Thursday, January 8, 2015

Life as a Full-time Working New Mama

Hi there!


 So how has life been since returning to work after my maternity leave?  To sum it up in a few words:  busy, challenging, rewarding, and tiring.  I've been back to work a week and a half.  That's not really a substantial amount of time, but it's a big transition for not only myself, but for Sage, and my hubby as well (as he is back to work after a two week Christmas break).

It's nice to be back working at the law firm.  I work with really good people so I'm lucky.  I miss Sage like crazy each day, but I take comfort in the fact that he has a wonderful sitter.  I know he is having a blast watching the other children and playing.  I'm still on the brink of tears as I drive into work each morning, but I get to work and it's busy, busy, and the day does pass...and then it's time for me to come home.  Yay!  

My husband gets out a little earlier than I do so he picks Sage up.  As soon as I walk in the door at night I scoop up my sweet baby boy (after kissing hubby, baby, and pups) and feed him.  He then generally plays for a bit or naps and then it's time for bath and bed for Sage.  I soak up the time before he goes to bed.  He has still been waking 1-2 times at night to feed.  And even though I'm exhausted, I cherish those late night moments with him.  I know they won't happen forever and someday I'll look back with nostalgia.

My other favorite time of day is when Sage wakes up.  Most days he does me the favor of sleeping a bit past when I wake up so I can shower and get ready for the day.  I watch him on the monitor and I give him a few minutes to slowly wake up on his own and then I go in.  He looks at me and smiles so big and my heart is so happy that I know it's all worth it.  Our hard work each day is to give him the best life we can. Sage wakes up with a smile on his face and for that I am so grateful.

I'm yet to run since getting back to work.  I'm not willing to get up an hour earlier to get in a run just yet.  Sleep is still too precious and functioning during the workday takes precedence.    I eat lots of healthy clean foods and rely on that to keep me energized.



Just for fun (and because I like seeing other mamas schedules), here's what a workday has looked like lately:

6AM - Up and into the shower I go!  Then it's time for makeup and hair (and by that I mean brushing my hair and a little blow drying...).

6:45AM - Pump and get a bottle ready for Sage.

Between 6:30 & 7AM - Sage gets up.  Love love love!

7AM - Feed Sage and get him dressed.  I do myself the favor of getting the diaper bag ready the night before.  My husband puts the cloth diapers in the wash each night when he gets home from work.

7:15AM - Eat breakfast - cereal or shake or toast.

7:25AM - Get dressed for work.  I don't dare put on my work clothes any earlier because either (1) I'll get spit up on my outfit or (2) I'll get covered in dog fur.

7:30AM - Start the car so it's warm when Sage and I get on the road.

7:40AM - Head to the sitter and drop Sage off and within 20 minutes I'm then on the road to work.

8:30-5PM - Work, work, work...I also pump twice during the workday.  Mid morning and mid afternoon.  My office has a wellness room which makes it easy for me.

5:30PM - Home!  Feed Sage and play with him.  Chat with my hubby about our days and eat leftovers or something simple for dinner.

6:30PM - Bath time, feed Sage, and he's usually sleeping by 7:30PM.

7:30PM - Wash bottles, pick out work outfit for the next day, chat with hubby, and we generally attempt to watch a TV show, but I can barely keep my eyes open past 9PM.


8:30-9PMish - Crash into my pillow.  Sleep...


In the night...generally around 12AM and 4AM - feed Sage and then stumble back to bed.  Sometimes I have trouble falling back asleep though which frustrates me!

And that is life right now.  I am so thankful for it. 

How does your schedule compare to mine?

4 comments:

  1. Isn't it the best when you lay down in bed? FEELS SOOO good!!! Keep it up mommy - you are doing great!

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  2. Just like Sarah said - you are doing a fabulous job, Em! I've always admired working moms.

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  3. I loved reading this! Props to you new mama! I know you probably don't feel like it, but it sure sounds like you have it together. I'm sure it'll get better once he starts sleeping a little more throughout the night. As time goes on, you'll have to share how pumping and working has worked out for you. Any idea on how long you want to breast feed? You're doing great!

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  4. Thanks for sharing! I find it so interesting learning about how new mom's manage everything. I want to have a baby in the near future so I find this super helpful.

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