In Which I Awkwardly Post a First Day of School Photo

First, happy back to school to all of you teacher-readers who are getting back in the grind and setting your alarm for an ungodly hour again this week.  And, THANK YOU to those of you who participated in my teacher link-up last week.  I admit that with all the craziness of my own classroom, I haven't had a chance to visit all of them yet; but, I am making my way.  :)

And now, because I'm awkward, and shameless, I'll share my First Day of School 2012 Photo with you.

See other "First Day" photos here and here.  (What?! All 28 year olds don't do this?!?)

Yes, this is a weird angle because my (dear) husband took it from the bed at 6:30AM.  And, just to clarify in case there was any question - Yes, I do look slightly pregnant, which I am NOT. Ha!  That darn camera just never lies does it?  (I don't know how Fashion Bloggers do it.  I haven't even hit "Publish" yet, and I already feel ridiculous.)

Today was our first day with students and, because I have a DREAM job right now, that meant that I got to be creative/professional/organized/social/etc. in the morning, and then come home to enjoy lunch with both of my boys (Jeff comes home for lunch), a long walk, and some quiet nap/blogging/Pinterest time.  Does life get any better than that?

In case you can't tell, I'm pretty happy with my new job and schedule.  I am really loving the opportunity to  be a teacher - which is truly a BIG part of my heart - and a mom - an even BIGGER part.  I'm only about one week in; but, I can already tell that my mornings are going to be so good for me;  and, my time with Sam in the afternoons is SO sweet. (Have I mentioned that he is standing on his own now and about to start walking any minute?!?! I have instructed the babysitter that there is to be absolutely NO practicing when I'm not around - haha!)

To be honest, 12:00 - 4:00 kind-of feels like "stolen" time - you know, like when your plans for an entire day get cancelled and you find yourself with "extra" time you didn't count on - right now.  This afternoon, as I pushed Sam's stroller down our street in my yoga pants, I actually  felt kind-of nervous and sneaky - like this job is too good to be true, like I am cheating someone or something.  I assure you, I am not (just look at my pay-stub if you don't believe me - ha!); but still, you get my gist.

Of course, I know everything is still new and it won't all be butterflies and rainbows all the time.  Some time soon I'm going to have piles of papers to be graded and laundry to be folded during Sam's afternoon nap; but, for now, I'm soaking it up.  Life is good. 

*Don't be fooled into thinking for one second that I'm not still a hot mess... I'll be back tomorrow with some confessions.  Come back and join me, ok?  (I'll also be writing an update on my weight loss journey soon, for those of you that care.)