I was going to say the work/life/daycare balance, but juggle is a more appropriate word.
Getting out the door is an adventure. Everyday.
Since I already carry a lot of equipment with me for my job, adding an ice cooler, a pump, pumping bottles and, oh yeah an 18 lb baby, to the mix has been super fun. If I’m real ambitious I can make it to the car in 3 trips, but its usually 4.
I believe a fork lift may be beneficial. The silver lining is that I get a decent workout first thing in the morning.
After having SO MUCH anxiety about daycare, I’m amazed to report that it has been more wonderful than I could’ve ever imagined.
I’ve heard SO many horror stories about daycare.
I even have a friend at church who told me that she worked at a daycare once, which is why she stayed home with her girls. Out of all my friends, I know one who likes her daycare and she lives in Houston, so its not like we could go there.
Like I’ve mentioned before, the boy and all his spread sheets deemed a nanny out of budget, so I figured we’d give daycare a shot. But I was certain it’d be a disaster. At which point I could finally have my way, and we’d get a nanny.
But y’all. Daycare has been the best thing EVER.
The first day I went to drop him off, I was prepared for tears. So many tears. But, when I realized that he would be one of four babies with two teachers who both LOVE the babies, I was like “bye bye!!” I left him and proceeded to get SO. MUCH. DONE. It was amazing. He does day care 3 days a week and I work part time.
There are more babies in his class now (I think 5, sometimes 6). He is still doing great. His teacher texts me pictures throughout the day. He gets to go on trips outside, hang out in the bouncer and is getting in touch with his inner artist.
Here he is comforting his friend by holding his hand!
Here he is “skipping out on PE,” per his teacher.
Baha!
And look at him rocking his bottle! For a baby who once refused the bottle, he sure does love it now.
His latest art piece:
He’s awfully crafty with his feet.
Of course working has not come without its challenges…
The biggest challenge is pumping while at work. Since I work for a sales company, I’m at a different hospital everyday. Which means I don’t have an office or anything of the sort. I’m lucky to find a small space on the corner of a rehab mat to work on.
I pump in my car A LOT and before I got my car plug converter I once found myself pumping in the mens bathroom at the New Orleans VA. Long story, but the point is, you do what you gotta do.
The trickiest thing is that he outdrinks what I pump, so I’m googling solutions and working on some different experiments. If you’ve got suggestions, send them my way!
The job I quit, needed me to come help temporarily, so I’ve been back at two jobs which has been a challenge. Also a long story, but I think they’ve got a replacement coming (fingers crossed) so HORRAY.
In other news…
We’ve been super busy. We were in Texas last weekend as I helped throw a bridal shower for my cousin. Cjs parents are visiting this weekend. We went to Jazz in the Vines last night, which was a great baby friendly evening. And we’ve got a wedding coming up at the end of October!
Yes, we’re still cloth diapering, although not at daycare or on trips. I have ambitions of writing a post about this. Someday…in my spare time 😉
I’ve still been squeezing in Yoga when I can. Since I started work, I’ve been letting my self splurge and drop in a real class here and there at my favorite local studios: Pilates-bodies and Bayou Yoga. They kick my booty every time.
No pics of actual yoga, but here I’m wearing my yoga pants, so proof. Right?
Hope you’re having a nice relaxing Sunday. I’m gonna go get ready for another busy week!
Rachael says
So glad to hear daycare is a success! You are one busy momma, don’t know how ya do it, but I’m impressed!! Supermom!
thegingerlifeblog@gmail.com says
Yes we are super happy about daycare! When are you coming home so we can get a SNOW CONE!! its time. Forget the hiking. SNOW CONES are at stake here.