Finally some time to RELAX!

With this glorious 3-day weekend, we have finally found a little time to relax and enjoy time together as a family again! :o) Life did a fast 360 not long ago so we cherish any relaxation time we can get these days. To be quite honest, our weekend has been full of down time - especially with football season now here. Despite one ugly season opener...I will still say "Go Hokies!"

I just completed week #2 of the police academy, and it was the best week thus far. I mean, how can you possibly complain when you are getting paid to shoot a gun for 8 hours a day? It was a blast! I do not do it often (nor have the chance) but I am going to toot my own horn for a second and say that I was the HIGHEST (as in highest score) female shooter in my academy class, as well as tied for the highest overall with another male recruit. Definitely surprised, and definitely proud of myself :o)

J.J. is doing wonderful as usual. His new nanny (Christina) started last week and he has seemed to adjust incredibly well as usual. He seems to love her and not miss mommy nor daddy during the day which I suppose is good. Last night before bed, we told J.J. he had to go night night first, and then he was going to get a haircut in the morning (he knows when its haircut time, it is also two-lollipop time too). Hey, bribery works with toddlers quite well! So he woke bright and early this morning and the first thing out of his mouth when he saw daddy was "night night first, haircut, two lollipops." Oh what their little brains can remember!! He was incredibly well behaved and got a fantastic hair cut, as did the whole family!

Academy Week 1 - COMPLETE!

I have now completed the first of my thirteen week program in the police academy! Woohoo! While definitely an exhausting week, there were also many highlights to it. While I have a second, I will give you a little insight into what the academy has consisted of thus far:

A few rules a recruit must follow:
1. Uniforms must be pressed and creased every morning for uniform inspection.
2. At promptly 7:45 (and not one second later) all recruits must be in formation for the raising of the American flag.
3. Hats must be worn at all times outdoors, and taken off at all times while indoors.
4. No cursing.
5. The use of "yes Sir, Yes Ma'am" must be used at all times when addressing instructors and staff.
6. No hands in pockets, ever.
7. As soon as the instructor walks into the classroom in the morning, all recruits must stand to attention.

.....you get the point, right?! I could go on for days!

As you can see, much like a military setting. While it sounds harsh at first, its not all that bad. In fact, I tend to like the structure. Here is what my first week consisted of:

*Monday - Orientation. Oh how incredibly BORING. Caffeine has become a very close friend of mine.

*Tuesday- CPR, First Aid, AED certification. All morning was classroom instruction - we broke for lunch, had more classroom instruction - practical exam, then a written exam to conclude the day. Let me explain the testing criterion. One must obtain a 100% on all exams in order to successfully complete the academy (aka, graduate). You get three chances to obtain that 100%, however the first score is what is documented and used to calculate your overall academy grade at the end. For those interested...I passed my first test! :o)

*Wednesday - Search & Rescue tactics.

*Thursday - Fingerprinting in the morning, and our first physical fitness assessment in the afternoon. That consisted of timed situps/pullups/pushups, the bench press, a timed 1.5 mile run, and an agility course (timed). By the end of the day, I was absolutely exhausted.

*Friday - The begining of firearms training.

Next week will be a full week of firearms training, with four days at the actual range, shooting. Definitely a fun week.

J.J. has adjusted INCREDIBLY well thus far. In fact, far better than I had ever expected and imagined. It is definitely a huge relief to wake up and head to work every morning knowing he is content at home with someone other than his mommy. I came home for lunch one day last week, and as I was leaving I gave him a kiss and huge goodbye. Expecting to have him follow me to the door and see tears....he casually waved goodbye to mommy and continued to play - not worrying one bit about mommy leaving! I can only hope this contentness continues as it makes my days as a working mom MUCH easier.

So, thats our weekly update! I hope to get pictures up soon, but do not hold your breathe!

One week down.

