The Great Inventory Debacle

I started the week off with gusto that would make you all proud. The dreaded annual inventory was complete. January was behind us. I was ready to take on February and my new(ish) job requirements. I had spring in my step and optimism (as promised) in my heart. Then Jordan posed a question, "Did-you-shut-down-the-computer-yesterday?" Her face was mostly buried in her shirt, as if to shield herself from my reply. I put off the inevitable bad news by returning with another question, but it only bought us about 3 extra seconds of ignorant bliss. "Was-I-not-supposed-to?" Apparently, I was NOT. And I was the only one who was unaware of this. Either those girls give me too much credit, or I don't always listen. The inventory we had painstakingly counted over the previous week was long lost. We should have cried, but instead, we laughed...And we started over. It only took us two days the second time. I wish I could say that it's twice as accurate, but I don't think that's really the case. It will have to do until that time rolls around again, mid-year.

On a positive note, Willa was a complete angel all week. I think she has finally acclimated to the work environment. Her naps came easily and regularly, and were uncharacteristically long. She played well in her new space, and was just an all-around delight. I take full credit for getting her into this routine. No Babywise cry-it-out nonsense necessary. And it only took me 13 months. Maybe I should write a book.

So despite how it sounds, the week wasn't all work and no play. We had our share of fun. And here's the proof...

New Year:New Game Plan

Yesterday, Jordan told me that she has decided to take a step back from her managerial role at Root and into a situation that will better suit her life with the new baby, Cash. We still have to iron out the details, but she plans to set up an office at home and continue to do bookkeeping for Root and The Roadrunner, while taking on more of the same for the Bakery. She'll hone in on her expertise in finance and bookkeeping, and streamline her workload, which will promote more efficiency and productivity, increased income, and decreased stress.

Of course I am disappointed, but I completely know where she is coming from. Not only do I appreciate her tremendously as an employee, I love her dearly as a friend and want what is best for her and her family. But still, it came as a surprise and well, feels like I've gotten dumped. We both laughed through giant tears as she assured me, "it's not you, it's just me." I couldn't help but to let my emotions get the best of me and failed miserably at keeping it together.

Jordan is a huge asset to the store, and I have come to rely on her for more than either of us realized...until now. Having her there enabled me to take a much needed break and adjust to motherhood. After 7 years of doing it all myself, it was easy to hand over the reins to someone so trustworthy and competent. And even now that I'm back in the picture, having Jordan managing has allowed me to enjoy the business I've built from a completely different perspective. She gave me peace of mind that was priceless. And it was comforting to have her around to share in the trials and triumphs (of both retail and motherhood.) But over the last few weeks since she's been back from maternity leave, she has given me strength as my confidant, another working mother, determined to have both, struggling to wear two heavy hats on a single, sleep-deprived head.

There was one busy day a month or so ago, when Jordan and I worked together...with both Willa and Cash...and no other help. I won't get into the details of it, but it was challenging. Tears were shed, and not just by the babies. By closing time, I was bedraggled from the hectic day of juggling, but also filled with fresh enthusiasm and grit, a sense of post-adolescent girl-power. I felt so proud to be a devoted mother and businesswoman, and satisfied with my unwillingness to choose between the two.

Now, I know Jordan is going to read this, and I hope she takes it as it is intended, as an enormous compliment. I respect her decision and completely understand and relate.

I have to keep reminding myself, though, that she isn't quitting. She'll still be around, just less often. And she will keep on doing an amazing job, insuring that the accounts are in balance and the bills are paid, and plenty more. I'll be back in charge at the shop, with my nose to the familiar grindstone. Willa will be with me, 'cause I won't have it any other way. And it will all be just fine because it has to be.

Happy Birthday, Jordan!

I hope you had a fabulous 30th! I am so glad I got to be there to celebrate with you, just like you did with me on my 30th. (Isn't it interesting how much our lives have both changed since then? And it has only been two years!) I'm wondering what on earth you wished for as you blew out those candles... an uninterruped night's sleep, perhaps? Anyway, you don't look a day over 29. (Or anywhere near it, for that matter.)

Cash Leo Penick

Jordan and Derrek, along with Ashley and Blake, welcomed their newest teammate today. Cash Leo Penick was born at 6:31 pm, weighing 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 19 inches in length. I didn't think that family could get any more beautiful, but it just did.

Here Goes Nothing...

So I've been watching Jordan blog away for the past couple of weeks, and it looked like such fun, I just had to take a crack at it myself. I figure, why not? I have ample time on my hands, you know? Sean actually suggested it. He teases me regularly for my bedtime routine...designsponge - ohdeedoh - apartmenttherapy - nonchalantmom - babychic101...in that order...always. But what, you might ask, could I offer to the wonderful world of blogging? I'm not promising a whole lot. We'll see how it goes. We all may be pleasantly surprised.
So now what...
I think I'll hit the sack. This has kept me up much later than usual. I hope to get my pj's on and slip into bed before Willa wakes up, needing her lovie, paci, and some reassuring shushing.

Goodnight.