The Great Work Debate

David and I have been talking about whether or not I should be a working mom since we decided to get married. When we first met we were both all for me staying home once we had kids. We didn't plan on it being a permanent thing, just until they were all in full time school. Over the years our opinions on staying home have changed. 

I am still a major fan of staying home for a few years. I compromised and came back after one baby, but I really do not want to comeback after the second. With David doing shift work and childcare being so expensive I just don't think having me go to work is the best thing for us. I am also not finished with school. My hope has always been that during this time off I would go back to University to complete an education degree. It would only take me another couple of years and then I would be on the same schedule as our kids and I would be doing something that I love. 

David is now leaning more towards having me go back again. He is the cautious one in our family. He is really worried about maintaining our lifestyle and ensuring that we can still do all of the extra activities that we love to do. He loves all of the travelling at will and things that we have gotten involved in over the years and I am willing to give some of that up for a short period of time. 

The one thing that I do understand and feel bad about is that all of the financial pressure will be on his shoulders for those years. We bought our house based solely on his income and I know that we can buckle down and make it all work. We have to come to an agreement at some point. I know that we have time, but my last maternity leave just flew by on us. 

Does anyone have any advice for us? Any stay at home mom's out there who can give us some insight?

Mrs. E

A Perfect Pregger Night



It really doesn't get much better than this! During Dave's last set of night shifts I managed to put together the perfect night for a pregnant girl. Dutch chocolate frozen yogurt, pretzels, mandarin oranges, lindor chocolates, some trashy magazines and my bed. I was in heaven! More of this to come in the near future...

Mrs. E

Lately....

This is what we have been looking at lately...

Edmonton spent most of last week in an intense snow storm that pretty much shut down the city. I was at work when it all started. By 3pm they had shut down the office and sent us all home. By the time the day was done we had gotten 31 centimeters of snow! Thankfully David and Sydney were at home hanging out the whole day. 

Mrs. E

A Fun Filled Afternoon

David finally had a weekend off where we didn't have anything booked in advance!

 

So we took advantage of the time together as a family and headed to West Edmonton Mall. David and I both used to work there when we were younger but we haven't been there in a VERY long time. We checked out the new Pottery Barn, William Sonoma and Simons stores. It was great to scout out a few Christmas gifts and see what was new.

 

After a quick lunch break we made our way to Galaxyland to play. We hit the play park and a couple of rides. Sydney had such a great time! I tried my best to keep up with the two of them but I just can't climb through the tunnels the same way I used to!

 

Mrs. E

17 Weeks

Just a quick warning.... all of my bump pictures are going to be horrible this time! We take them on my turn over day which is Tuesday.... and I never feel like doing my hair for work or wearing my nice clothes once I am home. Oh well!

At 17 weeks...

Weight gained: Don't know.... The scale has been packed away for bathroom renovations

Baby gender: Unknown, but I will find out in less than 2 weeks!

Belly button in or out: In still but I have to take my belly button ring out already!

Food cravings: Hot Tamale candies, Salt!, A&W onion rings, Melting Pot fondue!

Food aversions: Meat is disgusting.

Appointments: My next OB appointment is November 27 and my ultrasound is November 29!

How I am feeling: I am so incredibly sore this time around. I sat at my desk in pain all day yesterday with cramps and braxton hicks contractions. I didn't feel like this until almost 30 weeks with Sydney. My hips are also killing me. I am having a hard time sleeping because I get so achy! 
Exciting milestones: A few more kicks and bumps and flutters. 

Things I am looking forward to: I am really excited to find out what we are having!

Things that I miss: I miss a good nights sleep and he ability to carry Sydney around without any problems

Thoughts: I am nervous about all of the pain I have been having but I don't want to over react and call the doctor only to have her tell me that it is growing pains. 

Daddy's thoughts: NA

Sydney's thoughts: "Why can't mommy carry me?!"

Mrs. E

Prepping for Christmas

I don't know what it's like in your house.... 

But here in the Eliuk home there are some pretty excited people! David and Sydney starting prepping for Christmas the second Halloween was over. I came home from work on the 1st and David had taken down all of the Halloween stuff and had put lights up on the tree in the front yard and had placed some wood snowmen in the lawn! He is ready to go this year. 

When he started pulling out the lights Sydney had to get involved. She kept yelling "Lights! Lights!". Before I knew it she was totally wrapped up in them having a blast. Only a month and a half left.... right?!

Mrs. E

Mrs. Unmotivated

I can't even begin to tell you how unmotivated I have been lately.

I am so tired and struggling with settling into my new job. I knew that starting something new and starting a new pregnancy would be tough, but I don't think I realized exactly how hard it would be. I have absolutely no motivation. I muddle my way through the day and try to get everything done and then I go home and crash.

This also means that the house is an absolute disaster zone. We are still in a renovation zone and I just don't have the energy to clean up after workers and a toddler every night. I am counting down the days until I get to go for Maternity leave and there are far too many to go. 

Mrs. E