15 work days left

I have 15 work days left in my current position. Only 15. Wow. I haven't given notice to my manager yet...waiting on the background check from new place to clear first...don't want to give notice then not get the new job for some reason!

I'm very excited the more I think about it. But I'm also very sad. I will be leaving behind a lot of great people. Any ideas on little things I could send my sales people (they are in another state) to say "Thank you for everything over the last 6 years...thank you for being patient, for teaching me , for believing in me, for trusting in me, for being there for me"?

Decision made

I've accepted the job offer. I really couldn't think of a good reason NOT to...besides the no IVF coverage. We will take DH's insurance for the time being...and use the 1 cycle we have left. If we end up pregnant...wonderful. If not, then at least I get to be with the child I have.

The more I think about it, the more excited I get. I've wanted this (work from home) for 2 years. And it's finally coming to fruition. I will get to participate in her childhood...take her to school, help with her homework, attend school functions. All things I was afraid I would have to miss because of my 4 hour commute.

The job itself is pretty awesome as well. Not to get to specific, but it's doing what I basically do now...just for another company, and slightly different product line. I get along great so far with my team (I've spoken to all but one of them) and they are all excited about me joining them.

I am sad to leave the people I currently work with behind. I've been here for 6 years...and have worked with the majority of people for that whole time. It will be hard to say goodbye to those that mentored me when I came aboard. They are patient, caring individuals who took me under their wing and helped make me the knowledgeable person I am today. I have them to thank for this new company wanting to hire me. I've learned from the best.

In a pickle

I know, I know...I'm a horrible blogger. But I'm in a pickle and need your advice. The job that I was interviewing for? Well, they offered it to me. They flew me out to meet the hiring manager last Friday (very nice guy btw) and made me an offer yesterday...more money...working from home 100%...I got along great with the manager and the 2 other sales people I spoke with. The downer? No IVF coverage. None, nada, zilch, zero. They are a fully insured company, but the policy is written out of Florida...which is not a mandated state.

DH's company follows IL law...which would give us one cycle covered (IL law says you get 6 IVF cycles, unless you have a live birth...at which time they will cover 2 more and since we did one after Lexi we would have one more). We could take out his insurance (my job change constitutes a life event for enrollment) and use the cycle there. But that would be it. No more.

If I stay where I'm at...I have maybe 1 MAYBE 2 cycles covered...procedures only...all drugs would be out of pocket.

So again...pros for taking new job and using DH's insurance:
No more 4 hour commute
working from home
no more train tickets (save $)
no more parking fees (save $)
pay increase
one cycle covered

Cons for taking new job:
No IVF coverage

Pros for staying where I am:
IVF coverage (1 or 2 cycles)

Cons for staying where I am:
4 hour commute

What do you think? Honestly...

When it rains...

Last Wednesday (the 26th) I applied for 2 jobs. Both at national banks. On Wednesday afternoon, I received an email from Bank1 wanting to setup an initial phone interview on Friday. On Thursday, I received a phone call from Bank2, wanting to setup an initial phone interview on Friday.

I had both interviews on Friday. They both went well.

On Monday, I received a call from Bank2 wanting to setup a phone interview with the hiring manager. I returned her call on Tuesday and the interview was setup for Wednesday.

The interview went VERY well.

On Thursday, I received an email from the hiring manager saying he wanted to have the recruiter setup 2 phone meetings with 2 people on his team that I would be supporting. I said that would be wonderful. (still waiting to set those up)

On Thursday afternoon, I received an email from Bank1 saying they wanted to setup in person interviews with 2 of their regional managers on the 15th of February. Those are scheduled.

Today, I get a phone call from my manager, saying he was approached by a manager in another department about talking to me and seeing if I was interested in moving areas. Would I talk to said manager. Sure...meeting scheduled for 3pm Tuesday the 8th.

OMG. I hope I can keep all these people straight.

Bank1 - pay is about 5K more a year. Working in an office downtown. Would still have 2 hour commute.
Bank2 - pay is about 5k more a year. Working exclusively from home. No commute.
Current employer - have no idea yet what they are thinking about...

