transition is hard

We are going through yet another transition in our house. Last week, Brandon started a full-time job, which means Maggie is now in full-time daycare. As with most things, there are both benefits and drawbacks to this new chapter of our life.

It was sad to say goodbye to our friend who has watched Maggie three days per week since she was six months old. Grace was a trusted friend even before I left my only child with her. Having her care for Maggie was truly a blessing. Drop off and pick up was a time to chat for 5-10 minutes and catch up on small things in life.

In contrast, when I dropped off the paperwork for Maggie's new daycare last week I met the woman who oversees the infant room for the first time. As I walked to my car, I realized I had just met the woman I'd be sending my daughter to be with five days per week. My stomach knotted and tears flowed.

There would be no drop off chat about common friends or what was planned for the weekend. I cried that afternoon and tried not to dwell on the upcoming transition. But I had to be honest and reminded myself transition is hard.

Then I made a little list of the good this opportunity brings our whole family.

1. My husband gets to work not only closer, but within walking distance of our house!
2. Being around other children Maggie's age on a more regular basis will benefit her socially.
3. Her immune system is stronger than it was eight months ago when Grace started caring for her.
4. Maggie has an easy-going and adaptive personality.
5. The daycare facility is only about a mile from our home.

Those five things don't guarantee I won't cry in the car after I drop Maggie off some mornings. Nor do they erase the mommy guilt that creeps in. But they are reminders of a God who provides.

Car time is on the decline(...hey, gas ain't cheap!)
Prior to this change, my husband's commute was previously 1-2 hours ONE way and I spent about 50 minutes in the car on my way to and from work.

We'll get more time together as a family.
For more than 75% of our marriage, Brandon's worked hourly jobs with hours outside of 9am-5pm and finally we're back to "regular" hours.

Opportunities to get better connected to our community.
By not spending time commuting longer distances, we'll be able to know more people in the who live nearby, along with meeting people through Maggie's daycare.

We've been hoping to get more connected with our community, spend more time together as a family and less time commuting for about two years!