One Year Ago Today

It is amazing how much life can change in just the course of a year. One year ago today was my last day in a classroom. I had administered a first quarter formative assessment and taught through the day. I left school that afternoon to head to my weekly doctors appointment not realizing I wouldn't be standing in front of my students the next morning. During my visit we learned that Carly was low (like really, really low), seemed to not be showing any signs of growth from my appointment a week earlier, and I was continuing to dilate without anything stronger than a Braxton Hicks contraction every so often. The "stress tests" monitors showed that Carly's heart beat was strong and I was contraction free for the most part. So, the doctors sent us home with the impression that I could go into labor at any moment. I was told to keep track of her movement, to keep an eye on my Braxton Hick contractions (in case they turned into real ones), and to return in two days- if we hadn't gone into labor yet. So home we went.

Upon returning home I completely freaked out on Dave. I didn't know how I was supposed to monitor Carly's movement, my contractions, and give the final formative assessment. Plus go to a morning appointment in two days and have all of my grades for the quarter submitted by the end of the week. Needless to say, I took two "sick days". One to monitor Carly and me, while grading from the comfort of my own bed. And a second to go my follow up doctor's appointment - which the office sandwiched at that perfect time where I couldn't just take a half day off of school.

I guess things have a funny way of working out. We found out at this appointment that Carly would be making her appearance sooner than later, and I would not be returning back to work until after she arrived.

Thinking back to my last day of work, I can't help but wonder - "Would I have done anything different that day had I known it was my last?" And honestly, no. Towards the end of my pregnancy I treated each day like it was my last, especially if a doctor's visit was involved. I made sure to have fun with my students, praise their hard work and accomplishments, and make sure they left each day knowing how much I cared for them.

There are moments in my day when I miss teaching, but then I watch Carly and can't imagine missing so many special moments with her. I am truly blessed to have such a supportive husband who understands how happy these moments make me. Even if it does mean we won't be going on vacation anytime soon, and that he needs to continue to drive around his 9 year old truck while many of our friends have upgraded to newer, shinery models.