I'm absolutely floored. I feel so lucky to even get these interviews...nevermind how fast they are coming. I don't NEED a new job. Don't get me wrong, I would love a pay increase and the work from home perk...but I have a job. I know how lucky I am to be in a position to have options. I feel so absolutely floored.

Couponing

Any readers "coupon"? I'm just starting to get into this "craze" and I was wondering how everyone sorts their coupons. My problem is that I forget I have a coupon and don't end up using it...and then it expires. And there are no stores in my area that double so I'm bummed there. Just wondering.

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We spent all day yesterday looking for a suit for DH to wear to an interview he has tomorrow. Lexi only ended up with about 60 minutes total of nap time. Cranky little girl by the end of the day.

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I had 2 phone interviews on Friday for 2 seperate positions. One is a 100% work from home job. The other isn't. Both salaries are at least 5K more than what I'm at now. Fingers crossed that I get to interview with the hiring managers.

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We are expecting 18 - 24 inches of snow here over the course of tomorrow and Wednesday. And the northerly wind will make snow drifts even deeper. NOT looking forward to this. Though Lexi will enjoy herself.

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I think that's it for now.

First session

So I didn't go all crazy cleaning yesterday...I did vacuum the family room, since I figured the ST would sit on the floor with Lexi (she did) and shovelled the walk since we got a good amount of snow yesterday. But that's really it.

The session went well. Lexi saw the big roller bag Carrie (the ST) brought and was all about checking it out. One thing my girl is NOT is shy. My mom and I sat amazed that Lexi said everything that Carrie asked her to. OK...not necessarily enunciated properly...but we heard Lexi's version of My Turn, Ball In, More Please, Ball Please, Cow, Pig, I Fall and a few others I can't remember. I told Carrie that we NEVER hear these things from her. Carrie explained that most likely we are hearing them, but when presented with it out of context, we don't understand her. It was easy to hear Lexi's "My Turn" when Carrie prompted her to say it and we knew that is what she was expected to say. It made sense.

We are to work with her on 2 word phrases...My Turn, More Please etc and mimmick her words back to her so she can hear what she sounds like.

All in all I was pleased as punch. Carrie doesn't think this will be a long term relationship, which makes me happy.

Therapy

Lexi's first speech therapy session is in 90 minutes. Cue the mad rush to clean up the house to make it presentable to strangers!

Not TOO much going on

I know I've been MIA...chalk it up to a busy workweek and me deciding to take an unplanned haitus from blogging. I was off on the 17th for MLK Day...so I spent it with Lexi. We hung out at the mall, playing in the play area, looking at the puppies, eating pizza and just people watching. It was the BEST day. We also purchased cloth training pants...since Lexi has been ubber successful on the potty some days. Other days, not so much. But to stress, we aren't forcing the issue. Just letting her dictate the pace.

She starts speech therapy on Thursday. I'm VERY excited about this...but I have a feeling the ST will look at me like I'm nuts, since Lexi's vocabulary has been exploding the last few weeks. She now says: Up, Down, Mama, Dada, Maya (cat's name), Mo (more), Op (open), pease (please), uh oh, No, Elp (help)...along with the signs she knows.

I've also started exploring preschools. For 2012 - 2013. Don't laugh. The 2011-2012 preschool program in our school district is already full. So we're on the priority list for 2012. The good thing is, because she's getting EI services, she gets priority...on top of our residency priority. Can't believe I'm already thinking about schools...it's just too soon!

Slap in the face

I just got all my medical bills from the miscarriage in November sorted through. It's costing me more to lose a pregnancy than it did to deliver a baby. Not only do I NOT get my child...but I also get hit with the bills. I was only at the hospital for 5 hours that day. I was there for 36 when I delivered Lexi...and yet those bills were cheaper. And because all this happened at the END of the year...I had already used all my flex account for 2010...so all of this is going to be out of pocket.

I'm so angry right now I could SCREAM!

Potty Training here I come

Warning...this post is riddled with bodily functions and references to excrement. Read at your own risk. You have been warned.

