Darn those expenses!

Can I just say how thankful I am that I have a great job and how even more thankful I am for my friend who helps me get contractual side work?  Daycare and medical expenses are eating my lunch, literally.  I understand how people can get into major debt if you don't stick to your  budget.  I'm going to have to make some major sacrifices including Gracie's Mommy & Me dance class so that we are not continuing to delve into our savings.  Needless to say, I am counting down until Gracie is not in daycare anymore (or less expensive Ready!  Set!  Start!).  I am also praying that my car can last for another 2 years (it has had a couple of minor issues this past couple of weeks) and that my parents' fridge that they gave me keeps on trucking for at least a year more.  There was a time when I was considering putting Gracie in Catholic school, but financially, I'm leaning more towards public elementary school and then maybe private middle school.  Who knows what will happen then.  I think I'm gonna buy a lottery ticket tomorrow. 

Our First Mommy & Me Class

We loved Mommy & Me Dance class today.  I actually broke a sweat.  We hopped, stretched, went side to side, all great things to help Grace with her gross motor skills.  She has started her night terrors again but at least the coughing has subsided.  I think the change in schedule as well as moving into a new class has freaked her out a bit.  I still think she is having a tough time adjusting to school full time.  Speaking of school, I love my new principal.  She is so approachable and understanding.  I also like our new assistant principal.  I hope it'll be a great year.  Tomorrow we are going to see StoryTime Live.  I hope she enjoys it.

First Week Back

It has been a roller coaster week back at school which is a good thing because it kept me incredibly busy.  We got a new principal and assistant principal, both of which I like.  So, it's kinda crazy because everything is in transition, including my child.  She really had a hard time going back to school full-time.  She cried the first two days but now I reassure her that I will be coming to get her.  The other crazy thing is that the cough is now stronger than before.  It looks like I'll be calling the pulmonologist for antibiotics.  I don't know if it will help though.  I've already had to run out of this room twice while typing this entry because she was hacking up a storm in her sleep.  I worry because it always signals lower oxygen saturation levels which might lead to an open heart surgery in a month or so.  I really would prefer the summer when she gets healthier and I can take care of her for two months.  So, I'm really praying for that.

Grace riding the train at Morgan's Wonderland (at Mended Little Heart's Anniversary Celebration)

I was reading the singles' forum in the Rumor Queen and the topic was how do you afford a second child being a single parent.  I, too, wondered that myself.  I know how difficult financially it has been with one child.  Of course, my child is special needs but even so just to even consider another child at this stage in the game is something I can't wrap my logicial side of my brain around.  I would love for Gracie to have a sibling but I know I can't afford it at least not now.  And emotionally with all of the medical stuff, I think she is the only child for me right now.  We (she and I) talk about babies and siblings and there are days she wants one and other days where she's good being an only child.  I read a Time magazine article the other day about only children and it turns out that they are not socially maladjusted as some studies concluded (like from the 60s or 70s) and do rather well.  This is due that the resources go to that one child.  In my case,  my sweet girl is going to start Mommy & Me dance class next Saturday and she is also going to see Story Time Live and Yo Gabba Gabba.  Yep, all my resources go straight to my daughter but I wouldn't have it any other way.  She is my heart and makes me a better person.

Grace at Morgan's Wonderland (Mended Little Hearts Celebration Day)

The Cough is Back

I Love Watermelon at My Mimi's ad Pa's

I jinxed myself...said several times today to multple people that we've had a healthy summer but now I have to take a step back. Gracie started the night coughs last night. YUCK! So, that means we are now on yellow on our asthma action plan. I have a funny feeling we'll be progressing to orange in the next day or so. I'm praying not. I have to go back to work on Monday. My daughter is totally stressed and tells me to "stay". Then she goes on with "My Momma". We are starting two word sentences which is great. Her favorite words/phrases are, "Mine", "No!" and "My Turn" (which really means it my turn now no matter if she just took her turn). She is going through a "My MiMi and Pa" phase in which she cries hysterically when we leave my parents' house after a visit. I think she's upset because I am going to be leaving her more now at school and she feels like the rug is getting ready to come out from under her. We've had a great summer of bonding. I wish I didn't have to work but as a single mom, I gotta. Maybe I need to start playing the lottery.

The Cough is Back

I jinxed myself...said several times today to multple people that we've had a healthy summer but now I have to take a step back. Gracie started the night coughs last night. YUCK! So, that means we are now on yellow on our asthma action plan. I have a funny feeling we'll be progressing to orange in the next day or so. I'm praying not. I have to go back to work on Monday. My daughter is totally stressed and tells me to "stay". Then she goes on with "My Momma". We are starting two word sentences which is great. Her favorite words/phrases are, "Mine", "No!" and "My Turn" (which really means it my turn now no matter if she just took her turn). She is going through a "My MiMi and Pa" phase in which she cries hysterically when we leave my parents' house after a visit. I think she's upset because I am going to be leaving her more now at school and she feels like the rug is getting ready to come out from under her. We've had a great summer of bonding. I wish I didn't have to work but as a single mom, I gotta. Maybe I need to start playing the lottery.