I realized this morning that I go back to work next week. I don’t know why, but I’d been thinking I had two more weeks. This sucks balls. Runny, herpes infested donkey balls. Geez, just typing that makes me cry.
I’m hoping that I’m one of those people who likes to work and have a family. I can’t personally name any off the top of my head but I swear – I’ve heard some women say that they needed to go right back to work after having a baby because they didn’t like being at home.
Right now I don’t feel that way but maybe I will get to work and go, “Damn, I am so glad to be here!” I hope so.
The main thing I’m sad about it not being with Bean during the day. I love playing with her and feeding her and all of that good stuff. Sniffing her…Man, I love to sniff her and stare at her. I’d like to put her in a giant paper sack and huff her.
I’m also worried about what I’ll be coming home to every day. Being home, I’ve kind of been able to keep the house from looking like a pig sty and keep everyone in order. I’m imagining coming home at 8 p.m. to a crying baby, a wreck of a house, dirty dishes everywhere, homework to help with and a stressed out Sweety. He has done nothing to indicate that this is how things will be but we’ve never had a tiny human to tend to.
I’m also worried that I’m not going to be able to pump enough milk during the day to feed her. I have been hoarding milk the past week or so to give me a headstart. Of course, my tits have done nothing to indicate that they might not put out but I like to worry.
I’m also concerned that a tiny asteroid will hit the neighbor’s house while I’m at work and annihilate Bean. (Just kidding. I think.)
To get me and Bean used to being separated, this week I’ve been taking her over to the neighbor’s house for a few hours in the morning and even though I don’t go back to work until next Thursday, the plan is to take her over there all day on Monday and Tuesday as a dry run. Sweety thinks I am going to lose my shit the first day that I’m away from her and thinks I’d prefer to do it alone instead of at work. He told me to, “Go watch a movie..visit someone…out to eat…whatever and come home at 8 p.m.” I will need to find a suitable place to do these things where I can plug in a breast pump. Maybe I’ll just hide in the bedroom and not come out until 8 p.m.
This is a sign that Oliver is not the same psychotic dog we rescued from the shelter two years ago. He is a broken man. But, a very good boy.
In his eyes I think I see a silent plea for help.
17 Comments, Comment or Ping
Breastfeed immediately before you leave. Make sure you are pumping every 2-3hrs at work, until you are empty, so not just for 10min. Hopefully your boss is ok with that. And breastfeed immediately when you return.
Be aware that she may not eat much during the day – and may insist on being attached to you from the minute you get home, to the minute you leave again. This is reverse cycling, and is normal.
If you want to know how I did the pump/work/school thing, let me know. If you want the yahoo group for pumping moms, let me know. It’s fabulous for support.
And it will be ok. Promise.
:)
PS – The Bean is here. You should change your tagline for her name. :)
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Chickie said:
January 26th, 2012 at 1:57 pm
Great ideas! Thanks. I just emailed you. :)
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January 25th, 2012 1:53 pm
Definitely a plea for help. No question.
Good luck starting back up at work! I like the idea of separating a bit beforehand. Hope it help!
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Chickie said:
January 26th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
I wasn’t crazy about separating beforehand but I can tell it’s a good idea. This way Bean gets used to them and them to her. And I take a nap. lol
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January 25th, 2012 1:53 pm
I see either a tiny plea for help or a “if there were no witnesses I would rip a limb off one of these humans” look.
I wish I had some insightful words of comfort. I’m sure you will be okay because you are one of the toughest chicks I know, but I also know how hard it is to work and leave a baby at daycare too. I didn’t make it very long, myself. xoxo!
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Chickie said:
January 26th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
Yeah, we dismounted her as soon as the photo was done…I’d hate to lose a baby foot to Oliver’s jaws of steel. We were giving him rubs though and he will obviously do damn near anything for those!
I am so glad I only work two days at a time. Hopefully, that will make this easier.
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January 25th, 2012 1:54 pm
Bean looks like she’ll be an able accomplice in torturing the furbabies.
(I’m sorry about the impending separation.)
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Chickie said:
January 26th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
I have a feeling that Bean and Oliver will be thick as thieves. He’s very good about “guarding” whatever room I’m in with her.
Me too. But, at least I have a job to go to. Meh.
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January 25th, 2012 2:06 pm
Gee, Chickie….I cannot imagine how hard it will be to BE AWAY from The Bean for so many hours each day—especially, those first days….!
She sure is a doll! And Oliver is a Prince Of A Fellow with her on his back….So Very Cute!
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Chickie said:
January 26th, 2012 at 2:01 pm
Oliver has turned out to be a real winner of a pet! I am so happy to have the weird little guy.
I expect to cry all day at work Thursday and Friday. Luckily, I won’t be on the phone with customers those days so my tearfest should be largely unnoticed.
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January 25th, 2012 2:10 pm
I don’t know who I feel sadder for, you or the Bean. I know it will all be fine, just a tough first couple of days. Hugs to you all and a scratch to the reformed Oliver.
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Chickie said:
January 26th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
Thank you, SaraSue! I am reminding myself to be grateful that I got 12 weeks off after she was born. This has been soooo nice.
It almost makes me want to have another one just for the vacation. (Oh, Sweety would croak if he saw that.)
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January 25th, 2012 2:25 pm
That definitely looks like a “Get this human puppy the h&$l off me!” look.
I am one of the ones that enjoyed going back to work so I will hope that once you get there, you will be happy to talk adult and the time will pass quickly till you’re back home with your Bean again.
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Chickie said:
January 26th, 2012 at 2:03 pm
I think you have his look pegged!
Okay! I am glad to hear from a someone who felt that way! I’m hoping for days that fly by too.
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January 25th, 2012 2:46 pm
Margaret is wise. Follow her advice. I’m sorry that you’re going back to work next week, rather than 2 weeks. I know how hard it is. Take tissues, and have your neighbor on speed dial. :) I have no doubt that she will understand.
That said, my co-worker just returned from maternity leave. She said that if she made it until summertime, it would be a miracle. May your transition be much smoother!
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Chickie said:
January 26th, 2012 at 2:04 pm
I am with your co-worker. Right now the plan is to hang in there until my car is paid off in July and evaluate the situation then.
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January 25th, 2012 5:55 pm
I’m just a guy and I never liked going to work when our kids were small. I know it must be even worse for a mom. It is a tough balancing act; but, with Sweety’s support, I’m sure that you’ll be “OK”.
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January 27th, 2012 7:46 pm
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