Number Two
Lydia,
I love that we are getting back into letter writing! This was such a nice way to stay in touch last time we lived far apart, and it seems like it will be a good fit this time around, too.
I can’t believe Olga is already a month old! It’s so great to hear that the newborn stage has been a little easier on you this time around, despite having a “Velcro baby.” Poppy was that way, too, kind of still is actually… maybe it’s a second child thing? It’s definitely overstimulating to have such a clingy baby, and I hope that you can settle into good rhythms with her and Sunny and be able to have some little pockets of relaxation scattered through your day to day.
How weird (but nice!) that you’ve been accomplishing more to-dos despite being so much busier! I think many moms end up becoming really good at time management. That’s certainly been the case for me! When Alder was a baby I was a full time student and I really had to keep my time organized, so I could be a mother, take care of the household and make sure all my homework was done. It was a lot! But in some ways, it may have helped lay the foundation for better time management skills as a single mom.
I’m sorry to hear that it’s already getting so hot in St. Louis. Being outside makes things so much easier, and it’s hard when it’s too hot to spend the entire day outdoors. Maybe you could take them to indoor places that are inexpensive or free? Alder and Poppy love going to the library! They don’t spend a lot of time reading, but a lot of libraries have great children’s areas. Anyway, I look forward to hearing how you end up structuring your days while solo parenting as a stay at home mom!
We are getting into good routines here. My new job has been good so far, but the kids’ daycare has unfortunately not been going very well. I was so excited to have them come here since Alder had gone there when we lived here before, but they have gone so far downhill! It’s an in-home place and there have been many little irritations but several big issues, the most recent and final straw was that Alder told me there has been another child hitting and kicking him, Poppy and other children, and when I asked the daycare teachers about it, they said it had been going on for a while and hadn’t told me because they “hoped it was just a short phase,” and they had no plans to change the situation and seemingly no plans to even inform any parents. I was shocked and horrified. I pulled them out the following day. For the time being, I’ll be piecing together babysitters and work from home days, so I can maintain my hours.
I’m so happy for you that now Silouan will have a regular job with a good income and allow you guys to finally look for property! It will be such an amazing opportunity for your family. Hopefully you find something that suits all your needs. I can’t wait to see what you find!
I miss you and your family and wish so much that we could see you all the time. Can’t wait for our next visit, whenever that may be!
Janie