HOORAY!!!

It's official, Derek's schedule is finally changing!!!!!! After 3 long years of working the night shift (11:30pm-7:30am) in order to cover a big chunk of our childcare, Derek will be moving to the evening shift (3:30pm-11:30pm). We realized about a year ago that we could maintain the same childcare schedule even if he worked evenings. Instead of going to bed in the afternoon, he could just go to work instead. There was a process involved in requesting the change and having it approved, however. It ended up taking another 8 months for EMS to find a replacement for his specialized position as a Communications Officer.

If we have ever needed this kind of good news, now is the time. Derek received preliminary notice that the schedule change would be finally taking effect last weekend, and as of yesterday the new shift is reflected in the online schedule. He has been off this week in order to help getting his mom settled at home following her discharge from the hospital yesterday. The first day of the new shift will be Monday!

The last few weeks have been incredibly stressful and chaotic, so we were so very happy today to know that Joanne is settling in back at home and we could enjoy a family day. We went to the zoo this morning, and were excited to eat supper together tonight. Outside of Derek's once-a-year vacation, this is the first family dinner we have shared in three years!!! We had grilled hot dogs, refrigerator pickles, grilled potatoes and cauliflower, and fresh tomatoes.

The last few years (and the last few weeks) have made me really appreciate the little things. Three days into the regular schedule I am thankful for sleeping in the same bed every night again and waking up in the morning together, and being able to make dinner and put the kids to bed together a few times a week... 

Tonight we're catching up on "Top Chef Masters" and enjoying moscow mules. Tomorrow night I've lined up a babysitter and we'll be going out to celebrate.

Cheers!!!