madmommy: From SAHM to WM

Today was it. The big day. Mommy went back to work, and munchkin started daycare.

I really expected it to be much more melodramatic. In honesty, for the first time in two years hubby and I woke up at the same time to get ready for the day. I let the munchkin sleep a little longer while I leisurely fed the cat, dog, and then myself. He woke up quite well for a child who normally sleeps until 8:30 am (I got him up at 6:45 to get him to daycare by 7 am). All smiles, drank his chocolate pedisure drink with a smile. Got to daycare and he headed straight for the toys and never looked back. Wow.

Later, when I picked him up, I did find out that occasionally he would look around saying, "Mommy? Mommmmmyyyyyy?" But didn't fuss. And I guess when he figured I wasn't there, he went back to playing. The biggest problem I thought she'd have with him was naptime. He's used to a late nap, in his crib. But the provider no sooner laid down the mats at 1pm than he laid down on his, looked at the other kids falling asleep, and promptly did the same! I was in shock. I think he'll do well...he's such a schedule boy.

And where, might you ask, am I working? I'm going back to a job I had before the munchkin was born; paraeducator for special ed kids. This time I'll be working in a high school environment. I'm a little nervous, as it's been two years, and back then I worked with younger kids, but I enjoy the job. We had our orientation today and I must say I feel very psyched to go "back to school". It's also a job I can continue with when the munchkin gets into school, and he'll never notice I'm not home, because our hours will be the same. A big advantage in working school hours.

Here's a great recipe I got from a friend we stayed with this weekend. (If you don't like spicy food, omit the cajun seasoning and substitue 1/4 tsp. salt instead).

Cajun Hummus

1 can chickpeas, drained but reserve the juice
1 medium clove garlic
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp pepper
1 tsp creole seasoning (or more to taste)

1. combine all ingredients in food processor and blend until smooth (add the reserved liquid if the mixture seems too thick, but only a very little at a time...you can also just add more olive oil, or even tahini if you can find it).

2. enjoy with crackers or pita bread!

Very low carbs, high protein, low cal. And good for you. This is going to be a favorite for my school lunch packing.