Madelyn started daycare mid-February. At the last moment, our friend helped us find a lady named Jenefiel who just received her childcare license in her home. Her husband deployed to the desert last week so she only accepted Madelyn for right now until she can get everything situated in her home. Madelyn had a rough start, but she is doing great and we could not be happier with the care she is receiving. Her passport also arrived on Valentine's Day!
Carter is still in daycare until March 30. He is number 3 on the list for a permanent spot. If he doesn't get in by April, we are hoping he can go to Madelyn's provider. We'll cross that bridge later. He is a learning machine. This month he has done awesome with colors. He can line all his trains up into perfect rows matching the colors. Will he be type A---of course. He's still in love with puzzles and can complete most of the ones we have all by himself.
Paula is still on the AM shift at work. They are doing construction in the clinic so they have to rotate dentists on AM/PM shifts. She goes in early and can usually get out early enough to have some time at home to walk the dogs, do house stuff, pack for the next day, etc. She is slotted to attend a 2-week course in San Antonio, Texas in August. To date, the funding is still available and the class is not cancelled. But, that could always change I'm sure.
I started my job Feb 11. I'd like to say I love it, but I'm overwhelmed and too early to have an opinion. My supervisor is very fast-paced and trying to get me up and running as quick as possible. I usually just stare at her like a deer in the headlights. Regardless, I am blessed to have a job that challenges me and forces me to learn everyday. I was informed I was the last person hired in our unit due to Government hiring freezes- so, the timing could not have been better. I am already scheduled to attend my "basic training" in June. Depending on furlough, budget cuts, blah blah, I'll be in California, Maryland the month of June.
Six + months in, we are now somewhat "settled" in Germany. We've got it down to a science on how to get our cars buried out of the snow and still get the kids out the door by 6:45. With my new job, daycare uncertainties, and our training in June/August, we are still trying to figure out when we can come back to STL. My training is about 1 1/2 hours from Baltimore. It is likely Paula and the kids will take the military flight to Baltimore in June, stay with me a couple days, and then they will get a flight to STL. Still in the planning stages, but that's where we're at.
Time to put Madelyn to bed.
