Back to the Grind

So alas, the time had come for me to return to work! I must admit that I was experiencing mixed feelings on my return. I was sad to leave my little man but excited to see my students and engage in adult conversation with my friends and co-workers. I had practiced with "mini-work sessions" to try and prepare myself to what it would be like to go back to work. Andrew was right on schedule, walking up at 6 so that I could feed him before I left for work. I would feed him, pack up last minute things, and I would be on my way. Everything was going EXACTLY according to plan! Of course it would continue to be this way...right? Of course...NOT!!

On my first day back to work, Andrew decided that 4:30am was the perfect wake-up time. Nothing like the early bird gets the worm! But with those sweet blue eyes and gummy grin, how could I possibly be mad that we were up so early! So alas, he had an early morning meal and back to bed he went. So hmmmm, what to do with an extra half hour in the morning! I enjoyed a nice cup of coffee, watched the morning news...this wasn't so bad after all! And then 3:30pm rolled around and man, was this mama tired!!! Ahhh the sacrifices we make for our little loved ones. However, my first day back with my students was AWESOME! My kids were so happy to see me and I was happy to see them! We had a great day and I was so busy being "busy" that I didn't have time to dwell on the fact that I wasn't at home with my lil guy! My students welcomed me back with so much love and gratitude that I couldn't help but be happy to back at work.

I will say this though: Usually, I am the first to arrive and the last to leave! Knowing that I had Andrew at home made me pack the car after school lickety split! I was on the road in no time, by far a personal record for me!

Since my first day back, I have adjusted to the early (I suppose I should say earlier) mornings. But nothing beats seeing my handsome boy and his big smile when I walk in the door at night. It is amazing how a child can melt his Mommy's heart and how eager I am to return home. Don't get me wrong, rushing home to see Kyle was always a must but having a new little man in my life changes EVERYTHING! And Kyle would agree too! For years, I have called him the "King of Diddle!" He would diddle around the fire station, diddle in conversation, diddle, diddle, diddle. I would usually see him around lunch time or later on his first day off. But since Andrew captured his heart too, Kyle seems to be walking through the door much earlier these days!

Parenthood is a blast! Learning to balance work and being a mother is a new challenge for me! Fortunately, I had only 2 weeks to get back into the swing of the things and transition back to work mode and then WINTER BREAK BABY!! Two whole weeks to snuggle with my little man! Amongst the items to complete while on my Winter Break will of course be to indulge in and maximize my snuggle time with Andrew!