Sorry for the blog hiatus!
With my hubby gone last week til Saturday there was literally no time to blog, and then a wonderful friend and her baby visited Sunday-Monday, and now this is my last week of maternity leave so I don’t plan on being on the computer much — but wanted to say hello to anyone who is still reading. I know I’ve not been much of a blogger these days but rest assured, I’ll be back more regularly soon! I just need this time for me, selfish as it sounds.
I really can’t believe these eleven weeks have flown by so quickly … our little girl is blossoming before our eyes and just such a treasure to watch.I’m going to miss her SOOOO much but I have to remember this will be harder on me than on her. I broke down Saturday night when my husband came home, crying hysterically to my husband. We talked through it and ultimately I know it’s the right decision to return to work … but it doesn’t mean it’s going to be easy.
The reality is here now and I’m not gonna lie; it’s daunting. But I’m certainly not the first woman to struggle with this and most of my friends are working moms, so I have a lot of support which is great. In addition, I’ll be working from home on Fridays so I think that will help some. And in prep of the big transition, I will be doing a half-day test-run at daycare this coming Friday. My mother-in-law will be watching Maya the first week she’s here and then the second week she’s here, we’ll send her to daycare.
I already plan to pack the diaper bag/prepare bottles/clothes/etc the night before and will bring some pics of Maya, but moms who went back to work … any other must-have advice or words of wisdom you can share?
Thank you for listening!
Let There Be Light 
I wish I had any words of wisdom. I just had to bite the bullet and deal. To be honest, part of me was relieved to start work. I am not cut out to be a SAHM. But, regardless, that first day back was HARD. It took me nearly all day long to put Nate’s picture on my desk b/c I couldn’t bear to look at it and not cry. But I did resolved that I would put it out that first day so it didn’t become an issue that went into a second day. (So maybe that is a piece of advice. LOL)
It’ll be hard but you’ll make it. And day two will be easier than day one. Hang in there!
The best piece of advice I can give you is to go to lunch with your girlfriends. That will be the best medicine. We so look forward to having you back. You ARE missed! And, Maya will appreciate her very hard-working mother.
You will do great. My biggest piece of advice is to give yourself time to adjust to the new routine. It is hard, and it is hectic. But you will find a way to make it doable.
Don’t let anybody make you question your decision to return to work. I made the mistake of letting people get to me who questioned my decisions. But looking at my experience in retrospect, when they are that young any loving caregiver can do a good job feeding, dressing, and helping Maya go to sleep. She will never forget that YOU are the mama, and I know that every second you have will be with her. And by the time she becomes a little person the best thing for her will be to remain with other children her age. It was hard for me to go back to work and put my son in daycare, but I have an incredibly loving, social, and well-adjusted child.
Also, let yourself wallow in how hard it is sometimes. Just because a lot of other moms do it does not make it any less difficult. Juggling being a full-time mom (because you never turn off) and a professional is the hardest balance there is. Keep reaching out on the blog! Not enough moms honestly talk about this.
Please dont feel bad about taking time with your daughter. She is so much more important than “us” your readers. She will only be this age once and you need to be there for her. I am not a mother and I have quite some time until I am one, but I know MANY moms who have had to take their children to childcare, so please just make sure that you are taking your daughter to a place where you would like to spend the day! 🙂
I’m just not cut out to be a SAHM either. I was so worried about my first day back at work, but the second I sat down at my desk I felt right at home. Working makes me cherish the moments I spend with my son even more and there’s nothing more special than that moment when I pick him up at the end of the day.
Good luck!
Melissa, I can’t believe the big day is almost here! Maya has truly become (always was, though) 😉 a beautiful, growing baby girl. Thanks in large part to you! I know the transition will be difficult, but just know one thing will not ever change- you will still continue to be one amazing mom. 🙂
I agree with everyone else! That first day will be super hard. I was amazed at how sad I was, but I got to the office and sat behind my desk and it felt great. Don’t get me wrong, I love my little guy, but like others, I don’t think I’m equipped to be a SAHM. Sometimes, on Sundays, i look forward to my monday morning routine of going to work! But then I look forward to seeing my son later!
The hardest thing I’ve dealt with is finding the balance. It’s just hard to get everything done. I get home, and cook dinner, we eat, and then I’m with my son. I do the dishes later, laundry later, whatever — it can all wait. (Having a housekeeper come in once a month helps out too! Totally worth my sanity)
Keep your head up, and call the daycare and check in! Never feel bad! Good luck — you’ll do just fine!
I’m still reading! Maya is so cute!!!
Man, going back to work sounds like such a hard thing to do! I know it has been agonizing for a lot of my friends. (Even in Canada where we get a year mat. leave.) Hey…would you consider writing a blog post about it one time – how you decided that going back to work was the right decision for you?