The Doctor is In

At least I will be for two mornings a week now. After a week of serious contemplation, I’ve finally made a decision regarding my own personal Crossroads. Thank you for all of your wonderful support, advice, and encouragement. I really have taken every single comment to heart. You have helped me more than you know.

After a week filled with stress, hair pulling (my own), some unfortunate yelling (hence, my Srunchy Mama moment), and a scouring of new preschools, I have finally decided it is time to put my pediatrician hat back on (part time anyway). Now that the whirlwind of last week is behind me, I am genuinely happy about this decision.

It’s a new era for our family. My children will certainly be shocked to discover that yes, I have those doctor instruments for a reason. They are not just toys for them after all. I’m still a bit apprehensive about our soon to be new schedule. I’m sad to have to say good-bye to Little Sister’s preschool. Although she has only been there a few short months, my son had been there for two years. We absolutely love that preschool. Breaking up is surely going to be hard to do.

Still, I feel it in my heart, this is a good way to go for us. When all is said and done, I am happy with Little Sister’s new preschool and Big Brother will be happy to eat lunch at school (it really is the little things that make kids happy).

I’m a bundle of excitement, nervous energy, apprehension, and a bit of sadness. It’s another stage in our lives. One that signifies our growth, mainly our children’s growth. For some reason making this leap seems almost akin to stepping on the fast track to “I blinked and our kids grew up”. Well, grow they will and I will do my darnedest not to miss a beat. They won’t let me anyway.

Dr.Mom will see you now.

*In other news, I’m over at Our Mommyhood today. I’m talking about safety blunders, how they happen to the best of us, and how by sharing our stories we can help each other avoid potentially dangerous situations.

Please join me over there today and swap safety stories with us! After all, it’s through our sharing of motherhood battle scars that bond us and make us stronger.*

45 Responses to The Doctor is In
  1. JDaniel4's Mom
    October 26, 2010 | 3:51 am

    I know this was a hard decision. It sounds like the transition should go smoothly.

  2. Sherri
    October 26, 2010 | 6:51 am

    Melissa, I read your other post when you were just thinking this all through but didn't comment at the time…..but my thoughts were with you and I know these decisions are SO hard! It sounds like you really put a lot of time into making the decision that is best for your family for right now.
    I am so happy for you, and hope your transition goes smoothly!

  3. Sherri
    October 26, 2010 | 6:51 am

    Melissa, I read your other post when you were just thinking this all through but didn't comment at the time…..but my thoughts were with you and I know these decisions are SO hard! It sounds like you really put a lot of time into making the decision that is best for your family for right now.
    I am so happy for you, and hope your transition goes smoothly!

  4. MJ
    October 26, 2010 | 7:21 am

    YAYYYY! Sis that is exciting news! I am so happy for you! It is your calling~ you are getting to do what you have worked so hard all those years studying. I wish I was there to tip glasses and celebrate this new phase in life….”For in movement there is life, and in change there is power.” –AC
    Love You!~XO

  5. MJ
    October 26, 2010 | 7:21 am

    YAYYYY! Sis that is exciting news! I am so happy for you! It is your calling~ you are getting to do what you have worked so hard all those years studying. I wish I was there to tip glasses and celebrate this new phase in life….”For in movement there is life, and in change there is power.” –AC
    Love You!~XO

  6. Tatter Scoops
    October 26, 2010 | 7:32 am

    Congrats and all the best for your new endeavor even when it's part time it will be a new adventure in a way. Hope it will goes smoothly :)

  7. Tatter Scoops
    October 26, 2010 | 7:32 am

    Congrats and all the best for your new endeavor even when it's part time it will be a new adventure in a way. Hope it will goes smoothly :)

  8. Maura
    October 26, 2010 | 9:47 am

    Best of luck, Melissa! I'm sure this wasn't an easy decision, but it sounds like you went with what is right for you and your family. Looking forward to posts about the transition!

  9. Maura
    October 26, 2010 | 9:47 am

    Best of luck, Melissa! I'm sure this wasn't an easy decision, but it sounds like you went with what is right for you and your family. Looking forward to posts about the transition!

