..to me! 34. Tonight's the last night my mom's in town (til mid-Arpil when she returns for 2 weeks) so she gets to put Andra to bed (sort of) while Fred and I go to dinner.
I'm at school now. It's my free period, which is also over lunch, and it's 60 degrees and sunny out, so I should be out for a run. But, instead a kid is making up a test and I'm here. No worries, I plan to run with the BOB later. I haven't run with it much AT ALL lately, so it'll be good for me.
A few of the bloggers I read are struggling with going back to work post-baby. Today I went down to talk to an English teacher who is due Wednesday, and today is her last day. It all got me thinking about where I am and what we're doing.
I had mild panic over going back to work during the month of February. I didn't have a clue how I'd get out the door by 7am, showered and dressed. Thank god my mom came. Now I'm having mild panic about how it will be when she's gone, but I also realize that if I just take things as they come everything works out. Being back at work for a month now, it's all good. I love my job, still. I'm not the horrible teacher I thought I'd be. Luckily, this is my 8th year and I know what I'm doing so my prep time is minimal. I don't waste as much time at school (umm, today being an exception!) so I get a lot of my grading done before I leave (I also grade while I pump!). Working out is suffering, and I don't like that, but I also am telling myself that it will get better as the weather improves and that summer (and twice a day workouts) are right around the corner. I feel a little like I'm missing out on Andra, but since I'm home by 3pm most days, and I see her for an hour before I leave (even though it means walking her up at 6am), it's not terrible. She absolutely adores my mom, she's a fantastically happy baby (at least until bedtime), and there are no indications that she misses me at all (ok, mixed feelings there!). I was really shy as a kid, and my husband and I are still quiet people. I want Andra to be more social than we were as kids, and daycare will provide that. Other teachers here have told me how their kids have thrived in day care socially and academically. Is it better than being home with mom all day? Maybe not, but it reminds me of the whole breastfeeding/formula feeding debate; both are fine, what matters is what works for you and your family. I think Andra and I will love the daycare I chose. We'll find out in May hopefully, as the plan is for her to spend May and June there. If things don't feel right, I can always re-evaluate. While I liked being home on leave, I think Andra is doing great on more of a schedule, which I wasn't able to implement (if she cried, I fed her...now she eats 5 times a day and has a solid bedtime). I like having my job identity still. I like Andra being able to be fed from other people, I like the idea that she's not 100% dependent on just me. At 3.5 months, she's so different from how she was at 1 month, or 2, or even 2.5. I think that as she gets older, I will feel even better about "leaving" her at daycare (until the clingy stage, which I think isn't for a while).
Anyway, I think I wanted to put that down on "paper" for my own peace of mind. Now, if I could only (WOULD only) eat better...
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10 comments:
happppppppppy birthday!!! have a great time at dinner :)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
This is a great post. As I look to try to have a baby in the near future, I want to return to work, and I hope my attitude is as positive as yours.
Happy Birthday!!! Great post. It is a really hard decision to make. I so envy teachers, not saying that you don't work as much, etc, but at least you have summers and holiday breaks to get some extra time spent with the kiddies. I just don't know what I will do since if I go back to work we'll talking about leaving home at 7:30 and getting home between 5:30 and 6. That doesn't leave much time with the little one :( Keeping fingers crossed for part time. I think that would be ideal b/c I totally agree that daycare is GOOD for kids. It help keep them socialized, it helps get them into a routine and gives mom a little me time identity.
monica, SO true about teachers' schedules. if i had a 9-5 year round job it would not be so clear to me.
Happy birthday!!! :)
I think you're right about it being good to have daughter not 100% dependent on you... Moana is pretty dependent on me at this point, since I do about 95% of her care!
Happy Birthday! I have similar feelings to you about going to work and daycare. I think daycare is really good for Zach and I think work is good for me. I still have doubts about the decision all the time but right now both Zach and I are doing well and it sounds like you and Andra are both doing well.
This was great to read, thanks for writing it out! sounds like you are really finding your way and a great routine- this is great! and better weather and workouts are around the corner!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Happy Birthday! I appreciated this post. I'm glad that things are working out for your family. I hope you enjoyed your dinner out!
Happy Birthday! I hope you enjoyed a wonderful night out (and maybe even some cake!).
Happy B-day, Clare! Hope it was great!!!
Your post goes to show what an individual choice it is. What's right for one mom isn't for another. I agree it would be easier if I had a summer break--I'd be more willing to white-knuckle it for a few months. But since I don't have that built in to my job I need to make a schedule for myself that works. The 9-5 five days a week thing ain't cutting it for us. I hope they end up letting me go part-time, but if not then I'll have to resort to plan B. Like I said, it's a stand I have to take and all of us moms have to take at some point!
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