today. I'm really feeling the love. I have been all week. You're an amazing friend. The tribe is incredible. I don't think my adjustment back to reality would be tolerable without y'all in my life. I truly appreciate EVERYTHING.

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  15. so glad you're back and continuing to keep you in my thoughts!!! happy you get this time to spend with those sweet kiddos while they are growing. cheers to your husband for rocking it while you were gone! that indeed is a partnership!

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  16. Love your realness, friend. This is a beautiful post.

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  17. I'm very blessed to have such a wonderful husband. We've been through a lot that either "make or break" a couple and I thank God everyday that we're still hanging in there. :) I love that man of mine! Thanks for your sweet words!

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  18. thanks so much, Amy! I really appreciate it! :)

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  19. I just want to give you a huge hug right now. Cannot wait for our phone date next week. So much to say :) xo

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  20. Welcome back! I'm glad to hear you're settling back in and that your family is well:)

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  21. Thanks for the warm welcome! :) I'm definitely still adjusting, but each day is better than the last. <3 xoxo

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  22. I CANNOT wait either! I've missed you sooo much! Sending you all the virtual hugs! Call me WHENEVER. I'm up early and stay up late.

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  23. Transitions take time - even when it's a good transition. Just take one day at a time and eventually you will find the new rhythm of your new normal. So glad you are back and doing ok!

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  24. I've missed you around here!! Thanks for the kind words; and you're very right... it will take time. I'm not trying to rush into anything at all xoxo

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  25. It's a big change to be a full time worker to being home all the time. You have to find the balance of being at home all the time. Be sure to find time for yourself and time to go out and do things on your own. Lots of hugs your way.

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  26. I'm excited for this change in your life! You won't ever regret this extra time with your family.

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  27. Ahhhhh...I love this. Thank you for being so real. Although I don't know the details surrounding your absence, I definitely felt your missing presence, and I am sooooo happy to have you back. Family comes first. No matter what. You are one amazing lady, and this time will all make sense, sooner or later. This is such a great post. I am here if you need anything and look forward to continuing to read your amazing stories!!! Would love to catch up soon!! xoxo

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  28. I LOVE YOU!! We definitely need to catch up soon. I really appreciate your kind words and I'm soo looking forward to catching up with you sweetie!

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  29. That's exactly where I'm struggling. I'm loving the extra time with the kids, but my biggest adjustment is not being able to be around adults ALL DAY. it's soo strange!

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  30. I'm excited for you to be a SAHM, maybe now we can get together. I'm official part time so I work evenings each night and yes it is quite the adjustment! I've been worried about you and respect your need to not tell us what's going on. Just glad everything is better now. And yay for husbands who step up in times of need!

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  31. thank you!! I really appreciate that, Becca! :) Here's to 2015, am I right?

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  32. I'm still without a license or a car... so unless you want to make the trip to Monroe? but I agree that we need to see each other soon! Thanks for thinking of me. I'm happy to be back. I've missed you!!

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