  10. TheBabyMammaChronicles
    October 26, 2010 | 10:32 am

    Congrats on getting through the crossroads! I am sure you will find lots of rewarding experiences through your decision. Best of luck!

  11. TheBabyMammaChronicles
    October 26, 2010 | 10:32 am

    Congrats on getting through the crossroads! I am sure you will find lots of rewarding experiences through your decision. Best of luck!

  12. Cheryl D.
    October 26, 2010 | 11:56 am

    Yay! I'm so excited for you! Not many moms get to have the luxury of doing an amazing occupation and still be able to spend so much time with their kids! I'm glad you're taking advantage of this opportunity! I'm incredibly jealous too!

  13. Cheryl D.
    October 26, 2010 | 11:56 am

    Yay! I'm so excited for you! Not many moms get to have the luxury of doing an amazing occupation and still be able to spend so much time with their kids! I'm glad you're taking advantage of this opportunity! I'm incredibly jealous too!

  14. Magic Ear Kids
    October 26, 2010 | 11:56 am

    This is exciting and a great relief I'm sure just having the decision part over with!

  15. Liz
    October 26, 2010 | 12:09 pm

    What a great and happy post! And It sounds like you feel very good about your decision! I'm happy for you.

  16. Liz
    October 26, 2010 | 12:09 pm

    What a great and happy post! And It sounds like you feel very good about your decision! I'm happy for you.

  17. jenazevedo
    October 26, 2010 | 1:09 pm

    WOW! what exciting news for you!! your super happy, wonderful children will do fantastic and i'm sincerely happy for you! Congratulations!

  18. jenazevedo
    October 26, 2010 | 1:09 pm

    WOW! what exciting news for you!! your super happy, wonderful children will do fantastic and i'm sincerely happy for you! Congratulations!

  19. Funky Mama Bird
    October 26, 2010 | 2:37 pm

    I guess we'll be updating your bio at the end of your next posts! =)

    Welcome back to the work force.

  20. Funky Mama Bird
    October 26, 2010 | 2:37 pm

    I guess we'll be updating your bio at the end of your next posts! =)

    Welcome back to the work force.

  21. Katherine
    October 26, 2010 | 2:53 pm

    Best of luck with everything. It is very overwhelming, especially when new schools are involved. But I'm positive that everyone will adjust to the changes smoothly.

  22. Katherine
    October 26, 2010 | 2:53 pm

    Best of luck with everything. It is very overwhelming, especially when new schools are involved. But I'm positive that everyone will adjust to the changes smoothly.

  23. Paula {Simply Sandwich}
    October 26, 2010 | 4:45 pm

    So very happy that the decision process is over! Wishing you the best in the new schedule, routine, etc. =)

  24. Paula {Simply Sandwich}
    October 26, 2010 | 4:45 pm

    So very happy that the decision process is over! Wishing you the best in the new schedule, routine, etc. =)

  25. Yuliya
    October 26, 2010 | 5:05 pm

    Happy that you made your decision, certain it was my weighted pro/con list idea that helped you get there…kidding of course. Lots of luck to you!
    And doc, what do you make of the Hyland's teething tablets recall?

  26. Yuliya
    October 26, 2010 | 5:05 pm

    Happy that you made your decision, certain it was my weighted pro/con list idea that helped you get there…kidding of course. Lots of luck to you!
    And doc, what do you make of the Hyland's teething tablets recall?

  27. MommaKiss
    October 26, 2010 | 7:01 pm

    will you please see me and my stupid mom guilt?
    thanks!

  28. MommaKiss
    October 26, 2010 | 7:01 pm

    will you please see me and my stupid mom guilt?
    thanks!

