i started back at work last week. its funny, when i had stella i was ready to go back to work, be part of society, talk to adults, be productive. i think i got a little lonely, i didnt know too many people with kids yet and life as i knew it had changed so much i was ready to do something normal. now, 2 years later, with a 2 year old and a newborn and a whole slew of new friends who stay home with their kids, i'm not so ready to go back to work. but here i am. i was nervous to say the least. there is a lot happening around the house now, stella keeps us all very busy, not to mention she is so much fun to be around. suffice it to say, never once was i bored or lonely during this maternity leave.
monica, or auntie momohead as we lovingly call her, came to stay with us last week to help ease the transition for me and watched the girls while i was gone. it was one of the best weeks of my life. stella just adores momo, there is such an innate calm and patient quality to monica that i have had to learn (and am still learning) to have, and kids react so well to her, its amazing to watch. on our first visit to austin, jane would fall asleep and stay asleep in moncia's arms for hours on end.
i know it was only a week she was here, but i got used to our little routine together. not to mention it was a nice break for kyle and i to have an extra set of arms handy every day. i am so grateful to have such an amazing sister who would drop everything in her life for a week just to come help me.
week one back at work was a definite success. i have to say i am enjoying the long hours of focus and productivity at the office (as opposed to getting interrupted every 5 seconds by a screaming child) and i've missed some of my coworkers so much, they are some of my best friends in this town, its good to see them on a daily basis again. and i'm lucky to work a revised schedule where i am home every afternoon by 3 (i know i really shouldnt complain) so i still get a nice afternoon/evening with the girlies and have plenty of time to get a good meal on the table for dinner without feeling frazzled.
here are a few pictures from momo and myself of our week-long partay last week.
also, note that jane has learned she has hands!
