Working mama pros and cons

Investigating the printer - maybe he can
come to work with me?

 I've gone back to work, full time.


There... I've said it.


It actually happened three weeks ago but it's only now that I've been able to type about it and get a handle on my guilt, nerves, worries, tears, fears and all the other feelings that have been whirring around inside since April 18th. That's not to say that any of the aforementioned feelings have dissipated, far from it. So instead of going into detail I'm going to write sensible, emotion-free pros and con of returning to work list.

Here goes...





Pros

• I appreciate much more the precious time Alex and I have together and it really is quality time now. I think I was taking it for granted a bit before
• The look on Alex's face when I walk in the door after a day at work is amazing... I must get the camera out next time
• Nanna B is doing a wonderful job as temporary nanny and Alex loves her even more than ever
• I'm earning money for the first time in 13 months
• Having a beautiful bubba at home gives you some excellent perspective - nothing at work is that bad or that important.

Cons

• It breaks my heart to leave him in the morning
• I have gone from spending all day long with Alex to about 2.5 hours
• I hate commuting - especially the inevitable traffic which cuts into the precious time mentioned above
• It's hard to be excited, inspired or enthusiastic about any job when really what you want to do is be at home playing with your little man
• Childcare is a NIGHTMARE in this city, 12 month waiting lists with no guarantee of a place, crazy waiting list charges, expensive fees... I could go on...
• I can't help thinking that in 20 years time I'll be regretting not having spend more time with my son, I won't be regretting not having worked in that ad agency in Sydney

People tell me it gets easier.

the force is strong in this bath...

OK, I don't really have anything to say but isn't this the cutest picture of Alex, just out of the bath?

The search for the Sasquatch is over...

At times it's hard to believe that Bigfoot (Alex), is only three weeks old . For people that haven't met him in the flesh, imagine Clint Eastwood as a baby- and you get the picture. He just looks old. In his future I see groups of babies huddled around the corner of Mothercare, willing him through the doors to buy their formula. He'd never get 'carded'.

To add to the situation, his beloved mother loves dressing him in what i term 'little worker mans clothes'.

Though utterly, completely cute- I swear that while she's fussing with the complicated combination of straps and buttons, I see him glance over her shoulder at me, his big blue eyes begging for me to intervene. Yep for the minute, this little man loves big comfort, no pomp of ceremony, just the simplicity of a cotton babygrow, and who can blame him.