New Gig - Day 2

Last night was Tonester's first night in his new position and new schedule. Even though I have been really apprehensive about this huge change to our lives - he's seems really excited. And that's a good thing.

He got home from work last night after 11PM. I had (of course) fallen asleep on the couch about 3 hours earlier. He was full of energy and enthusiasm. I was full of cotton mouth and contact lenses that were glued to my corneas. I gave him a kiss good night and politely excused myself to bed - asking him to save his stories for me until the morning.

5:55AM my alarm went off. It was the test. Would he get up and get the kids ready for school as promised? I snoozed the alarm. 5 minutes later HIS alarm clock went off. (Yes, we have 2 alarm clocks - long story.) Anyhoo - his alarm went off. He snoozed it. About 4 minutes later mine went off again. I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt and I snoozed it again. 5 minutes later - his alarm clock went off again.

And you know what? He got up! He showered, got the kids up and made breakfast. I also got up and showered and made the kids lunches. It was the first real "team effort" we've had in getting the kids ready in the morning. On his mornings off he has usually slept until the last possible moment, took the longest shower possible, used the full 2 minute cycle on the sonic care tooth brush (how often can I say the same in the morning??) and then waltzed out and barked orders when we didn't meet his ideal morning timeline.

Today was pleasantly different. He and I worked together. He didn't get offended when I pointed out that Domino needed 2 juice boxes and 1 cracker snack (instead of the reverse) in his lunch box and I let him dress Domino in long sweatpants knowing full well it was going to be 85+ today. I picked my battles and he picked his.

We drove the boys together to their respective schools and then enjoyed a nice breakfast where I heard all about his exciting night before and I tried to learn all of his new co-workers names, then we headed out to pick up Rascal from preschool, got a speeding ticket on the way home (him, not me!) and then he headed out to work for the day and I headed back out to pick Domino up from school.

Rascal has asked me about 4 or 5 times when Dad will be home. I think the last time instead of asking he said "I won't see Dad again until tomorrow morning, right?" - so he's starting to get it.

While I was typing this post, a lovely couple came and knocked on my door. They explained they live in the neighborhood and are facing foreclosure on their home. They asked if they could paint my address numbers on the curb for $20. As my mom might say "There but for the grace of God go I" so I wrote them a check and wished them well.

As stressed as I was about this new transition for my family, I am incredibly thankful for the roof over our heads, the caring husband I have and my 2 resilient boys. So far, so good.