So what's new in my life since early May? Let's see...I decided to start working again, starting this fall. The plan is to lay the groundwork for a return to full-time teaching by spending Daniel's last year of preschool as a part-time substitute teacher. I was welcomed back to Upper Dublin with open arms, and I'll probably start with 2 or 3 days a week of subbing. Who knows where it might lead? It's extremely daunting to think about returning to the work force after a 4-year absence. But it's also pretty damn exciting to move in such a purposeful direction after spending the past 2 years floating around in pregnancy limbo. I never allowed myself during that time to think about going back to work because I always thought I'd keep trying to have another baby. But now, even with the possibility of adoption still very much present in my mind, I want to take control of my life. I'm tired of watching time go by. I have so much more to offer this world, and it's time to put up or shut up.
Daniel turned 4 on June 13th, and we started 3-day potty training boot camp later that week. To say I was dreading those 3 days is an extreme understatement. I expected it to be pure torture. Boy, did I feel foolish when it went off (almost) without a hitch! Daniel is kicking some serious potty training ass, already telling me when he has to go and running to the potty by himself -- and he hasn't even been trained for a full week! I'm still kind of in shock that my baby is potty trained! It's about damn time, but anyway...
I have a new niece, courtesy of Peter's brother and sister-in-law. Her name is Isabel, and we went to see her at the hospital earlier this week. She's tiny and precious, and I've already bought her a girly outfit! I'm excited to be an aunt of 2 now, and I will try to best the best and coolest aunt I can be. I'm also happy for Daniel to have a new cousin, even if she won't be able to play with him for a couple of years. I know that he is going to be such a wonderful role model for both Ian and Isabel. Whether or not he ever has a sibling, he will always have family.
So here we are, moving towards the end of June. Summer has officially begun, and Daniel is in camp. I spend my days exercising, playing with Daniel, and contemplating how and when to proceed with the exploration of the adoption option. I'll let you know what I decide. I'm sure I'll have plenty to say about it!