Year One: Working Mom Edition

Well first I want to talk about Soy Bean’s first birthday.  Success!  For his party we kept it simple.  I order a few jungle themed decorations, matching shirts, and we had pizzas delivered and made salads.  We kept the party small with just family and my husband made this amazing cake.  I think he should consider a career change!

I can hardly believe this school year is almost over.  When I think about my life in the fall it’s hard to grasp how quickly things change in such a short period of time.  When I first went back to work I felt completely overwhelmed.  Even with all the help I have, every day I faced seemed impossible.

Over time things became easier for me.  I established routines and figured out what worked best for me.  I think the biggest change was creating a consistent bedtime routine for the baby.  I have to admit, it’s nice to know my husband and I will have some alone time every night.  I was saying to him last evening as we sat on the couch, that months ago it felt like we would never be able to relax at night without worrying about the baby.  Now he goes to bed so easily (most of the time!) and sleeps at least a solid 10 hours.

I also cannot be more thankful for the fact that Soy Bean goes to my parents’ house everyday.  When I drop him off  I know that he is loved all day.  I know they enjoy him as well, but I’m sure my mom is looking forward to some baby-free time this summer!

My other savior this year has been my friends at work.  I have to admit, while I’m looking forward to summer, I’m a little bummed I won’t see these wonderful ladies everyday.  After leaving college, I had to adjust to not being around my friends all the time.  When you’re in college you get to eat dinner with your friends every night. Now, I can say I eat lunch every day with friends.  How lucky am I?

I’m sure we’ll have plenty of time to get together with the kids this summer, along with some ladies sangria evenings, but it’s not the same.  I guess that gives me something to look forward to in the fall.

For now, I’m excited to have the entire summer with my baby.  I want to inducement to the beach and splash pads and hopefully fit some long walks in there as well.  I’ll keep you posted.