VT Mamateurs

The last few weeks have been busier and more stressful than I thought imaginable. Today was supposed to be my first day back to work from maternity leave. I decided two weeks ago to leave my job of seven years and start an exciting career at a different company. I never thought it would be so hard to say goodbye to some wonderful colleagues who are some of my closest friends. I cried when I gave my notice and I cried when I told my co-workers. If you haven’t figured it out by now, I am a crier, but not because I am a wimp but because change is hard.

I  was seriously debating about going back to work…period. My husband and I had many dinner dates (aka “business meetings”) to discuss the possibility.  We could have pulled it off but I know in my heart and mind that I need to work for my sanity. I can also honestly say I love what I do. However with that being said I seem to be having a harder time this time around. The work and family balance is an ongoing struggle.

I leave at the end of the month for a week of training in San Diego. I am excited about the new opportunity but also frantic trying to make sure that all three kids survive a week without me. Yes I will be that mom that has the clothes picked out for the week and post-it notes around the house for “reminders”. My hubby actually appreciates this…so I have been told We will make it work, we always do but the anxiety is building and there is never enough hours in the day. I know we will all survive and I also know it does get easier but I think I forgot that.

So on top of a new job I am trying to build up my supply so I can have a stash for Miss Piper while I am gone. Luckily I am able to overnight my milk which is a huge bonus but wowza finding the time to pump, wash parts and feed seems like the first few weeks after birth all over again. Worth it yes, easy?… not really.

Oh and the twinkies seem to have a rejuvenated interest in the potty. The potty chart is in full effect but I just know when I leave we will be back to square one. Not a big deal since we don’t want to push the issue but my control freak ways have me worried they will forget all together.

And….last week we finally signed off on our kitchen remodel. Kind of feels like the day we signed the marriage license. No turning back and quite the commitment. We have been designing this renovation for a year and we are fully ready to have our house turned upside down, gutted and with us living with a mock kitchen in our basement. Yeah right. This will be a true test of our endurance to keep sane.

The last thing that has my big girl undies in a bunch is that we are seriously considering buying a minivan. Yes it is practical and yes we have three kids, a dog,  and a lot of “stuff”, but I always told myself I would never succumb to even the thought. I have come to terms with this and in doing some research I see that there are some pimped out minivans out there. For the record I was still calling them caravans until someone clued me in:)

Everything will work out fine it always does. We have health, happiness and each other, and life doesn’t get better than that. I think it is just that Mondays are a cruel reminder of all the things you forgot about during the weekend.

Hope you all have a great start to the week!

-B