Wednesday, August 17, 2011

The Real World...

has knocked me on my ass. Last week was spent trying to enjoy as much of my last little bit of maternity leave as possible. Mia and I also did some "practicing" with the sitter. I wanted to ease her into the transition since she hadn't been away from me since the day we met.

So we spent several hours together just hanging out at the sitter's, getting to know her and the other kids, getting Mia used to the house. Then we progressed up to me leaving her for a couple hours, then four hours another day and finally on Thursday and Friday we did full days.

I'm a total overplanner. So I wanted to make sure I could do the morning routine. You know, actually take a shower, get dressed, full hair and make up and get the baby up, dressed and functional, too. And I needed to reassure myself that I could do that at the actual time I was supposed to. So my last 2 weekday mornings of maternity leave my alarm clock went off at 5am. Majorly sucked.
But I'm so glad I did it. I found a few things that needed to be tweaked to make things run more smoothly. And it gave me the confidence I needed to start my first Monday back to work with much less stress. I felt prepared. So now I'm a Working Mom. Today was day three of our new routine. So far it's going okay. Mommy is just really tired. Actually, we both are.

Mia loves the sitter. And the sitter loves her. Which gives me such peace of mind. She runs an in home daycare and has several other kids she cares for. Mia's very social. She really enjoys her new little friends. And as the youngest, she's getting a lot of attention. She's adjusting really well.
The first 3 days she went right to the sitter. I kissed her, told her bye-bye and walked out with no fussing. From her. Mommy may have cried a few times though. But the last 2 days she's fussed a little when I left and leaned back towards me. I think that shows our attachment is going really well. I hope it does anyway.

She's always excited when I come to pick her up. The first or second day... I can't remember now... she was so happy to see me she bulldozed right over top of another kid laying on the floor. That made my heart happy, too.
I miss her so much during the day. I know she's in good hands. I know she's well cared for. I know she'll do well there. I know she's happy. But boy... do I miss her when I'm working.

I'm pretty exhausted. I'm hoping once I get used to this new routine it'll get a little better. I think it will. Although I know as a single mom I'll always feel some level of exhaustion. But right now I'm nodding off at 7pm when I rock my girl to sleep. That's not good. And tonight... I'm planning on a 9pm bedtime for me to catch up a little on sleep.
Oh and the pics have nothing to do with the post. I just knew my far away family is probably itching for new ones. These were taken a week or so ago when we were just playing at home. I thought I'd put legwarmers on her to keep her from tearing up her knees crawling. But uh... well, her thighs were just too big and they kept rolling down to her ankles. LOL!


13 comments:

Joannah said...

Sounds like you're off to a pretty good start, even if you are both tired.

I'll be back to work on 8/31. Our trial run day will be 8/26 when I have an optional workday for my per diem rate (making up for furlough days lost last year). I'm nervous about the morning routine, although I only have to take her with me twice a week once we settle into our routine. I'm praying that somehow, someway, I will be able to be a SAHM someday. I have no idea how that can be, but it's my heart's desire. Always has been.

Sarah in MT said...

So glad re-entry into the real world is going so well for both of you. Being tired will likely be a permanent condition, but you're obviously a natural at this Mommy thing judging from Mia's happy little face. (Of course, you've had lots of practice by being the cool aunt for several years!) Eager to see you both in person next month!

Unknown said...

bulldozing others to get to you is a good thing. :) All mommies just eat that up. :)

Lindsay said...

How I can identify with the 5am start - and yes, being single probably does mean permanent exhaustion! All I can say is it will get easier. It's normal for the fussing once the first few honeymoon days with daycare are over but it will settle down again and your sitter should be able to reassure you that she is happy and settled very soon after you leave. Good luck and enjoy your last few days.

K said...

I work at home doing daycare and I'm right with you! A working mom is a working mom and my butt is still smarting from falling on it and I'm still trying to get it all together.

Aus said...

As a btdt - it sounds to me like y'all are rocking on the bonding / attachment and that Mia's pretty much right on target! And as a working stiff who's day starts at 05early as well - 9 PM is a decent time to go to bed - not that I ever make it - but it's a goal!!

hugs - aus and co.

4D said...

It is a hard transition for the mommy more than the baby. They are busy and playing. We are working and missing them. The end of the day greetings are the best! They get better...wait.

The big thing that saved us was weekly menu planning. I can not say it enough. It helps reduce the stress, allows for more time together in the evenings, makes sure the adults are fed and have lunch for the next day.

Keep smilin!

Anonymous said...

Oh, welcome to the other side. Where sleep does not exist and life just keeps moving.

foodiechickie said...

I understand. My daughter is three and I still feel guilty leaving her. But you have to. Good luck and take it daily.

China Dreams said...

I remember going to work after our first child-I cried on the way to work for at least a week. He didn't seem bothered at all; a sure sign that he was secure in the knowledge that I would be back for him. Sounds like she is secure and happy, too. Makeup in the morning? You really ARE doing well! Good luck catching some zzzs. Love the pictures, especially the leggings.

Ruby

Catherine said...

I've been thinking of you. Glad it's going so well! I want to try the menu planning thing 4D mentioned....maybe in September when I can motivate myself enough to write out a plan. :o)

Alyson and Ford said...

So sweet! Glad all is going well for you; being tired is a long process to resolve. I still occasionally take a nap on Saturday when AA has one. It is best to keep your weekend activities to maybe one a day for now and continue to spend the evenings with her, putting her to bed. Hope you adjust, it does take time!

Alyzabeth's Mommy

Abby's Mom said...

3 plus years later and I still fall asleep on the couch almost every night. Pre Abba I was a tylenol PM girl all the way. Not anymore :)

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