Big steps

Today Isabel is 11 months!

She's starting to take steps, her favorite game is when I stand her up about a foot away from me and she takes a couple of steps and falls into my shoulder. Love love love the joy I see on her face when she does this!

She's weeks away from really walking...kind of crazy! She can climb the stairs and is a very fast crawler!

She's loving feeding herself and it loving waffles, mangos, cherries and peaches.

Just today I was taking her home from music class and she was babbling and enjoying the walk when it donned on me I have a little girl.

She's amazing me every day and I love each minute.

On to the next bit step.....
We are going to put Isabel in part time day school, 3 days a week each day a half day. Ugh, I know its gonna be hard to let her go but I feel like its the right call. Here's why:
I need to finish my dissertation and need face time with my advisor
I can make some money and it will help pay for childcare
I think Isabel will thrive in a distraction of an environment
I like the school curriculumn and its better than just a babysitter
A friend is sending her baby there too so that makes me feel a little more at ease
Isabel doesn't have to nap there because she will start off on half days

Of course, I am terrified. I haven't spent 4 hours away from her and she's never been with anyone but family.

The thought of her crying her head off devastates me. I am trusting that we found a school that will have teachers that are experienced and will be able to help her through it.

Its a giant step for me to do this. I don't want it to seem like I am putting myself first. I am doing this so I can finish my dissertation and then go back to staying home with her longer and working another job part time down the line. I really enjoy being her mom and yet I need to finish my dissertation, and I am not getting it done on my own.

I start in 2 weeks..
*sigh*

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Ladybug is doing alot better with her incision and is healing. She's so spunky its hard to keep her quiet!

Liam had 4 more quills removed from his paw after seeing a specialist. I am hoping this is finially it!

We also got the results back on Ladybug's mass. Its malignant.

*gulp*

We are hoping since it was fully removed and not spread she can recover and not suffer with cancer long term.

Wishing for a break. We really love our fur kids and we will do anything for them. Saddly, this is really financially draining. We are doing the best for them and we will. I have to, we wouldn't have it any other way.