Do you know what happens on June 18th? I go back to work. How in tarnation did a solid year of maternity leave evaporate into nothingness at such a rapid rate? It seems like a lifetime ago when I packed up my desk at work and waddled home, hand resting expectantly on my belly, to enjoy the last of my child-free days. I’ve had so much fun this past year:
From the final days of my pregnancy spent lounging on the beach while noshing on licorice, to the excitement of my first contraction, to the weariness of exasperation after 40 hours of labour, to the awe of holding my slimey little newborn on my chest, to the trials of breastfeeding, to the hundreds of hours spent hooked up to my best friend, the breast pump, to the sleepless nights, to the unbelievable fatigue, to the semblance of routine, to the many mornings spent in the company of fellow mothers, discussing our experiences, to the delight of her first smile, to the worry over the flat spot on her head, to the joy of the first coos, giggles and rollings-over, to the perpetual adjustment of putting another’s needs before my own, to the pride of watching Steve be a father, to the long walks in the stroller, to the months of teething agony, to the first piggy tails and the crawling and her destruction of my home.
It’s been the best year of my life.
22 Comments
So sad to hear that you have to go back to work :( But so glad to hear you just had the best year of your life! Out of curiousity, and if you don’t mind sharing, what are you plans for daycare for Avelyn? I’ve just started being a Nanny (my first week) so reading your blog has such a new meaning to me now hahaha – if you know what I mean?
Keep having fun with your precious girl!
Tracy, I have a friend who is at home with a 2 year old and 6 month old who was taking 2 spots for in-home daycare. She has her ECE and 10 years of experience so I feel great sending Avelyn there. Also, I’m only going back one day a week, so that made it easier to find someone to watch her.
cute :) liked the post.
one day a week to start off with is a great idea. You’re lucky to have employers that will do that for you.
I’m so glad it was the best year of your life. :)
That post was really sweet! Back to work already though?
One year?! How the heck did you get a year off?
That’s crazy!! It has gone by very quickly, hasn’t it?
What’s your plan for the little one, then?
one day a week will be lovely – you’ll appreciate the time at home more because you get a break. I wish I could be parttime like that!
You make a great Momma, Amanda. And there will still be 4 days a week for play dates :)
That was a sweet tribute, well said! It’s amazing how fast a year goes.
American employers need to get their priorities straight and grant mothers longer maternity leaves than the customary six-to-twelve weeks. It’s a crime, really.
Has it been a year already? Wow time flies! Last June my life was completely different than it is now, I guess we both had very good years. Also June 18th is my birthday.
Oh that’s nice that it’s only once a week you have to leaver her :) Thanks for sharing!
Oh the joys of being a mom hey? I love them!
Girl, I am feeling for you…at least it is only a few days a week…I know that doesn’t make it any easier…but…better than full time! I love you list of memories…it was beautiful!
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That was from Chloe telling Avelyn hi! She is addicted to pounding on the keyboard.
Oh, a whole year has passed by since I started reading your blog? I found it about 6 weeks before you had Avelyn. Wow!
I was lucky in the US to manage to stay home for 14 1/2 weeks using up every last benifit I had (vacation days, sick time, disability) and working up until the first contractions. Yes, the US needs to get up to par on maternity leave issues. You are so so lucky to have had a year.
I will also say that you may enjoy going back to work. After the initial 4-6 weeks of feeling really really guilty, I got to a point were I really enjoy working and leaving Maggie to play with other great kids. She is at a daycare right across the street from me and I visit her twice a day so I know this isn’t the norm, but I really do feel like a better mommy by still persuing my own/previous goals.
Best year of your life, even with watery turd issues.
That says something about Avelyn, doesn’t it? Big congrats on making it through the first year! It really did go fast like everyone said it would, didn’t it?
Ahh yes, my old friend the breast pump. We too were chained to each other for months. I am sooo glad I am done with that! Congrats on a great year =)
Hope it goes well for you. You’re lucky to be in Canada. I also go back to work June 18th, but my baby was born April 22, 2007 (and my entire time off was unpaid – bah!). Congrats to you – I’ve enjoyed reading about Avelyn’s first year!
It just keeps getting better, even when your time is spent at home and away from home!
I can’t believe! it’s been a year. And yes, Canada is rad for having year-long maternity leaves. I’ve never heard of that here in the PAC Northwest. But a girl can dream. Not that I’m planning on needing that anytime, soon. Ahem. I need to stop rambling now. But I’m so glad your year was wonderful, was the overall point I was trying to make just then. : )
(And hello! I have missed being around. But I am back, so yay! for not having to miss anything bloggy anymore.)
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