It's official, I have completed one full week back at work after my maternity sabbatical. OK, OK, so it was only 4 days, at 6 1/2 hrs each, but to me that is a full week. You have to love full time part time.
Anyways, I have to say, it's really like I never left. I'm sure for my employers, things felt differently, but for me, like a fish in water. I will also admit that despite all of my protesting about not wanting to go back, I needed it. I feel energised, just better in general.
It's also a lot easier to get back into the work groove knowing my little lady is adjusting to daycare like a champ. I think that was a much bigger hurdle for me than just getting back to work ever was. With my son, daycare was never really a major issue. This time around, we really struggled. First of all, finding care at all. There have been so many babies born in the last year in this town that we are under equipped for all of the mother's returning to work. Second, convincing ourselves that this was a good thing for everyone. My son had always gone to either a family member or a family friend when I worked, so there was a level of comfort that this time around was lacking. After eventually making contact with someone who actually had space, we arranged to have my sweet little girl ease into a stranger looking after her slowly. My plan had initially been to begin with short days and gradually build up to full days until she was used to the idea before I returned to work. Well, I have paved the road to hell more than once with my good intentions. I managed to get her there twice, both times for only around two hours a piece, before the wedding took over two weeks of our life. It's hard to find an excuse to drop your baby off with a daycare when you have family milling around everywhere just dying to see the little one. Her first full day ended up being my first day back to work. After an excruciating 6 1/2 hrs, most of which I spent wondering if I should call to make sure everything was fine, I sheepishly poked my head through the door to find my baby happily dancing around a coffee table, seemingly oblivious to the fact that I was gone. It's funny how as parents we want our children to be independent, but the minute they show us that they are OK without us, horror of horrors. Needless to say, I was relieved she was doing well, but at the same time, a little bit let down that she wasn't huddled in a corner repeating my name. On top of having a fantastic day without me, she had decided that daycare was the place she was going to be taking 2 hr naps...my 30 min queen (if I was lucky) had turn into a snoozing champion. Sigh. You're probably thinking, it's just a fluke, it can't possibly happen again. You're wrong though, everyday this week, 2 hr naps. Friday, 2 1/2. Today at home, half hour this morning and a whopping 15 mins this afternoon. Rest assured, I will be begging for the secret Tuesday morning when I drop her of before work!
All in all though, my return to work has been rewarding. Both me and the little one are finding our way in a new situation and I feel as if only good can come from new.
