Returning to Work after Maternity Leave

I must say it was nice to have 11-1/2months off....

This past week I have unfortunately returned to work. Since my last job was a contract, which ended when I left on maternity leave, I had to find a new job. I was smart enough to enroll in some online college courses while off to help boost my resume *good idea!*. It took me a few weeks (very discouraging weeks I might add) but I found a full time job! *phew*

It's not the most ideal situation...I'm still getting used to the 6am rises. However, I get off at 4pm so I still have plenty of time to see Adriana. Most important thing to me! It's a decent job - nothing I haven't done before. I work for a government regulated manufacturing company who makes all the bomb sniffers for the airports and army. Actual title is Inventory Control Specialist (again). Downside is this is another contract position but high potential to become permanent after 6mths. Honestly...it doesn't bother me too much since in the New Year I plan to look for another job; a better one.

So...my first week back after having a baby has been different. Interesting. Tiring. At times difficult. I have a tedious job which requires a lot of attention - working with very small parts takes patience. Several times a day I find myself thinking about her and my boyfriend.
What are they doing?
What did she eat for lunch?
How long was her nap?
How much longer until I see her!
I prepared myself near the end of August for going back to work. I didn't like it but I knew I had to do it. It was definitely an adjustment for me. I was so used to being at home with her for 12hrs a day by myself, talking to friends whenever I wanted, online shopping, mall shopping, long walks, tea dates, etc. Now I have scheduled breaks, lunches, work to do, people to impress, etc....an expectation as an employee in a new place. I need some time to adjust to this work world, that's for sure.

The best advice I can give a fellow Mommy is to mentally prepare yourself. Take some time to adjust to a new routine. Since my boyfriend's working season was slowing down, I was able to take a step back and let him get used to being with her more than just a few hours at night. This helped Adriana adjust to being with Daddy for the day instead of Mommy. I would still feed her during the day but maybe get Daddy to bathe her and feed her dinner - I would give her a bottle and put her to bed. Little things at a time allowed her to ease into a new schedule, as well as myself. I woke up earlier and tried REALLY hard not to nap during the day. As difficult as that was...some days I just needed it.
I had zero fears that my boyfriend would be the main caregiver now. He's been a wonder dad from the beginning - and Adriana is a pure Daddy's girl, which makes it easy. My boyfriend really took the reins from the beginning. He helped a lot in the beginning to let me heal properly and he has really tried to do his share when he can! Kudos babe. Kudos.

I think Adriana has been having a ball at home with her Dad! She's a happy girl and really doesn't have much to complain about. Both parents who love her and would do anything for her. She has a warm home, a bed, toys, clothes, food, etc. I am very thankful to have a family like I do....Even though this is the American Thanksgiving weekend and I am Canadian - I am thankful for many things. My boyfriend and Adriana being right there at the top of list :)