Working Mom

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.