Last night Lexi was still napping when I got home, but woke up shortly after. As I've mentioned before, we aren't full on potty training Lexi...but will take her occasionally. When she woke up, I took her to the potty. She sat down and we started looking at the books that are kept in the bathroom. 10 minutes into it, I asked her if she was done...knowing that she didn't do anything. She shook her head "no", so we stayed. 5 minutes later I asked again...and again, she shook her head "no". So we stayed. Shortly after that her face got bright red...and I knew she was going to poo. Sure enough, one long turd came out. We clapped and hoorayed...and I asked her again if she was done. She again said "no"...then MORE poo started to come out and as she's going she's pointing between her legs as if to say "See mom, I told you I wasn't done".

She ended up standing up and signing "All done" to me when she was done. The load she left in her potty was HUGE! I guess she is starting to understand and know when she has to go, since she told me 3 times she wasn't done. It may be time to invest in training pants and pull ups.

FINALLY

Only 6 months after I first tried...I FINALLY have a speech therapist assigned to Lexi. My coordinator called today after I left her a very strongly worded message on Monday, to tell me they have a therapist who can work with her on Thursdays at 2:30. Works perfect. Now I just have to wait for said therapist to call me and tell me when she will start.

Nook

Jamie posted recently about her newly acquired toy...and I've been meaning to post about the same toy but kept forgetting.

Like Jamie, I got myself a Nook e-reader for Christmas. I had enough points through my Bank's debit card rewards program to get the basic Nook with 3G and Wi-Fi. It came right before Christmas...and let me tell you...I'm addicted. I LOVE IT. I'm a book worm, always have been. I love books, but I hate carrying them and hate storing them when I'm finished. I had gotten a Sony Reader for Christmas in 2009, but I had returned it because I didn't care for it and, let's face it, it was $300 I would rather not have spent. So when I realized I could get a Nook for nothing I couldn't pass that up (Hubs got his IPod this way in 2009).

I've read 8 books so far in less than a month. The Nookbook wish list is addicting and so easy to add to. I can just click through the B&N website and add books to my wish list, or buy them directly. And it only takes seconds to download the books to the device. I can even do it at work with the weak 3G signal I get in my building.

I also LOVE the idea of their "Lend Me" feature. It allows Nook readers to Lend books to one another for a week by simply sending them an email. Until Jamie posted, I didn't know anyone else with a Nook...but now that I do, I'm syked that I can Lend books to someone miles away.

Does anyone else have a Nook?

1-11-11

Happy 1 11 11! How cool would it be to be born at 11:11 on 1/11/11? Or even 1:11 on 1/11/11?

21 months old

Dearest Lexi,

You are 21 months old. No longer a baby...but a full fledged little girl. My little diva.

Your personality is fully rooted. Words like shy and reserved are NOT used to describe you. You are outgoing and fun, running up to play with other kids...even if they are 3x your age. You know what you want and are not afraid to reach out and get it. A trait I hope you never lose.

Why do I call you my Diva? Because you HATE to be dirty. Anytime you have anything on your hands, you "give" me your hand to wipe...even if what's there is only visible to you. You MUST have a napkin at mealtime...and you will use it appropriately. You also get upset if what you picked out to wear isn't what mommy puts on you!

Your skills fascinate me everyday. Your ability to brush your teeth and hair amaze me. You're learning how to put your tops on...and can mostly get your pants on. Socks are easy...shoes are still hard. Your hat is always on your head, but you still need help with your coat, although at times you don't want my help.

You've started using more words as well. Besides the "up" that you've had for awhile and the "down" that you used occasionally...you've added "Maya", grandma's cat's name. "No" (said in the littlest voice) "Uh-Oh". "Pease" (for please) "Dada" and the one I've been waiting for..."Mama". A few years ago, I thought I'd never hear a little voice call me "Mama"...and now, here you are...calling "MAAAMAAA" when you don't see me. It melts my heart everytime.

You're combining signs with your "Pease"...such as the sign for "More" and saying "Pease". I love it that you are starting to communicate what your wishes are. You also have started nodding your head "Yes" more. I especially like when I ask if it's "Sleepy Time" and you nod "Yes".

Oh Baby Girl...I know you're not a baby anymore...and I'm so happy, yet so sad about that. You are growing up faster than I ever imagined you would. You'll always be my baby girl. I love you to the moon and back...infinity.

