Sunday, July 5, 2015

Where I was 5 years ago

I'm linking up again with Miss Monica from I Heart Grade 3 to share where I was 5 years ago. Apologies in advance for the "boring" post as there were no exciting tales of travelling or adventures in the summer of 2010 (come back next year for the summer of 2011!).

Oreo kisses x x
My son was born 6 years ago in March.  For any of you not from Canada, we get 12 months off for Maternity Leave. I didn't see the point in going back to work from March to May and then be off again from July and August but still have to pay for full time daycare (at the time it was $45 a day). So, I decided to extend my maternity leave until September.

Watching big brother on a very hot day in July
It was one of the best decisions I ever made.

My son had some health issues and he was still nursing at the time of his first birthday. We definitely both needed to stay at home for a little while longer.  He wasn't even close to sleeping through the night yet for one thing.  No need to talk about the effects of sleep deprivation to any other parent reading this.  His father and I like to refer to those two first years as "the dark times".

No make-up, house is a mess, my little guy is in my arms...yep, just a regular day for us back in 2010
Five summers ago I was extremely anxious about going back to work. I was moved into a new grade level and a new room while on Maternity leave so I had a lot to get ready for. Plus, I honestly thought that I wouldn't be able to connect with my students as well as I used to.

Boy, was I ever wrong about that.

Although becoming a mother changed my priorities, it also helped me realize how much I love my job. On the first day of school I always tell my students that we will be like a family for the next 10 months and that we really need to take care of each other.  I am so happy to be off for the summer but I also can't wait to meet my new bunch of students in September!

Until then, I'm soaking up being a full time Mom again and having the best time with my almost Grade One cutie. #timeflies


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9 comments:

  1. Teaching AutismJuly 6, 2015 at 11:31 AM

    Love the pics of you and your son! A lovely post!

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    1. The Primary PatchJuly 6, 2015 at 12:25 PM

      Thanks :-) It was fun taking a trip down memory lane!

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  2. Momma with a Teaching MissionJuly 6, 2015 at 11:59 AM

    You are so right about time flying!! I only got 6 weeks off with each of my babies :( I can only imagine how wonderful it was to spend the entire year with your little one! Enjoy your summer!!

    Melanie
    Momma with a Teaching Mission

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    1. The Primary PatchJuly 6, 2015 at 12:26 PM

      Oh, Melanie...I can't even imagine having 6 weeks off. That honestly breaks my heart :-( Enjoy your time off too with your little ones.

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  3. Miss Monica at I Heart Grade 3July 6, 2015 at 12:28 PM

    Vive la congé maternité au Canada! When I hear that some of our American counterparts are returning to work only 6 weeks after giving birth it makes me shudder. I would not have been ready to return to work so shortly after having my little ones. I was lucky that I didn't have to ask for an extended leave - all my babies were born in the summer so I was able to leave my position for complete school years.

    Thanks again for linking up! You are the best!

    Monica

    www.iheartgrade3.com
    www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/I-Heart-Grade-3

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    Replies
    1. The Primary PatchJuly 6, 2015 at 12:36 PM

      Summer babies...you were lucky! I love your weekly link ups Monica :-)

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  4. AngelaJuly 6, 2015 at 4:22 PM

    Awesome post - love all the pictures. It's fun to look back from time to time.

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  5. UnknownJuly 6, 2015 at 6:43 PM

    Love you pictures and post. You may not have been "off" on an adventure, but your 2010 was an adventure that will last a lifetime. Little jealous of the 12 months maternity leave. 12 weeks for me with each of my babies.

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  6. Kelly McFarlandJuly 7, 2015 at 4:53 AM

    What great pictures! I'm so happy you were able to stay home for your little ones entire first year! I'm due August 2nd with my first and feel so lucky that I'm living in the UK at the moment and will have the opportunity to stay home until we move back to San Diego in April. Then it's back to the grind. I do hope that like you,I go back and fall even more in love with teaching. Enjoy your summer!

    Kelly
    Lattes and Lunchrooms

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