  29. Melinda
    October 26, 2010 | 8:24 pm

    You sound excited and at peace! Both good signs that you made the right choice for you and your family (I had no doubt! ;0) The transition will take some getting used to for all of you, but it sounds like your kids are already adjusting. (They must have a great mom!) You'll be in my thoughts and prayers as you begin this new phase of life! ;0)

  30. Melinda
    October 26, 2010 | 8:24 pm

    You sound excited and at peace! Both good signs that you made the right choice for you and your family (I had no doubt! ;0) The transition will take some getting used to for all of you, but it sounds like your kids are already adjusting. (They must have a great mom!) You'll be in my thoughts and prayers as you begin this new phase of life! ;0)

  31. --
    October 26, 2010 | 8:28 pm

    Wow, this makes me want to cry. Congratulations. I'm going through something similar (just read your “Crossroads” post) but the job I was offered is FULL time. Ugh. I envy you. It sounds like you made the right decision. I'm wondering if I should take the leap myself. Good luck.

  32. Booyah's Momma
    October 27, 2010 | 12:08 am

    A new stage in your lives… good luck to you in your transition. Sounds like the kids will do great. Wishing you all the best!

  33. Truthful Mommy
    October 27, 2010 | 6:56 am

    Awesome! I am so excited for you! It will be hard at first to get back in the swing away fro the kiddos but the hardest part was the decision and it has been made.Good Luck!

  34. Truthful Mommy
    October 27, 2010 | 6:56 am

    Awesome! I am so excited for you! It will be hard at first to get back in the swing away fro the kiddos but the hardest part was the decision and it has been made.Good Luck!

  35. MommieDaze
    October 27, 2010 | 7:23 pm

    A tough decision, but it sounds like you made the right one. Wishing you the best in your new endeavors.

  36. MommieDaze
    October 27, 2010 | 7:23 pm

    A tough decision, but it sounds like you made the right one. Wishing you the best in your new endeavors.

  37. Annette
    October 28, 2010 | 3:47 am

    I'm so happy for you Melissa. I think you have a great opportunity, and your children will come to admire you both as a mom and a doctor! Who knows? It may even inspire them to want to walk in your footsteps one day. The transition is the toughest, but within a few weeks, you'll be settled into your new routine :)

  38. Annette
    October 28, 2010 | 3:47 am

    I'm so happy for you Melissa. I think you have a great opportunity, and your children will come to admire you both as a mom and a doctor! Who knows? It may even inspire them to want to walk in your footsteps one day. The transition is the toughest, but within a few weeks, you'll be settled into your new routine :)

  39. Ameena
    October 29, 2010 | 9:55 am

    Congratulations Dr. Mom on making such a huge decision. For what it's worth (and it's probably not worth much!) I do believe you made the right one. I think you will have the best of both worlds! I only wish you were closer so Maya could have such a competent doctor!

  40. Ameena
    October 29, 2010 | 9:55 am

    Congratulations Dr. Mom on making such a huge decision. For what it's worth (and it's probably not worth much!) I do believe you made the right one. I think you will have the best of both worlds! I only wish you were closer so Maya could have such a competent doctor!

  41. Rachael
    October 30, 2010 | 8:18 pm

    Congratulations on your decision, it sounds great!

  42. Rachael
    October 30, 2010 | 8:18 pm

    Congratulations on your decision, it sounds great!

  43. Adriel (The Mommyhood Memos)
    October 31, 2010 | 5:12 am

    Good for you! You've made a hard decision, and you've done it wisely, no doubt. I hope the transition goes EVEN BETTER than you're hoping for!

    Sorry I've missed you lately. My life has been nuts! (busy!) And for what it's worth, I wish we lived closer so we could have play dates and coffee and so I could bring Levi to see you when he has a “sniffle”. :)

  44. Melissa B
    November 1, 2010 | 8:47 am

    Best wishes, Doctor Mom! I am similarly returning to clinical practice after a long, baby-induced hiatus. I know that motherhood has certainly enriched my perspective as a psychologist and that I'm better for the time I've spent at home. I do hope you'll be able to continue to write with some frequency, as I enjoy reading your blog! All the best, (another) Melissa

  45. Melissa B
    November 1, 2010 | 8:47 am

    Best wishes, Doctor Mom! I am similarly returning to clinical practice after a long, baby-induced hiatus. I know that motherhood has certainly enriched my perspective as a psychologist and that I'm better for the time I've spent at home. I do hope you'll be able to continue to write with some frequency, as I enjoy reading your blog! All the best, (another) Melissa