Cha Cha Cha Changes

I just want to thank everyone who commented and/or reached out to me after my last blog post. I was humbled by the number of women who said they could relate and that they too experience numerous obstacles and moments of doubt when it comes to training and balancing life. After receiving several emails and messages of concern and support, I thought it would be meaningful to provide an update on where I am at and how the past month has brought about many changes to our family. It has been so important in my own journey as a mom to open up, connect, relate, and learn from others who have been there or are going through similar things. Sharing my struggles on the blog has opened new doors and ultimately put my life in a better place.

A lot of changes immediately followed the blog post and I thought it would be worthwhile to share some of the adjustments we’ve made in the Yax household. Several months ago, Justin and I started looking into daycare options for Axel, including a Montessori school for toddlers that is about a mile away from our house. After Justin and I talked among ourselves, and got some insight from family and friends, we thought it would be a good decision for our family if Axel were to be around other kids in a fun, educational environment. I had always been a little hesitant about putting Axel into daycare, mostly because I was scared that he would not receive the same quality of care and attention that he would receive at home, but at 18 months and without a lot of socialization under his belt I felt it would be worth looking into.

After doing a tour of Casa dei Bambini and talking with the staff, we immediately got Axel on the waiting list and let them know our days/hours would be flexible with any availability they had. We really liked that the school was small (they have 16 kids max) and that there is 1 teacher for every 4 kids. The overall mission of Montessori also sits well with us as they praise independent learning and help kids navigate through developmental milestones. We knew the demand for good daycares in Bend is high (another daycare we called put our name on a waiting list and told us to “call back in 8 weeks to see where you’re at on the list”), but had our fingers crossed that something would come available.

Ironically, the weekend after I had posted the blog post we got an email from the director that a spot had opened up for Axel. The crazy thing is that my birthday was that Friday (March 3), and I blew out the candle on my cupcake after making a wish that Axel would get into daycare. Literally the next day the email came in saying that Axel could start on Tuesday of that week. The timing could not have been better and I felt as though major prayers were answered. Justin and I made the commitment right away, as we did not want to miss the opportunity, and two days later Axel started his first day.

Although the transition was tough the first couple days (mostly for me – I bawled all day) it has created a much better overall atmosphere in our home. I am already feeling lighter, happier, and more like my happy-go-lucky self. Justin takes Axel to school at 8:30am Monday-Thursday on his way to work, and I pick him up around 3:15pm after his nap in the afternoon. This gives me afternoons and all day Friday with him, and leaves me with the majority of the day to work, train, run errands, and keep the house clean. Axel seems to be thriving at school and we feel his vocabulary and motor skills have already magnified. I love seeing him around other kids and knowing he is in a fun new environment where he can flourish. I’ve already noticed that my attitude and relationship with Axel has become more positive and encouraging as well. When I am with him I give him more of my undivided attention (because I’ve had time to get all of that other “stuff” out of the way) and am able to relax and enjoy him more.

These changes have also meant that my attitude toward training this year has changed as well. At the time of my last post, I was beginning to feel burnt out and overwhelmed, not sure of whether I could keep up the juggling act. Now, instead of feeling as though I am juggling multiple balls at once, I am only juggling one, maybe two balls at any given time. I now have time set aside for work, time set aside to train, and time set aside for my husband and son. Honestly, it feels great. Due to the support and encouragement I received from many of you, as well as the changes in our daily routine around here, my life already has a different tone than it did a month ago and I feel so very blessed and grateful for these positive changes.

Now that I’m working with a whole new schedule and renewed sense of energy and confidence, I’m excited to start finding a rhythm and step up my training these next few months. Heck, there are only four more months until Ironman Canada and this Kona dreamer has a lot of work to do!