"Mommy has a JOB!"

this is what Rachel yelled this morning, totally unbidden. And yes it's true: this week I accepted a position with Willamette University College of Law. I'll be communicatons director/editor of Willamette Lawyer, the school's semi-annual alumni magazine. I am relieved and excited but not telling everyone yet because I'm still waiting for a signed offer and they have to do a criminal background check on me. Still, Drew now can go to NYC with a lighter heart than he would have gone with if I were still unemployed.

I told Rachel that "mommy has a job," as soon as I told them I'd accept.

Last night on the changing table she said, "mommy job."

"Yes, mommy has a job!" I replied.

"Daddy job," she said.

"Yes, both mommy AND daddy have jobs," I replied.

"Rachel job!" she said.

I laughed. "Sweetie, you're too young to have a job!" I said. But I'm sure that time will come faster than I imagine it will.