Yes, you read it
correctly. 21 children. No, they aren’t all biological. In fact, I just met 20 of them. Only one shares my DNA. But all of them are mine, at least for
the majority of the day. This was my
first full week with all 20 kiddos. 20 four
year olds. All day. And then I get to come home to snuggle with my anti
snuggling, teething, cut out her 3rd nap, no sleep for mommy, 8.5
month old. I have to be honest. I feel more exhausted at this
moment, than I did when Mollie was a newborn.
I knew this week would be
challenging. Rules week always is. One may think that rules week while pregnant
would be tough. This one seems a bit
tougher. Maybe it is because I have a
child of my own when I come home. Last
year, I could take ALL of the naps. This
year, not so much.
Don’t get me wrong. I do love my job. And I love these 20 children. And the one that is actually mine… I love her
more than I could ever explain. That’s
what is so hard. They crack me up. (Not when they are being crazy in the
hall.) But when I get the chance to have
a conversation with them. They are
hilarious. Today, I was informed that
one answers to being called baby (we tested it out), one has a dog named Teddy that eats poo, one is going to
teach me how to swim better (I am a terrible swimmer), and one can pretend to
be a zombie monster with some seriousness.
Like, his eyes went scary.
This entire year for me
is all about the word "patience." It keeps
replaying in my mind. It is all over
this blog that I started. Patience with
Mollie. Patience with these 20 children
that just entered my life. Patience with
the parents that may or may not trust me with their child. Patience with time.
Time... As far as school is concerned, I would love
to fast forward to the end of September.
By the end of September, these kids will know the rules of the school
like none other! But, if I fast forward time, then that means I would have a 9
month old. And I am not ready for
that. 9 months old is too close to a
year. I can’t have a one year old any
time soon because she was born yesterday...right?
Patience. Good thing God is in control of my life. Lord knows I couldn't handle a day without Him. There is probably a special reward for teachers up in Heaven, don't you think? Just kidding...
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Ephesians 4:2
Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.
Aren't they cute with they sleep?