It has been a week now, since we made the ever so difficult decision of transitioning our household from one working parent, to two working parents. Shockingly enough, it has gone exceptionally well. We can only hope the next several weeks into months go this smoothly for all of us. While every day ends in complete exhaustion - its been worth it. We spend all of our free time together as a family, which seems to be much more special now than before. J.J. has been so well behaved for his nanny that its quite amazing. The past three mornings he has slept in until 10:30am and still taken his usual 3+ hour nap each day! I definitely think he is getting enough sleep, thats for sure! Sounds a bit strange...but I actually like to hear that he is sleeping so much because then I feel like I am not "missing out" on much since I would not be seeing him if at home anyway if he is sleeping!! Lame, but true! Anything to keep my mind off of missing my little man :( I do have to say, its pretty tough putting him to bed every night and knowing I will not be the one to see that beautiful smile every morning that use to make my day. Going so long without seeing him really does suck - to be quite frank. But slowly I am getting more comfortable.

We have a good weekend planned ahead - then come Monday I start the ACADEMY....
Wish me/us luck!

Its official!!

Well friends, it is now official...I am a sworn Deputy Sheriff! And, it happened on the second day of hire! Lets not get too excited though, as I still have to complete the full 10 week academy passing all elements in order to be completely "official". I did arrive home after work today however, with a full bag of goodies! By goodies, I'm talking my new jacket, rain coat, handcuffs, holsters, belts, wands, pager.....and best of all...MY BADGE!!! I will absolutely be taking a picture this weekend and posting the shiny silver star that I am already so proud of! I must admit, the lone thought of being a police officer is rather odd. Well actually...REALLY odd :) I cannot believe I am going to be "one of those." To be quite honest though, I am very excited! I am already intrigued and yearning for more after the little training I have already received so that to me is a great sign. Next week will consist of more paperwork and becoming familiar with the department, and three days worth of firearm training! Woohoo! I get to show them my shooting skills...so wish me luck :)

The last two days have gone incredibly well in regards to leaving my little angel. He has thoroughly enjoyed spending time with each of this grandma's and according to them both, was "just perfect." I can only hope he is that happy when his nanny starts on the 25th as it will make mommy's long days MUCH easier (although still tough). While difficult to explain, it has definitely been a great feeling working all day, and coming home to such a warming, comforting smile from him.

We have a busy weekend planned ahead - with going to watch "Uncle Mike" in a tractor-pull on Saturday & a few softball games on Sunday. Probably a little shopping thrown in the mix too! :) Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Making the Transition

Well the time has come - for our household to transition into TWO working parents rather than just one. While I knew this day would come at some point, never did I dream this quickly. And while I was actively seeking a career path and applying for jobs, it never seemed too realistic. Not until today, my first day of work, did the once a surreal feeling, turn into reality.

Yesterday, my last day as a stay-at-home-mommy - J.J. and I tried to make the best of it. Although I think it was just an ordinary day in the eyes of my little man. We giggled, played at the park, giggled some more, read books, watched Spongebob a bit more than usual (you gotta see him sing the Spongebob song), had "treats" mommy normally does not share, and J.J. definitely was on the receiving end of FAR more kisses and hugs than normal. I think by the end of the night, he did not want to even get near me in fear of another kiss and "bear hug". As I tucked him into bed, I walked down a few stairs and sat. The tears began to stream. Where does time go? I remember bringing that beautiful little boy home for the very first time and now 2 1/2 years later I am leaving him and going to work.

My first day was today, and it went well (although boring). The usual paperwork/orientation stuff of every 1st day of work. I left around 7:15am, far before it was time for J.J. to wake up. I'm convinced that while I am REALLY going to miss that beautiful smile of his every morning when he wakes - it is best that I leave before he is up. I know for sure that I would not possibly be able to walk out the door every morning looking into his gorgeous little eyes and say "goodbye". He hung out with his grandma and evidently was just perfect for her! So...I can only hope that he misses me that little every day.

Giving it another go!

A few months ago, a good friend of mine (Annie) inspired me to add to my already long list of online obsessions, and give blogging a shot. I was totally on board as I love to discuss my family and share thoughts. Not to mention if it involves getting online, you better believe I'm all about it :) Well after a few posts, I slowly began neglecting my new blogging site. No real reason - other than I guess I just felt like I was not good at it :) So...here I am....back....and ready to give it another go round!! I like to consider myself rather internet savvy, but this site might take me awhile especially when it comes to backgrounds and picture organization. So bare with me - I'm a blogging-rookie!