Love,

Mommy

Still waiting

We are still waiting for a speech therapist to be assigned to Lexi. Thursday will be 6 weeks since her initial evaluation. I did get a call from our coordinator the last week of December saying there was a therapist, but she could only come at 8:15am on Wednesdays. That didn't work for us. Lexi isn't up most days until almost 8am and waking her up for this would be counter productive. She'd be cranky that we woke her and nothing would be accomplished. So we're back in the system. Waiting.

I hate that I don't know when her therapy will be. I can't sign her up for any of her "fun" classes at the park district because what if it coincides with when a therapist can come? I don't want to pay $65 for a class she can't take!

Hey s.e....want to be Lexi's therapist? I'm kidding of course (only slightly). But I'm so frustrated with the "system".

P.S. I'm writing this on the 10th, but posting it for the 9th so I can post Lexi's 21 month letter later.

8 weeks ago...

Dear Baby,

I should be 16w2d today. But instead, today marks the 8 week point since we lost you. Not a day goes by that I don't think and wonder about you. Your big sister points to my rememberance necklace daily...I think it's her way of acknowledging you. And it brings me comfort while I fight the tears. On Sunday, you will officially be gone just as long as you were with us...and that makes me profoundly sad. So I will give your sister an extra big squeeze and hope that wherever you are...you can feel your mommy's love.

Love always and forever,

Mommy

Come out, come out, wherever you are...

Let me know you're there. And I may follow you, if I don't already!

Plus, it gives me the warm fuzzies...

Good bye 2010

I'm happy to be starting a new year. 2010 was a mix of the happy and unhappy:

• I was having troubles with my manager at work.
• Said manager left the company!!
• Lexi turned one
• We lost baby #2

There were lots of smaller ups and downs...but these were the ones that stick out.

Things I'd like to accomplish in 2011

• Save more money
• Pay off debts
• Have another baby (or at least get pregnant again)
• Reconnect with my DH more

I hope everyone has a safe, prosperous New Year.

All things holidays

It's been a crazy week, and it's not even over yet. I'll start by saying Christmas was great. We spent Christmas Eve at the in-laws like we normally do. Lexi thoroughly enjoyed herself and only had one small meltdown at dinner. She wanted to sit on momma's lap, but we weren't letting her out of her booster chair. Bad momma! Anyway, she received wonderful gifts from DH's parents and his aunt. I must say, his aunt did spectacular...and she's not known for her gift giving skills (I got socks one year...men's socks)...but it's the thought right? But Lexi got this toy which she LOVES...and this toy which she equally loves from her. From her grandma she got this toy...which is WAY above her age level. The box says ages 6 and up...uuummmm...she's only 1. She also received another alphabet electronic toy, but I can't remember the name of it so I can't link it. But it's much like the Leap Fr0g one. When we came home, Lexi put out her cookies and carrots for Santa and his reindeer, and also a bottle of Coke (because Santa wanted Coke from her and not milk).



Christmas Day was spent at our house. I relished the look on her face as she came down the stairs and got her first glimpse of the presents under the tree. I took video, but can't figure out how to upload it, and I don't have any pictures...so you'll just have to believe me when I say it was priceless. Santa came again this year to visit her after he made all his deliveries...and she actually hugged him. It was an amazing day being with family.

Lexi's godfather, his son and his girlfriend, then drove in from PA on Monday to stay with us...though we didn't know he was coming under Monday morning. Needless to say, there was alot of rushing around to clean and change sheets before they arrived.

Tuesday we all went to see Jeff Dunham. Jeff-fa-fa Dun-HAM dot cooomm. If you've seen his show, you know what I'm referring to. I loved it. I'm reading his book now and while it's not the most cohesive book (he jumps around alot) it's a good read. I'm such a huge fan of his...and have been since before he was so well known.

Wednesday was spent at the in-laws in the evening. DH and our house guests went into the city to the Mag Mile and Navy Pier to see the Christmas displays.

Last night was the first night in 3 days I got to sleep in my own bed (since we gave up our room to our guests).

I'm excited about NYE. I'll have my New Year's post later.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and that everyone enjoys their New Year and "plays safe".

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all my blog friends.

You have been there for me when I've needed you the most.

I wish nothing but joy and happiness to each and everyone of you this holiday season.