Changes for the Smith's

Alright. Shadow is in bed. Jordan is in bed. American Idol is coming to a close and I am finally taking some time to catch up on my blog! There have been some new happenings at the Smith household (and to this blog as well. It seemed only fitting to change the name since we were changing locations.) Jordan accepted a job in Versailles, KY as Manager for Government Relations for the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. That is a mouthful so start to be familiar with the acronym KCTCS. Versailles is just outside of Lexington, KY in the central part of the state, and about 4 hours from Murray.



Yes, we said good-bye to our beloved Murray and moved on to a bigger city and bigger opportunities all while staying in the Commonwealth Jordan and I grew to love so much. Jordan is adjusting to his new job and enjoying every minute as he begins to get into the swing of things. He gets to read legislative bills and other policy documents, talk all day with state representative and senators, coordinate an internship program, and live and breathe everything regarding politics and education. In short, it's a dream job for him. Just perfect.



I, on the other hand, have not found a job yet. That is, not one that gives me an office, money, or an official title. My current job right now is stay- at- home -mommy for Shadow. And to be honest, I was a bit nervous about it. At first I was freaked out about not working. I knew Shadow would keep me busy during the day but I kept asking myself, "What am I going to do all day? What are WE going to do with each other? When will I find a job?" I foresaw myself getting bored, restless, or maybe I was a little scared to be with Shadow all day, everyday. While I worked at Murray State, I really only saw Shadow early in the morning and then in the evening for a couple hours before he went to sleep. So, was I going to be a good stay at home mommy?



Well, I hope so, because I am starting to love it. I wake up everyday to a smiling Shadow and rather than hurry to get him dressed to go to day care, we just hang out on the couch. He takes a bottle and I start my 6-8 cups of coffee for the day while we watch Disney Junior. (Mickey's Clubhouse is our favorite but I highly recommend Handy Manny and Timmy Time too). We play with his toys and then he takes a mid morning nap. This allows me to decorate our new home, work on my grad class, clean, do laundry, or perhaps try a crafty project. I regret that I haven't used that time to write on here, but I'm hoping that improves soon. Shadow wakes up and we eat lunch. Then we play, go take a walk, or go out and explore the city. It's not hard to find somewhere to go here in Lexington. We have enjoyed the library, Target, Hobby Lobby, and Kroger Marketplace. (By the way, can I add how much I love not living in a dry county anymore? Kroger has wine and beer, and it's just down the street!) Then we come home, Shadow takes a little afternoon nap and I catch the Ellen show or take a snooze myself. Shadow wakes up and we play until Jordan comes home. We do miss him during the day. We were used to going to work together so lately I find myself waiting anxiously for 5:00 when he comes home. It has been a very good transition for us. At first we were pretty stressed with the changes but I think we are starting to get a feel for things and find our place.



I really do want to find a job, but for now I enjoy my stay-at-home-mommy jduties. Do I get stir crazy? A bit. Do I get a little stressed being with Shadow all day? Sure. But I am learning how to be a better mommy this way. I am actually spending TIME with him. I am getting to know him better and I think he is getting to know me better too and it is absolutely wonderful. I see even more now how much he changes and how much his personality is growing. So, for now, I am content with the opportunity to stay at home with him and I am looking forward to see what else this new chapter has in store for the us.