Strange title, I know. In two weeks from yesterday, or 13 days from today, I am returning to work. I originally scheduled my return for Feb. 1st, but as that date approached I knew I needed more time. First it was 2 more weeks, but as it turned out, I went for an additional month. March 3rd is the big day!
Yes, I have a wonderful and supportive boss. In fact, it was he who reminded me that I was entitled to more time if needed. Being away from work for this amount of time (it will be 3 months) was quite difficult for me. Over the past 10 years I have only taken one 'proper' vacation of two weeks and that was a cruise in 2004. Other than that, I usually just take a Friday and Monday off to extend my weekends or add a few days to a holiday. I know this is not ideal or healthy and I certainly deserve to take my vacation time and actually go somewhere to escape, but I just haven't done that...yet!
When I traveled to pick up Little Squirt, it took me a good month or more to finally relax and free my mind of work. I worried and wondered about so many things such as: will my programs run smoothly while I'm away?; will the 4 folks covering for me make a mess of things? (if any of you are reading this, so sorry - I do know I left my tasks in perfectly capable and professional hands); will I be missed? The list goes on. So, I think that is why I felt that I needed a bit more time, and I am happy and thankful that I was able to delay the return date.
I'm really looking forward to returning to work. I know it will be rough and challenging for the first couple of weeks, but I feel that I have a new and fresh outlook since my daughter is finally home. And I'm anxious to get into the groove of how my, rather 'our', life will be.
I'm curious to hear how those who returned to work have managed. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to share.
Before I close this post, I do want to send a warm and heartfelt 'THANK YOU' to Rebeca, Robin, Kay, and Jim for covering my programs and to Brian for your continued support and words. You've each allowed me to spend quality time with my new baby.
And now for just a couple of pictures -
8 comments:
What's not to like about more pictures of the Divine Miss N!
And it will be nice to have you back laboring away to make our corporate world a better place, too. But the time you took was very important and I think you have used it wisely. "Mommy school" is strictly an OJT operation and doing it full time for a bit has been a good thing for you.
J
What a great work environment. The only thing that really has me all stressed out is the taking time off from work aspect. I get mad at myself for feeling guilty calling in sick when I really am sick and I'm already fretting over maternity leave.
Ack.
I'm glad you had a great time off.
She just gets cuter and cuter! I hope the adjustment goes well for both of you. My only word of wisdom is that it gets easier every day. My first day back after our first adoption, I was ready to put in my 2 weeks notice and live in a tent the rest of my life if I needed to! But, every day got easier...
Tasha, I know exactly what you mean. Even when I would be so very sick, I would still find a way to stay on top of things through the day. It wasn't easy for me to free my mind when the adoption leave started, but I finally did it.
(I really must learn BALANCE)
AHHHH!!! She is precious! I am emailing her a big smooch for those beautiful cheeks :)
She looks more beautiful everytime I see her!!! I'm so glad you have fantastic people to work with, it'll make the transition easier. You are a strong woman and I know even though it'll take some time you gals will work through it, especially Nola, she seems quite strong willed also:)
Oh, she is sooo darling and is obviously growing and thriving. Those Kyrgyz babies are so sweet, especially the cheeks.
Enjoy the time you have left to spend with Nola before going back to work. You'll both do fine when you do.
Tina
While I was on maternity leave I also felt anxious to get back to work...not because I was dying to work. I knew it was inevitable and I just want to know what my 'real' life would be like. You baby is beautiful! Enjoy your last couple of weeks at home with her.
Tiffany
(mom to Eliza born in China and maybe a child from Kyrgyzstan someday)
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