I feel so bad...

I know I should be so excited that I have off for 12 days, but all I can think is that I don't know how I'm going to survive the 10 weeks after vacation. I am entering my third trimester, my class is going loopy and there are a trillion projects that are coming up in April, May and June that have to be juggled, including a fair, a play and graduation. I don't know how I'm going to do it. I can already tell that I am getting more tired because of the pregnancy and it is making me crankier as well. I know the stress isn't good for the baby. Any advice ladies?

Re: I feel so bad...

I know it's A LOT easier said than done, but school stress is just NOT WORTH IT!

I know it's a week and a half that you have been waiting for and probably you don't want to say the "s" word until April 20th, but perhaps you should take some days over the break to do what you can to make the next 10 weeks more manageable.

Create some independent projects, write up outlines for your units, or whatever else you think that will make the next 10 weeks easier. Are there any co-workers that could give you a hand?

Now is the time to focus on what's MOST important in your life and that's your life and your family's life. The school isn't going to worry about you, so you have to worry about you!

This is just my opinion of course, and I will admit that I am a first year teacher with no plans to TTC for a few more months... never been pregnant.. but I do know what it's like to have a life outside of school. It's easy to let the stress of school consume you but seriously, it's just NOT worth it. I've been a happier person after figuring that out!!

GOOD LUCK with your 3rd trimester!!! What an exciting time for you and your family!

(edited for spelling)

Message edited 4/7/2009 6:56:44 PM.

Re: I feel so bad...

I know what you mean- I am in my 2nd trimester now, but I definitely had to accept that I just have to let some things slide....there are some years where I have let school suck up way too much of my energy at the expense of my home life, and this time will just have to be the opposite.

I am due in late September, so going back for the first month of school is already a source of dread- I have no idea how I will deal with setting up my class, not being able to run to the bathroom when I need to, etc. in month 9! But, I keep telling myself that woman have dealt with much much worse in the past (and many in the present) so I will just have to muscle through it! My sister is a CNA and was moving patients around and changing diapers at her nursing home at 9 months pregnant, and had to be back at work a couple weeks after giving birth b/c she couldn't afford to take a real maternity- so I keep telling myself that it could definitely be worse!

Re: I feel so bad...

Thanks ladies! I know you are both right. I need to put my own family first but I feel myself getting so caught up in school things that I have a hard time leaving work at work. I think I also feel guilty letting things slide. I know I shouldn't, I'm only human, but I hate not being 100% myself. Pregnancy hormones are for sure rearing their ugly head!

Re: I feel so bad...

i coudl have written this myself! i totally hear you! i am out of steam NOW... i dont' know how I am goign to pull off my play (I am the advisor for the drama club) and do "graduation" fesitivities (i teach 5th) plus ALL my annual reviews, IEP paperwork, etc. etc. etc. I have no motivation or energy left.

btw, when are you due? I am due 7/4

Re: I feel so bad...

Totally feel you...

I'm due June 21 and I definitely feel a difference now. And the bathroom is JUST TOO FAR from my classroom!

I never sit...so I can't imagine how swollen I'll be when the time comes. And I have so many damn concerts in late May/June. I'm praying this little doesn't want to come early!! I'm gonna be so HUGE and uncomfortable for these concerts!!

I know what you mean....you're so dedicated to your job and you never want to do anything half-azzed. Everyone thinks I'm nuts worrying about my concerts...but I can't help it. I work my butt off - as well as the kids butts off - to make those things happen, and if I'm not there to put the concert on, what was all the work for? Not to mention they get so excited about it...I just hate to disappoint. I've just made certain concerts easier on me than in the past...making them simpler. So try your best to be easy on yourself!

Re: I feel so bad...

I had DD last June 20th. I left about a week before school ended. I was so swollen and tired. I couldn't do it. Maybe others could. You are simply going to have to let some things go and not do them like you have before. Remember, if you were to go school would replace you in an instant (well, none of them actually have their act together to get it done that quickly...ha!) but your family truly needs you! Maybe your principal can give you a perm. sub. to help you out sometimes. It may come to it that they give you some help or you end up going out on leave early with a sub. trying to finish off your year. Enjoy your LO!