First Week Back to Work

Baby #2 is here and I’ve now been back to work a full week. It’s high time I updated the blog! And, finished up things like sending out birth announcements. Hmm, whoops. Go figure, having a newborn in the house made things a bit crazier and has allowed for a lot less sleep.

Going back to work was at least easier with Lil’ Chica than with Lil’ O. I think that is largely due to it just being the second time around. My maternity leave with Lil’ Chica, while it of course had its ups and downs, was smoother than with Lil’ O. I think I realized more of what I needed to do (and not do) to stay sane. As a result, I did things like getting out of the house more and caring about mess and schedules less. I also mostly persevered with breastfeeding – more details to come – and that made it easier to be mobile than with Lil’ O. (Since I had early supply issues with him that the doctors were concerned by, he got a bottle really early, never looked back, and I took to pumping. Being tied to a pump is extremely limiting!!)

So, going back to work…I’m happy to report that I did pretty well. Monday was the most difficult day, but I put aside my missing Lil’ Chica and really, really focused on the new assignment I’ll be spending my days on with work. I love a new challenge and it helped that I hadn’t been at the computer much during my leave. So, coming back to strategic thinking and writing felt refreshing. I did sneak some breaks to look at pictures of my little girl, though. She sure is a cutie. Each subsequent day this week got easier and I'm grateful that I already have assignments coming in and deadlines to meet, all of which will help keep me focused.

Big News, Big Changes!

We got through and enjoyed the holidays – hurray!! Then, came January. It was good, but it was stressful. It was whirlwind and we’re happy to now be letting the dust settle and be looking forward once again, though we’re looking into a whole lot of unknown. See, I’ve got BIG NEWS!

Big News #1 – New Job!

After five years making memories and growing in the PR agency world, I’m taking the leap and will be moving into something new. Whew! This one has been a process! I wasn’t necessarily looking for change, but I am excited to move into an in-house role in which I’ll be writing blogs on behalf of others. That’s my job. I get to interview folks and be a writer!! Thanks to all who have encouraged me along the way instead of laughing at me for wanting to do something as seemingly frivolous as write. And, as an added bonus and a boon to family life, I’ll be working from home. This is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking. I think it’ll be great overall, but will certainly take some getting used to. Gulp. I start first week of February. 

The new, work-in-progress office space.

Big News #2 – Pregnant Again!

Yup, I’m happily pregnant with baby #2! We’re thrilled, but especially with the job changes and an energetic toddler, it’s taking a lot longer to wrap my head around this one. Pregnancy with Lil’ O was a miracle that I savored, even through the rough bits. This pregnancy, so far, seems to be a blur of activity and change. This was very much planned, but with the holidays and the job change, it’s been hard to believe I’m actually pregnant. Except, my clothes don’t fit. So, there’s that. 

Lil' O doesn't quite understand the news yet, but we were able to get these fun pictures. Idea courtesy of Pinterest.

So much change, so little time! My head is spinning. Now, it’s time to look forward and see how much life actually changes as a result of each of these big updates. Phew! And, for the record and as thrilled as we are, I don’t recommend two major life changes at once. ;)

Whirlwind

These past two weeks have been a whirlwind! Forgive me as I catch my breath.

After much planning and anticipation two of our dearest friends were married two weekends ago. The wedding and reception were beautiful. Husby was the best man, so *very* involved, leaving me juggling home duties and Lil’ O’s care for the couple weeks, especially the immediate week, leading up to the wedding. No wonder I got sick. Sigh. Thankfully, my MIL and parents helped tons during the wedding weekend so Husby and I could enjoy the festivities, but also keep Lil’ O happy, not too overstimulated and on his daycare/naptime schedule. We did mix it up a bit and bring him to the rehearsal dinner to meet everyone, but I left with him early so he could get to sleep. Lesson learned from leaving that venue: do not carry the 20lb kiddo in his car seat while also wearing high heels. Sore back, strained arms and bruises result. Noted.

Then, last week I had a super crazy work week, which included a quick trip to NYC. The trip was a blast, but also my first time away from Lil’ O. I think I managed ok, but more on that in a future post I’m sure.

So, that’s a quick snapshot of the whirlwind. More soon, but taking this week to get back in the swing of things and recalibrate. Phew!