I feel like it was just yesterday that I was going back to work with Drew. I knew that someday I'd enjoy another 3 months away from the deadlines and conference calls and trainings, but it's surreal that my second maternity leave has already come and gone. Just like with Drew I have soaked up every second of it, and enjoyed each week.
Throughout our time together, I took Ady on endless walks and jogs as well as wandered the aisles of Target often. I watched tons of TV during all the nursing sessions and held her while she napped probably 841 times. During longer naps, I spent hours upon hours studying my new editing software all while keeping this blog, our 2014 family picture album and her baby book up to speed. We sat outside together as much as we could to enjoy nature and had quite a few playdates with friends.
What I did most, however, was stare. Sleeping or awake, it didn't really matter. In the first few weeks she would sleep so much that I was able to snooze often with her in my arms. Around halfway through maternity leave we started jogging a bit on our daily walks. I absolutely adore how her eyes would lock onto mine and not look at anything else the entire way. She's been smiling since around 5 weeks, but these last few weeks the smiles and coo's have been out of control. They are so frequent and you better believe I'd sit for an hour and 'talk to her'. The staring competitions was the best part. Who wouldn't be happy staring at this face all day?
Tomorrow is my first day back to work and although I'm ready for the routine of it, I will miss the do-what-we-want casualness of these past 12 weeks. It was so nice just going where we wanted, when we wanted and not having a schedule. Luckily, my mother-in-law is coming in for a few weeks in a few days and I'm excited for that. I work from home and extending the time with Ady around is a blessing. (Oh, and not having to start pumping all the time yet... SCORE!)
So goodbye maternity leave. Tomorrow will be hard, but I'll just consider you and Drew my "rewards" at the end of a workday. And to me, your faces are the best prizes!
Awh, that's such a crazy transition to go back to work. Thinking of you tomorrow during that change!
ReplyDeletethat's so great your MIL can come and you can spend more time with Ady for awhile to transition back to work. My mom watched my newphew for a few months before he went to daycare and it was a big help for my sister. And i'm sure Drew will enjoy having Gradma around too Grandmas are the best!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that your MIL will be able to care for Ady while you work from home for a bit. What a blessing for everyone.
ReplyDeleteThe end of maternity leave can certainly be bittersweet. That's nice that your MIL is coming to hopefully have a gentle ease back into things. Thinking of you today!
ReplyDeleteWhen I went back to work after my maternity leave with Alyx it was sooo hard. I just wanted to be home with her with no routine and do what we wanted when we wanted. But we got into a routine and getting back to work was actually easier and better than I expected. The 12 weeks though goes by so fast! And exciting that your MIL is coming for a visit is awesome! Enjoy!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness that flew by!! Sending positive vibes!!
ReplyDeleteWow it did fly by! I hope you first day back to work goes well. :)
ReplyDeleteHope you have a great first day back, Mama!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of you. That must be so hard!
ReplyDeleteOh, mama, good luck! Keeping a prayer in my heart for you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet post! I'm so glad you enjoyed your time so!
ReplyDeleteI still have a few months ahead of me and also will only go back part-time for the first months. I am so, so glad to have the extended maternity leave here in Germany. I'm glad you can transition back into work with support from your family.
ReplyDeleteI hope your first day back went well!! xo
ReplyDeleteBest of luck to you during this transition! I can't believe how quickly the time passes when someone else has a baby - weren't you JUST pregnant, like yesterday??
ReplyDeleteThis must be so hard, never forget you are an awesome mom!!
ReplyDeleteThinking of your during this transition! I hope your first day back went great!
ReplyDeleteHope your first day back went well! Thinking of you mama!
ReplyDeleteI hope you had a good first day back! I'm glad your MIL is there to help ease the transition for you girls!
ReplyDeleteI hope things are going well. I hate the transition back to work.
ReplyDeleteBut man, do you make beautiful babies!
Sounds like a perfect maternity leave! Plus she's so darn adorable, what a cutie!
ReplyDeleteShe is so cute! Hope the transition back goes well for everyone!
ReplyDeleteI just returned to work this week! And my blog was very neglected too! I finally updated it today, after 2 months!! Life is busy with two little ones!
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