I survived a week back at work after having been off for 16 weeks! Wowzers. It felt so weird to be back in the office and teaching. Everything was the same as when I left it, but I felt so different. I feel like I am such a different person, even though it's only been 3 1/2 months. My focus is no longer on my work. While I love my job, students, and colleagues, my priority and desire is to be at home with my little girl. What an amazing, beautiful shift. I never thought it would happen.
It was nice to help out with the workshop and get some new experience teaching graduate students who are preparing to be teachers. It was so fun to have such highly motivated students, and it will be nice to have a sizable paycheck after not having one the whole summer!
Baby R. did fabulously staying home in the afternoon with DH. That was a huge worry of mine, and she did better than expected. I'd feed her right before I left, and she was OK sleeping and playing with DH. She would take a small bottle of pumped milk from him (just 1- 1.5 oz) and then chow once I got home 4 hours later. It was as if she knew I was gone. The best part was she no longer fusses for him when taking a bottle. We haven't tried having DH give her a bottle while I'm home yet, so I'm curious to see if her screaming and fussing comes back when she knows I'm here. Still...she will eat a little bit while I'm gone, which brings me such relief.
We have our tickets booked to ATL for later next month. (This is the trip where we'll be checking things out for a possible move.) I'm actually feeling a little better about it...more at peace at the moment. After the initial shock and tears for 2 days after getting the phone call, I've spent a lot of time processing and reflecting on it all. Where we live now (a minority amongst the Mormons) is definitely not a place I want Baby R. to grow up in. I've started doing my research (housing is surprisingly cheap) and am warming up to the idea if we do have to move. That doesn't mean I'll necessary like the process, but I'm trusting more that God knows what He's doing with our family.
I told my boss I'd be able to teach one class this upcoming fall. (This is the one I was contemplating covering due to my colleagues cancer diagnosis). I agreed to teach the class before the possible move phone call came up, so I'm now regretting things a little bit, but I don't want to go back on my word at this point. I'm just doing one class, which meets for 50 minutes 3x a week. I think it will be manageable, and my DH is able to go into work late those 3 mornings I teach, so he'll watch Baby R while I'm away. Then I'll come home and he'll go to work for the day. It should work out fine; I'm just hoping it's not too early to go back. But- it is only 15 weeks, so if it doesn't work or feel right, I'll say, "no thanks" for future teaching. And we agreed to use some of my income to start a 529 plan for Baby R.
We went to a La Leche League event this week and scored some major deals! It was a silent auction that served as the group's main fundraiser for the year. There weren't a ton of people there (maybe just 20-30), so I knew I would have a good chance of getting some of the items I bid on. And the starting prices were fabulous...$18 for a Moby Wrap! Well...I got ALL the items I bid on! An Ergo carrier, a Moby Wrap, a Boba Wrap (gift to give away), nursing tees, and a breastfeeding essentials pack from Earth Mama Angel Baby. I'm most excited to try the Ergo carrier. That was the reason I went to the auction because I've been wanting to get one. I should have bid on more items that didn't receive any bids (another Moby, cloth diapers), but I was trying to exercise restraint in spending.
My grandma turned 90 this week! The whole family is celebrating with a party for her tomorrow. I really wish I was able to be there to celebrate with her in person, but DH didn't have any more time off at the moment and I didn't want to travel home alone with the baby. But- all 3 of us are hoping/planning to go in October to see her (she's R's only great-grandparent), take pictures, etc. Airfare is currently atrocious, so I'm hoping it goes down soon.
Woke up yesterday to this beautiful sunrise. I love how the rays seem to go on forever in the sky, and the sun hasn't even peaked out from behind the mountains yet. It was a beautiful, "Good morning" from God sight!
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I've heard good things about the moby wrap and think I'll put it on my registry. Sounds like you got some great deals!
ReplyDeleteI'm already distracted at work and can't imagine what it'll be like to go back after 12 weeks. I have to though, we need health insurance. Glad you time back went well.
I lived in Atlanta for 4 years! It is a great place! I had a little house in Oakhurst (neighborhood right next to Decatur), and it was wonderful. Dog park and restaurants within walking distance of my house, and free jazz concerts on Thursdays right there in the neighborhood. And there is a huge Catholic population in Atlanta! That's where I converted! :) There are so many cute little in-town neighborhoods. So excited for you!
ReplyDeleteRe#5, I would love an auction like that! Sounds awesome!
Sounds like you have a good setup with the babysitting. I would love to hear about your carriers and wraps. I got rid of mine a long time ago and those two carrriers seem to be everyone's favs. Would love to hear what you think about them and what your little R thinks about them.
ReplyDeleteThat picture is fantastic! I'm glad to hear that work is going fairly well and that you are more comfortable with the prospect of moving if it does happen.
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