Back to Reality

I made it. Today was my first day at work after maternity leave and Savannah's first full day at daycare. Friends who had gone through the same thing equipped me with what was to come. "Was it hard leaving the baby?" That was the number one question on people's minds. Are you freaking kidding me?? No actually it was a barrell of laughs leaving my 8 week old in someone else's care. Good grief, can't people come up with a better question? I know people are just trying to be nice and supportive, but come on, at least come up with a better question. One of my best girlfriend's said she just wanted to wear a sign that said, "I don't want to talk about it." Not a bad idea. It like these people are trying to make you cry. But actually, I did a lot better than I thought I would. Luckily Tim will be the one dropping her off and picking her up...I say luckily because for me, one of the most difficult parts was the physical act of dropping her off. It was heartbreaking...gutwrenching. And I'm glad she had a couple of half days. That made the transition a little easier. Come to think of it, I'll just make this entry Heather's words on wisdom on returning back to work after maternity leave. I know I've only been back one day and I don't claim to even come close to knowing it all, but here are my thought; take them or leave them:

Whatever your child care situation, do a couple of half days - This was extrememly helpful for two reasons. One, it let me ease into the daily separation and get used to it a little. And two, it actually gave me a few hours on those two days to relex and regroup, which is essential to any mother, working OR stay at home.

Start back to work in the MIDDLE of the week - I think I actually read this piece of advice in a magazine somewhere, and what a great suggestion! Tomorrow is Thursday! It was just so much less overwhelming starting out on a Wednesday knowing the weekend is just around the corner.

Adjust your working schedule if you can - I know this is not possible for some people, but you may be surprised at your emplotyer's flexibility. I used to work 8-5, but I now have adjusted my schedule to work 7-4. It's no big deal to be there at 7 since I'm up and at 'em anyway with my little one eating at about 6. Leaving at 4 allows me to get home, exercise, and get some decent dinner on the table. Those are two things that would definitely go by the wayside had I not adjusted my schedule. I don't want to spend the few hours I have each weekday with my daugher exercising (I barely want to do that at all!) and cooking. I'm not saying your day wont be jam packed and tiring, believe me I'm exhausted, but a little planning really help. I was able to get home, pump, go for a little run, and fix some dinner before Tim and Savannah got home.

Decide beforehand that it's ok to let the housework go a little - or even better get a housekeeper! Ideally I want someone to clean the house once a week, but we're trying to save money. So if you're like me and want to save some money, just do what you can and know that the house may never be up to par. But that's ok. When I got home, the dishwasher was full of clean dishes that needed to be unloaded which meant the sink was full of dirty ones, and there was a pile of hand washed dishes that needed to be put up! But I took a deep breath and unloaded the dishwasher...I let Tim do the rest.

Get your hubby on your team - if you're lucky enough to be in a good marriage, get your husband behind you. Hopefully he already is. There is no other way to do this. You need help from your husband! Whether it's bathing the baby, cleaning the dishes, sweeping the floor, a helping hubby will make life much easier. And I really wish I had some advice for you single working gals....I don't know how you do it.

Have plenty to do at work - I need to select my words carefully. When I say plenty, try not to overwhelm yourself either. What I mean, is, set aside the first couple of days just to simply go through email, for example. That's what I did. It gave me PLENTY do, but it was fairly easy, and really helped to keep my mind off things. I set aside the first two days to just do that, and not let myself think about any other work plans...just get through the email.

We'll see what tomorrow holds, but I made it and I'm not falling apart. That doesn't mean I'm not still reworking the budget in my head a few times a day :-) Oh and one more helpful hint...CHOCOLATE THERAPY! Tim was so sweet...he decided I needed a pick me up, and stopped by Muddy's Bakeshop on the way home and brought me some cupcake. They definitely negated all my running efforts today, but eating those cupcakes with Savannah on my lap was the perfect way to end the day. If you haven't been to Muddy's I suggest you go immediatly if not sooner.