This post is a little delayed, but thought it was worth mentioning.
Before having Lyla, Eric and I discussed how we would handle the work vs daycare struggle. We decided in the end, it was best (and necessary) for me to keep working on a part time basis. We were very grateful to have a family member who runs a daycare out of her home that we could turn to. I was actually her very first client...oh so long ago. It was a huge relief to be able to have my aunt watch Lyla for so many reasons. One of those being financial. We knew that any daycare in the area could cost a few hundred dollars a month. At that point, it wouldn't be worth it for me to work. Fortunately, my aunt is very reasonable. It was also great to know that with only having one other kid when Lyla was there, my aunt could give her the attention she needs. It broke my heart to think of her at a daycare with ten other kids just shoved in a bouncy seat all day.
I was lucky enough that my job allowed me to go part time and still keep my position. We worked it out that I would be in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Eric is home on Mondays so he can take care of Lyla and on Tuesdays and Thursdays she would be at my Aunt's. This schedule took a few weeks to adjust but now we have it all pretty situated.
I went back to work when Lyla was 10 weeks old. Everyone told me how terrible the first day back to work would be...and I thought it would be too. Not the case. Maybe it helped that Eric was home with her, but I had no problems. So many people at work kept asking how I was all day. I got to the point where I started to feel guilty that I wasn't in tears at my desk. I'll admit, it was actually nice to get out and have some adult conversation. I felt more like myself again, after sitting on the couch for 10 weeks. Of course after work, it was still nice to my right back on that couch with my girl.
After a few months into this new routine, I have to say that I really do have the best of both worlds. I have just enough time with both work and home that I don't feel like I am neglecting either. I like getting out and contributing to the work world, but it's also great that I have time to catch up on housework and spend quality time with Lyla and Eric.
All Grown Up...
at least Lyla thinks she is....
I am not sure when it happened, but I know it was too soon. I always dreaded the day when my little baby would start to squirm and not want to lay in my arms. I never expected it to be at four months! This little girl must think she is 4 years old, not 4 months old.
Whenever she has the chance, she wants to be sitting or standing on us. She'll lay down while we feed her but the second that bottle comes out of her mouth, she sits herself right up! Trying to burp her is a joke now too. She'll only burp while standing up, pounding her feet down on us, one at a time, as if she is walking in place. The changing table has now become a wrestling ring. While we often get the best smiles and conversation out of her while she is on the table, we also get the idea of how strong this little girl is. She often pushes herself up with her legs and totally arches her back, twisting and turning, threatening to roll over any minute. She also has the habit of folding her hands together in front of her when I am trying to get her dressed. She grunts and fights me when I try to pull them apart! I'll admit, it is pretty hysterical!
At four months, she's also become a motor-mouth. Looks like she is going to be just like her mama! Whether she's talking to us, her toys, or her feet she sure has a lot to say. She's even started mimicking what noises she hears. Her favorite is when her Grampa Mac makes, for lack of a better descirption, googlely noises at her. She not only give him the biggest smiles, but we've heard her to trying (and succeeding) to make the same noise. I am still desperate to get that on camera.
At her four month doctor visit, (technically it was 4 and a half) the doctor said she needs to gain more weight. In two months she's barely put in a pound. She is however, getting to be one tall girl! The doctor suggested we start cereal right away to help her start packing on the pounds. We have to go back in a month for a "weight check-in".
At four months she....
...weighs in at 11 pounds, 7 ounces
...is 24 & 1/4 inches tall
...still sleeps 11.5-12 hours a night and takes (when she is with me) two-2 hour naps.
...is stuck at 5 ounces every four hours because anything more comes right back at us (though this is getting so much better)
...is still wearing 0-3 month clothing
...doesn't fit into shoes, even newborn ones, because her feet are so narrow
...is losing her hair
...has rolled over just once
...still hates to be on her belly
I am not sure when it happened, but I know it was too soon. I always dreaded the day when my little baby would start to squirm and not want to lay in my arms. I never expected it to be at four months! This little girl must think she is 4 years old, not 4 months old.
Whenever she has the chance, she wants to be sitting or standing on us. She'll lay down while we feed her but the second that bottle comes out of her mouth, she sits herself right up! Trying to burp her is a joke now too. She'll only burp while standing up, pounding her feet down on us, one at a time, as if she is walking in place. The changing table has now become a wrestling ring. While we often get the best smiles and conversation out of her while she is on the table, we also get the idea of how strong this little girl is. She often pushes herself up with her legs and totally arches her back, twisting and turning, threatening to roll over any minute. She also has the habit of folding her hands together in front of her when I am trying to get her dressed. She grunts and fights me when I try to pull them apart! I'll admit, it is pretty hysterical!
At four months, she's also become a motor-mouth. Looks like she is going to be just like her mama! Whether she's talking to us, her toys, or her feet she sure has a lot to say. She's even started mimicking what noises she hears. Her favorite is when her Grampa Mac makes, for lack of a better descirption, googlely noises at her. She not only give him the biggest smiles, but we've heard her to trying (and succeeding) to make the same noise. I am still desperate to get that on camera.
At her four month doctor visit, (technically it was 4 and a half) the doctor said she needs to gain more weight. In two months she's barely put in a pound. She is however, getting to be one tall girl! The doctor suggested we start cereal right away to help her start packing on the pounds. We have to go back in a month for a "weight check-in".
At four months she....
...weighs in at 11 pounds, 7 ounces
...is 24 & 1/4 inches tall
...still sleeps 11.5-12 hours a night and takes (when she is with me) two-2 hour naps.
...is stuck at 5 ounces every four hours because anything more comes right back at us (though this is getting so much better)
...is still wearing 0-3 month clothing
...doesn't fit into shoes, even newborn ones, because her feet are so narrow
...is losing her hair
...has rolled over just once
...still hates to be on her belly
...gives her daddy the biggest smiles whenever he talks to her. I, on the other hand, have to work hard for them.
 |
| Doesn't look like she has a weight issue here! |
 |
| I let her borrow my Nina since she barfed on her own Lil Rosie. |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)