The first week

My first week back at work went quite well.  I commuted each day from home, which was good for all of us. It eased us into the transition and made sure I got a good amount of Dean time each day.  He's adjusting beautifully to our new schedule and loves having BJ around more. 

I fell right back into the rhythm of my job, as I hoped I would.  Once I spent a day remembering the nuts and bolts of this particular theatre, I was able to dive in and work on prepping for my show.  It felt good to use those parts of my brain again. I was especially proud to be able to do my job and still be a mom.  I made Dean's lunch every day and put him to bed every night.  This week will be a little different, as I'll be spending a few nights away from home, but I've already made his lunches for the week and a few dinners to keep him and Marcus from eating hot dogs every night  give the guys some variety. 

Instead of the apartments the theatre usually uses for housing, I'm staying in an extended-stay hotel for the duration of my contract. At first, that seemed like a drag, but then I realized something:  SOMEONE ELSE WILL CLEAN THE ROOM!  They will make the bed, bring me fresh towels, even run the little dishwasher in my kitchenette.  That?  Sounds heavenly.  I'm going to be very spoiled.  Fortunately, this means I can save my energy for Mondays when I'm sure I'll have plenty to clean up around my house.

 When we are in the rehearsal hall (where we rehearse before moving to the theatre), we put down spike tape on the floor to show where the set will be.  I needed to tape the floor out on Saturday, but didn't really have much other work to do, so Dean came with me.  He had a blast playing with my friend Tanya and running around the big empty room.  He even found a yoga ball in a corner, which entertained him for MINUTES! 

Dean has started showing a real interest in music. He's always been drawn to music, but his interest is maturing a bit, if you will.  Ever since he was a tiny baby, he'd stop whatever he was doing if some music came on, and he'd usually dance or sing along.  The other night, he went up to the theatre with Marcus and walked up to the piano onstage. Instead of running up and banging on it, he climbed up onto the bench and carefully plucked out several notes with his index finger.  Our friend Laurie, who's our music director for the department, said, "You need to encourage that! Most babies that age just bang on it. He's got a respect for the instrument."  He did the same thing with the piano in the rehearsal hall on Saturday--climbed up and started gingerly playing single notes.  I started playing piano by ear when I was 4, then took lessons for 10 years before dropping out to devote more time to dance.  What I'm saying is it's in his blood.  We're not going to push, but we are going to encourage his interest.  Inside I'm squeeing because OMG, how cool would it be to have a little musical prodigy?

On Friday, Marcus cancelled his rehearsal so he and Dean could go to the Expo at the Bassmaster Classic. (For those of you who are clueless as to such things like I am, it's a fishing thing.)  They came home with a giant bag full of fish-related swag, including a set of Mardi Gras beads with wooden bass on them.  Dean makes me wear them around the house. 

Dean had to wear credentials while they were at the Expo.  How hilarious is THAT?

That's about it for us this week.  Next week is going to be insane.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to it.

Have you entered my giveaway?  Don't miss your chance to win a super-cute bib from the great folks at Jaq Jaq Bird!  Giveaway ends 2/28.

Comments

[J]

LOVE the necklace!! LOL! It's purty. Dean looks so sweet modeling the bib! He must have eaten pasta with red sauce. ;) Marcus racked up! Hope y'all have a great week, Sweetie.

[rkmama]

Sounds like you had a great week!

Clearly, Dean is going to be a musical genius. Do you guys have a Music Together program set up near you? It is an awesome way to get young kids to grow a love for music and nurture their natural ability. Keaton loves it and their CD's are like ear crack for kids.

The fish look suits you...have a good week!

[AJU5's Mom]

I think the extended stay hotel is a great option - no real cleaning and yet you still have some sort of kitchen! Hopefully this week goes as well as next week for you.

[eva]

Working is great when you still have some balance with home life - I'm glad this is going well for you. And super excited for your little musical prodigy!