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D.C. Area Babies
Anxious about returning to work
How do you do it?
Part of me knows that I enjoy my work and need that balance in my life. Part of me can't imagine leaving LO, especially for for that many hours. I wish I could take LO to work with me, with a nanny, so that I don't miss anything (unrealistic, I know). This has started to affect my sleep and it's hopefully another 2-4 weeks out.
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Re: Anxious about returning to work
Like many things, once you take the plunge it becomes easier. And once you establish your new routines, it makes it that much easier as well. It's hard missing them - I go through spells where I question if its worth working - but I also know that I've financially made the right decision for my family at this time. And there are many days, today included, where I was so glad that I would be off to work. In my single days I used to think work was the hard part of the day, now it's my easy part. I love the satisfaction of finishing projects, making a contribution, and the 15 minutes each way I get to listen to NPR in silence.
I will say, the few hours I have with the kids in the evening and the time with them on the weekends, I try to be very intentional about spending time with them. This means I've outsourced housecleaning, embraced leftovers and started cooking much larger portions so the freezer has handy meals, and I use my lunch break to get through all of my errands (since I drive to work in the suburbs, this is an easy thing for me to do).
Good luck.
Ditto pp - like most things, on the day that it arrives, it's likely not to be as bad as worrying about it is. I like working and DS loves daycare. There are tradeoffs for both of us, but so far, so good.
Going back to work later in the week - like a Thursday - made it easier for me so I only had to get through a day or two before the weekend again. Good luck!
Looking at your ticker, I know it must be hard. It was much easier for me going back to work when DD was 3 months old; she mostly slept during the day and so I could get my cuddle time before and after work in plenty. Now at almost 20 months, I hate leaving her (and she is often crying in the mornings when my husband leaves with her before I do). She's so much fun to be around! However, I know I am much more attentive to her since I am work during the day.
I definitely prioritize what gets done and try to do chores/errands while she is asleep. I've probably never been more organized in terms of time management in my life. I schedule out everything, including "free time" and "play time." Naptime on the weekends my husband and I try to make sure we are together doing something somewhat fun around the house.
Pictures up in my office make me smile, along with her "artwork." And the hug from her when she gets picked up/home is fabulous. Plus at daycare, I know that she is learning to share and play together with kids, which as an adult, I cannot teach her.