6 weeks.  That’s all I can get through my 9-5 for maternity leave.  That’s really depressing.  I need to go back, so that we can get our finances back on track, but leaving my baby at home sounds terrible.  But you know what?  It also sounds nice, so I can get back into a schedule.  That sounds crazy…I know.

My baby girl is my second kiddo, I know – they always get the shaft!  I had 12 weeks off with my first, and that didn’t seem like long enough (it’s not).  This go around I have 6 weeks, and I feel much more comfortable going back to work.  I’m blessed that family watches our kids, and I have a lenient schedule to where I can work from home most days as well.  I enjoy having a career, and I love having a family.  I don’t want to have to choose, and I typically can balance things out pretty well too.  My job isn’t super demanding beyond normal work hours, so I don’t worry about bringing work home.  Although, now I have TWO kids, which is a very different ballgame.  I’m not sure what to expect just yet, such as our morning or nightly routine once I go back, and I hate not knowing.  Let’s face it though, that’s not something you can plan too well!  I have thoughts of breastfeeding my daughter at a certain time while my husband feeds our toddler, but kids are too unpredictable!  Some nights are good sleeping nights, and others…not so much!

Here are some ways I’m preparing for going back to work.

1. Bought a new planner.  I love planners.  I LOVE the old school paper planners! I have gone ahead and put in important events and appointments for the next two months.  Each day, I would like to write down 1 things I’m grateful for, and 1 goal I will accomplish during the day.
2. Figuring out a schedule.  Like I said, this is one that will change probably daily, but this is mostly so me and our babysitter’s can get on the same page with what our days will be like.
3. Going back late in the week.  I have the option to start back on Monday, but honestly, I’m okay with starting back on a Thursday because I only have 2 days to work – and then it’s the weekend!  Thursday is exactly 6 weeks from when I had my baby.
4. Spending some time away from my kids. As I said, we’re all trying to get into a groove, so I’ll spend some hours away from my kids so the babysitters can get used to what the day will be like (getting bottles ready, nap times, etc.)
5. Trying to RELAX.  This is the hardest.  I’m terrible at this.  I like to be doing things at all times, which is good and bad.  I can’t ALWAYS be doing something though, I need to take time for myself so I don’t get so tired and stressed that I take it out on those I’m closest to.  I have gone ahead and scheduled a lunch date with my sister on Friday so I have something to look forward to.

Nothing really makes the first week or so easy when heading back to work, but eventually time passes and you do realize you’ve done it.  As I said before, I enjoy having a career, and I hope to ingrain my work ethic and dedication in my children.  I want them to be proud of their hard-working mama!