A Working Mom

I've mentioned this in a previous post, but I wanted to expand on it just a bit.

When we moved to Colorado in 2014, I was newly pregnant with Lincoln. I transferred my job as a Phlebotomist from Provo to Colorado in a town called Westminster. I loved working. It was more of a social thing more than a financial need. I started working there as soon as we were settled. It was great! They gave me a raise (read: Colorado is very expensive). Things started out great. It was a new facility, a new team, and great managers. I pride myself in how I was raised to be a hard worker. A good work ethic was instilled in all of my siblings growing up and it's something I've learned to appreciate as an adult. But sometimes it bites you were you're too loyal at work. Slowly, I was opening and closing the facility. That meant I was up at 4 am to commute to work, work a double, and close down and leave by 9 pm or later. And then commute home. It was rough. I was pretty sick in the beginning of my pregnancy, so the lack of sleep and the physical toll it took out on my body was pretty rough. I was coming home late, often throwing up, trying to get a few hours of sleep, and then starting all over again. We had a few employees no call/no show and I said yes when asked to stay late. The overtime was nice but it definitely wasn't worth it. I then started having people abuse my breaks. So not only was I working insane hours, I wasn't getting my breaks. We had to have a certain ratio for phleb to donor, so I was often stuck. Eventually I got so sick (quite literally) that I would run off the floor to vomit. I could barely go to the bathroom. I learned to stand up for myself and take my required breaks. I was having weird symptoms like heart "flip flops". I talked to my managers. The one with children completely understood my frustrations. The other unmarried and child free manager was not so willing to listen. I was glad to have at least one on my side, though. A week went by and nothing changed. I was a miserable ball of emotions. I went to my manager and put in my two weeks. He told me he didn't want me to quit. I told him I didn't care. Nothing had changed. He said he didn't want to lose me as an employee but I explained that the circumstances were crappy and terrible. I worked for one more week and then quit. Thomas explained to me as soon as he saw how miserable I was that I definitely didn't have to work, so making the decision was easy for us.

At the time, we were living with family while Thomas worked and we were house hunting along the way. We were so grateful for family willing to take us in for a few months.

But I went crazy at home. I need a reason to leave the house, otherwise I turn into a hermit and get depressed. I looked around at crafting and hobbies to see if I could make a side gig out of something. I looked into doing fondant creations and cake decorating, sewing, etc. Nothing was really working out. I decided to join a local MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group even though I was only pregnant and definitely didn't have a preschooler. I joined their Facebook group. One of the first things I saw was a mom looking for childcare for her toddler. I was all over it! I immediately messaged her and told her I would love an interview. We ended up being wonderful friends. Her husband actually became one of Thomas' good friends as well! I was so grateful for that blessing. The opportunity to work in part time childcare. It was a wonderful situation. And we both gained lifelong friends!

After the toddler grew up and life went on, I decided to start babysitting from my home instead of traveling to other homes for childcare. I didn't have to advertise, but through word of mouth and networking, I had a full house! Someone from Thomas' work needed childcare. That little boy was an angel and Lincoln's very best friend. I also had a sweet little baby girl (who is now 6 and so gorgeous!) , a set of twin boys, a set of brothers, and my nephew coming over from time to time. I was also pregnant with Abbie through the summer with no A/C and upteeen children to watch! I was a very busy lady. Thankfully I didn't have all the children every single day. I would sometimes go on adventures to parks with the kids, but I usually had too many to fit into my car at that point. Crazy times! I have a funny story I need to share some day about my craziest experience having these kids! Let's just say there was some throwing up, a dirty diaper, a spill, lots of crying, and pure chaos. All at the same exact time. 😫😬😮😣

After watching children from home for a couple years, I had to let some go once I gave birth to Abbie. When Abbie was about 9 months old, we moved about an hour North of where we lived in Aurora. The house next door to my sister in law went up for sale and we were all over it. For 2 years we lived right next to family. It was so amazing and a dream come true. We had an amazing experience and we miss it a lot sometimes! We really like each other. All of us are only 20 minutes away from each other now, so still very close.

It didn't take long for the parents to find me! I had a full schedule of children coming over not long after we moved in. It was perfect. The school bus stop was right across the street from us, so I was also watching siblings after school, taking them to and from school, etc. It was a sweet gig.

We moved once again, but this time it was only 15 minutes up the road. We are still in the same general area. When we moved, I was bummed when I had to tell the parents. Finding childcare is so stressful! And I'm on the easy side of it. During the transition between homes, we were living in a camper. It was only 3 weeks, but I never stopped doing childcare. Through the move, while living in the camper, through renovations, and then finally normal life. I never stopped. In fact, the children I had to stop watching at our previous house have actually followed me to our new house! I love it. I love these little kids and I'm always so sad to see them grow up, move on, and say goodbye. So when I had some of them stick with me through the move, I was very grateful. It can be difficult to find such great parents sometimes.

Which brings me to now. Being a working mom is coming to a close for me. I've been doing childcare for 7 years straight. And by straight, I mean quite literally. I bring children back just a few days after we get home from the hospital after giving birth. I have 4 am wake up calls with busy working parents and their crazy schedules. I am flexible and have children until 5:30 every day. I have children with me on Saturdays pretty often. The work hours can be crazy at times, but the job is simple. Love these tiny humans like they're my own. Take 6 kids to the park (did that yesterday!) and to the zoo and museum and grocery store. I get so many comments, funny looks and stares. But this has been the best, most rewarding gig. I have loved seeing these tiny kiddos grow up and I've made some amazing, lifelong friends along the way. But it's time.

I am ready to graduate into the PTA and room mom! I want to be flexible enough to just drop and run to the zoo without any extra thought. I want to volunteer to go on those field trips with my children. I want to attend the assemblies and award shows. I want to be there.

My oldest has never known anything different. We've had built in best friends for his entire life. Over holiday breaks and weekends, my children ask where all the other children are. I love it. My children are easier when they have friends over. People called me crazy, but I think it's so much fun. I'm already home with my children anyway, so it made sense. But now that my children are getting older and life is getting a little busier, it's time to close this chapter. We've made some good memories with our little friends, but I'm ready to be on my own schedule with my own kiddos and my own routine.

I am so grateful for all of the lessons I learned, how I grew and changed as a mother, and how my children have thrived with their little friends. I was able to bring in a second income that helped cover groceries, vacations, zoo passes, etc. It's sad to close this door, but very exciting all at the same time. It wasn't just a job to me, it was a joy. ❤

Pregnant and babywearing at the zoo 😜

Probably when I get the most looks and comments!