My Real Life

So, as you can imagine, the monkey house has undergone tremendous change in the past week.

On Wednesday, we brought home the newest monkey (blog name to come), and we all needed to adapt to a new routine.

Real Man and I needed to adapt to a new sleep schedule.

Luckily, the baby is a fantastic night sleeper.

There was one night where he was up every few hours, and I was sure he was confusing night and day and was anticipating months of being up all night, however, it was a one-night event.

Now, he goes down around 9:00 pm, wakes up around 2:30, goes back down after eating and doesn’t wake again until 5:30ish.  He eats again and sleeps until 9:00 am.  Then, he’s up for the day, eating and taking smaller naps throughout the day.

The other monkeys have been fantastic with him.

They love to hold him and kiss him and talk sweetly and gently to him.

Monkey in the Middle has taken to the new baby the most.

As soon as he walks in the door, he does his homework and has a snack in record time so that he can hold the baby.

He wants to be there during diaper changes, handing us supplies.

If I realize I’ve left the burp cloth in another room, I don’t even have to ask or don’t even need to begin to rise to get it myself, he’s on the case.

He’s so sweet and gentle and kind with the baby.

It’s so interesting to watch, as Monkey in the Middle, much like me, is quick with his temper, and low with his tolerance for frustration.

So, I was concerned that a baby that took up a lot of time and attention would be something he would struggle with.

And, in fact, it’s been just the opposite.

In his role as second oldest of four, Monkey in the Middle has thrived.

This new baby could possibly have been the best thing to happen to him.

Baby Monkey is enjoying his role as big brother, for the first time.

He still goes about his business as usual, but he waits his turn to hold the baby, as well, and loves to give him kisses.

He talks to the baby in a sweet, little voice, and tells him that everything will be alright.

Monkey Girl continues to be the perfect big sister.

She loves to help care for the boys, and is just enjoying the new dynamic in the family.

She keeps referencing how we are now a family of 6, and just how cool that is.

As for Real Man and I, well, let’s just say it happened again.

We’ve always thought that our family of 5 was just perfect the way it was.

We’ve always known that our kids were wonderful and special.

We’ve always realized that we loved them more than we thought anyone could ever love their kids.

Our hearts were completely full.

And yet…

…at 8:19 am, last Sunday morning, it happened.

Our hearts, which we were sure were completely full, expanded again.

And now, we are just as head over heels in love with our new baby as we have always been with our other three children.

Because, apparently, when you have more than one child, your heart doesn’t divide, and you give little pieces to each one.

It grows larger and you wind up giving your whole heart to each one.

All four of my children are remarkable and wonderful and just the right children for me.

And I love each of them with my whole heart.

More than I could ever imagine.

So, I believe I’ve mentioned before that I’m an Instructional Leader for Math and Science at our local middle school.

I went back to get a second masters and a Principal’s certificate a few years ago, and was headed up the administrative ladder.

I’ve done this job for two years, now.

I’m detailed, organized, and pretty good at what I do.

However, I miss kids.

I miss the Eureka! moments in the classroom.

I miss the interaction between teacher and student and the relationships that form.

I miss the every day angst of the middle schooler.

I miss everything about teaching.

So, at the end of the school year, I told my principal that if a position became available, I’d love to go back to the classroom.

To say she was shocked is an understatement.

I like what I do now.

I loved every day when I was teaching.

I’m not willing to settle.

People think I’m crazy.

I could make much more money as an administrator, but it’s not worth my happiness.

Every day, I think of a new way to teach Social Studies or a new lesson or a different way to use technology in the classroom.

I’m itching to get my hands dirty and to get back in the trenches with the kids.

And so, in September, I leave my nice, comfy, air conditioned office with the big comfy chair for this…

A second floor sauna of a classroom, with no air and a broken chair.  (they just waxed the floors…don’t worry, there are desks for the kids as well)

And I can’t wait.