Tuesdays with Bean

When I was pregnant with Nina I was so delusional about all the things I would be able to do on my maternity leave. I was very lucky to have 12 weeks off, but I still managed to work 120 hours during that time. I was back in the office for a few hours 6 days after she was born. I just couldn't bring myself to not be involved in what was going on at work. I remember crying because I was so afraid things were going to get screwed up if I was not there. So on top of being stressed about work, I was dealing with having a new baby and not a lot of sleep. Luckily I had Jamie who did a wonderful job and who showed me that I could get away and trust other people to take care of things. Not until I was back at work full time did I finally realize that the most important thing was Nina and I needed to step back and enjoy this time with her. My first day back at work (her first day at daycare) I was so upset and I even cried in front of my dad. He always says the right thing and makes me feel better.

I worked full-time for April and May and we all adjusted well then in the middle of June I began working 4 day work weeks. Mostly to spend time with Nina, but also to help my employer during the lagging economy and the slow summer months. I knew I wanted to have some sort of reduced work schedule over the summer, but with Mike not working 40 hours a week hardly at all this year I did not think that would be possible. I was a little worried about money, but one thing I have realized after having Nina is you always manage to find the money when you have a baby.

Nina and I haven't done anything to exciting, but having that extra day a week with her has been so wonderful. We have been able to visit Grandma V, Great-Grandma Audrey, hang out with friends, go on walks and just hang out at home. Working full-time in the spring and then trying to keep up with spending time with Bean after work, making dinner, cleaning the house, paying bills, laundry etc. I just felt like I never got enough time with her. I'm so thankful that I got to have this extra day to just have her to myself and not have to worry about getting anything done. I love not having to get her dressed at 6:30 in the morning. I like that she is able to play in the morning and take a nap when ever she wants to (Daycare is trying to put her on a 10 and 2 nap schedule....GOOD LUCK!!)

She is 7 1/2 months old and changing so much everyday and I'm so thankful I got to spend a little more time with her. I wish I could be home more, but unfortunately that is not possible right now. I am very lucky and very thankful for everything in my life. We have a beautiful healthy baby, a great family, jobs, a roof over our head and many more countless blessings. It is amazing how much having a baby changes you. They really are the only thing you worry about!

I think when Nina wakes up we will go to the library and then out to get Grandpa a present for his 20th anniversary of starting his own business. Time to go warm up my coffee and surf the web while she naps.