Exciting News

Dress: Old Navy // Loafers: Coach (similar) // Hat: Forever 21 (similar) // Bag: Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote

On Athena: Sweater: Baby Gap // Tee: Target  //  Jeans: Old Navy // Shoes: Amazon

This outfit is symbolic of a time in my life that is circling back. This is the epitome of what I'd call a "teacher outfit" consisting of a conservative dress, comfy shoes and a huge durable bag for all the strange things that end up there after a day of teaching! This really has been my uniform for so many years and is what makes up the majority of my closet. We can't forget the pencil skirts either. I'm working hard to fit back into those!

For the last five months I've been enjoying the heck out of Athena, motherhood and this new life of ours in the mountains.

But, somewhere in the back of my mind I knew it had a bit of an expiration date. You see, teaching is in my blood and it has been stirring in my mind for a long time. I'm passionate about teaching and have loved every year, good and bad, of my 11 years of experience and am forever thankful for all that it has taught me. 

Last Spring, I was subbing but was also pregnant and very sick, so it was short-lived. However I loved the school I was subbing at. Very unlike my inner-city public school teaching on the south side of Chicago, I was substitute teaching at a small private school here in downtown Salt Lake that was introduced to us by a coworker at my husband's job. I instantly loved the intimate vibe and the culture of the school. 

Flash forward to Athena's baptism when she was three months old. We were at our church, and to our surprise, guess which choir we noticed making a special guest appearance at the mass, but that very same school! I hadn't seen the kids in almost a year but it was so special having some of my old students singing at her baptism. It was so sweet to be able to go over and say hi and introduce them to Athena.

This prompted me to get in contact with the principal and let her know how special the coincidence was. When I did, I was informed there were some job openings that sounded perfect for me! I wasn't expecting a teaching opportunity to appear so quickly after Athena's birth but it just felt right. Isn't is funny how things just fall into place sometimes?

So as of last Wednesday,  I officially signed a contract to go back to teaching next year!! I will be teaching 4th grade!  Really, nothing has ever fulfilled me professionally like teaching. I'm so happy that Athena will get to grow up seeing me do something that I love and helping families. It's really the way I've always imagined my children seeing me and the example I'd like to set. 

Why not stay home with Athena? As a teacher, I have always seen the importance of the socialization aspect of being around other kids. She will be going to daycare until she is old enough to come to school with me. Sure it will be hard for me to leave her but I know it's what is best for our family in the long run. 

So when do I start? August, which gives me about four more months with my girl. I'm really savoring each day as much as I can because I know, much like summer break, the days seems to fly by when there is a start date looming ahead of you.

I'm really excited to start planning lessons and set up a classroom again. I think both Andrew and I are happy to get 11 years worth of teaching boxes out of our storage room too. I'm happy all my books and resources will get to be used and enjoyed by kids again. It made me sad that they have just sat in a closet for over a year.

So now for the hard part, mamas, how did you cope with going back to work with a little one? Tell me your secrets that will make this transition easier on not just me, but Athena too.

Mom Life and My New Priorities

Shoes: Adidas // Sweater and top: Zara // Hat: H&M // Jeans: Old Navy

Stroller: Baby Jogger City Mini GT // Carrier: Chico Keyfit 30 // Blanket:gift from my sweet friend V.

Since moving from Chicago last year, my life has changed dramatically. 

I went from a full-time teacher who got up at 5am and had a super full day with school, extra curricular, workouts, social and blog events. I also ran my business but never really had enough time for clients during the school year. Five hours of sleep was my average and I loved being out and about around the city.

Today, people are always asking me how I'm adjusting after leaving bustling Chicago life for Salt Lake City, and really the answer is that I'm just as busy, if not more busy, just in a different way and a different setting.

For anyone who thinks that the job of a stay-at-home mom is easy, the only way to know is to do it yourself. I have been fortunate to have had a lifetime of experience with children: My mom ran a daycare out of our house when I was a child, and later ran a school that I worked at during my teenage years. In college I even nannied for a few different families. Even after all this, and being an aunt and a teacher for 11 years, nothing truly prepares you for what it is like to have a child of your own. 

The teacher in me is constantly trying to find activities to stimulate little Athena's brain and challenge her to learn and grow. Yes, I know it's a lot to ask of an infant but it's kind of the only world I know. Education, structure, and purpose are in my blood and have been part of my daily work with children for over a decade! It's hard to turn off that part of your brain. I'm constantly reading about what is best for Athena's growth and development and wanting to make sure she's learning.  

Outside of that, which keeps me pretty darn busy, I've made sure that I have time for myself to do the things I love most. My top "Me" priorities are as follows...

Blow drying my hair: Seriously, this might sound ridiculous, but I think it's not worth my time to wash my hair if I can't blow it out too. I have naturally curly hair that I kind of hate when it air dries. Blowing out your hair is something that most people hate to do, but I love it. In fact, I think I'm better at blowing out my own hair than most salons that have ever given me a blowout. It makes me feel more put-together and like myself when I look in the mirror and my hair is done. I may be wearing pajamas all day or workout clothes, but with my hair done I feel a million times better and more presentable. And let's be real, I only get a chance to do this every 3-4 days so it's worth it! It's a simple thing really, but sometimes that's what you need to feel like yourself. Andrew is good at helping me get time to do this and Athena is mesmerized by the blowdryer and curling wand, so she makes an excellent audience. 

Getting in a workout: I love to work out, specifically by taking classes. I'm so excited that a new pilates studio with child care opened down the street (now for me to be brave enough to actually bring Athena and possibly have to listen to her cry through the wall during my workout!) and a new cycling studio just a few minutes away.  

There are also my favorites, Corepower Yoga and Bar Method, that I go to quite regularly. I've even been trying to do the 7 minute workout on the app on my phone while Athena plays on the floor. She is VERY interested in why I'm doing wall sits and jumping up and down so much.

Keeping the house clean: Not everyone is like me about cleaning, I know this. I however function best when my house is clean. I mean really clean. Like everything is put in its place, the laundry is completely done and the swiffer has touched every baseboard in the house. I'm kind of a nut! That sense of order keeps me grounded so that if life feels crazy or stressful, I have that as something to bring me peace.

Getting out of the house: Sometimes this is with Athena, and sometimes it's just me. Andrew helps me get time to just go shopping or get a pedicure just to have some "me" time. But I think it also helps me to get out of the house with Athena. Even thought she was born in the thick of winter, we have always made a point to take her outside and you can tell now by how much she loves it, that it's worth it. It's crazy how getting outside instantly makes her happy. She's our little outdoor baby.

Sleeping: Athena may go to bed around 7:30 pm but I'm not far behind her. I'm really bad at falling back asleep once I wake up with her in the middle of the night so I try to get as much sleep in during her most sound chunk of sleep, which is right after she goes down for the night.

Making healthy meals: I love to cook and make healthy meals but for anyone who has done some form of clean eating, they know it takes a lot of time to prep food! I try to make things in bulk so I have food ready to go all week. Andrew and I both love to do Whole30 but it's quite time consuming. We are in the midst of one now and we did one right after Athena was born, but neither of us made it fully to the end. Oops. It was pretty ambitious for 2 people with a newborn. Better luck this time I suppose.

Some of you may be wondering where blogging is on this list, but to tell you the truth it simply can't be a top priority anymore. I know that makes me just about the worlds worst blogger but at this point in my life, I've got this amazing opportunity to spend my whole day with my favorite little human who's growing so fast. It won't be like this forever! I am beyond happy to be completely and utterly obsessed with her right in the here and now - and I'm clearly not shy about sharing her pictures on here with all of you! 

In the end, I know personally I'll be happier that I spent time with her or on one of the priorities I mentioned above, than writing a blog post. I do love that it's still here when I have time, like when Athena takes a marathon nap! I also love that even though my posts are sporadic, you guys understand and still read. That is the reason I still do this! I love all the connections I've made with people through blogging so keeping up with it even occasionally feels good enough for me. 

So what are you're top priorities when it comes to getting me time? And to all you mamas out there what were your priorities that helped you to keep it together after having your babe? I wanna know!

*Picture by my blogger buddy Sandy!

Gimme All The Gingham

I've been kind of on a gingham kick lately which seems to happen every Spring. It's just such a fun easy pattern that is timeless and looks great on practically everyone! Here are a few of my favorites I've been crushing on lately.

Easy Harem Pants

 On me: Harem Pants // Pink Ruffle Top // Bag // Shoes

On Athena: Shoes // Socks // Pants // Sweater // Bonnet

Just wanted to let you all know that these harem pants are on sale right now for $26! I know, your'e thinking harem pants are hard to pull off. I thought the same thing until I tried these on. They match with everything, are extremely comfortable and have an elastic waistband! They run a little big so size down.

Also how cute is Athena in her bonnet? I think bonnets might be my favorite baby clothing item. They just make her look even cuter and squishier than she already is. And if you haven't noticed, Athena is usually not down to smile for pictures. She's a pretty serious baby most of the time, but maybe one day I'll capture a smile.