Answer: 16 Days

[aliki]

That's the number of days left before I go back to work, something I haven't done since March 19, 2010. I feel rusty and awkward. It feels like a lifetime ago. I feel like a different person. Work suddenly doesn't seem that important to me anymore.

I know I will cry on September 1st. Erika turned four months old on August 10th, and the longest I've been apart from her is five hours, when I went to Linda's baby shower and she stayed home with Daddy. I thought of her with every breath I took. My chest ached to feel her against my body. I missed her silly lopsided smile, or the way her eyes crinkle into crescent moons when she laughs, or the way she snorts as she laughs when I pretend to eat her belly.


Erika on Aug 12, 2010.
(17 weeks old)

Two weekends ago, Erika was baptized on August 8th. Shockingly I didn't take a single photo that day-- I was too busy tending to Erika! I'm waiting for friends/family to send them to me. She was so beautiful and so well behaved.

Sometimes I forget how much she's grown till I see photos like this. She's the size of a toddler! (And actually, several strangers have rudely commented "your toddler doesn't walk yet?" Ummm, no, she's 4 months old.) But she's got wonderful head control and is a great supported sitter.

Comments

[sirenphotos.livejournal.com]

Haha I put photos on face book of Quinn on her 4 mo birthday (8/9/10) and one friend was like omg how big is she. Turns out she's only 3 lbs and 2.5 in less than my friends 9 mo old baby (Q is 16 lbs and 25 inches)!

Going back to work was hard but I also missed being among adults and using my brain for things other than baby related. It really helps that we have an amazing daycare provider and Quinn is SO happy there. I still wish I could work 20 - 30 hours a week but it's not an option.

Your daughter is so adorable!

[aliki.livejournal.com]

Quinn must look similar in size to Erika! Erika's a day younger than her (4/10/10) and approx. 17 lbs. and 26 inches. We got giant babes, must be the breastmilk ;)

I wish I could do part-time, that'd be ideal, but I can't with my district. I'm enrolling her in a daycare that's 5 min walk from the high school I teach at, so at least I'll see her by 3pm everyday.

[breakableheart.livejournal.com]

I'm getting all sniffly here. Cute baby! Pretty mama!

[steforama.livejournal.com]

LOVE the thighs. And even though she's toddler-sized, she still has that baby face.

I was a mess the first day I dropped off Cecilia.

[aliki.livejournal.com]

I love her chubby cheeks and turkey thighs :)

My coworker (mother of 3) already gave me good advice to show up 30 min early to work on the first day, as I'd spend it crying in the parking lot or bathroom.

[steforama.livejournal.com]

I did a "trial run" day with Cecilia, where I dropped her off for a day on the Friday before I started work, just to see how things went and I would be available if necessary. I did some errands and chores that day and also sobbed and looked at pictures of her :)

It was definitely more of a trial run for me than her!

[aliki.livejournal.com]

Since Bri is taking paternity leave for six weeks when I return on Sept 1, it'll be a little easier since I'm just visualizing I've gone to the grocery store while Daddy is home with her... and that grocery trip went on for seven hours... I hope.

Not sure which will make me more teary. Her at home with Daddy but I dont get to see her at all during the workday; or her at daycare but I get to see her during lunch.. Hmm.

[krisnake.livejournal.com]

I don't think Erika could be more adorable. I get the opposite reactions with Malcolm because he is petite. When he was a babe, people always thought he was much younger.

What you are feeling is common. Going back to work can trigger PPMD for many moms, so be aware and ask Brian to pay attention to how you are acting and have him ask you often how you are feeling. Separation from your child can be very difficult so don't be afraid to make sure you have a solid support network in place.

[aliki.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the advice.

I guess people have to comment either way!

[jfoufou.livejournal.com]

Love her chunky turkey-drumsticks thighs! Reminds me of Cai at that age.... *tear*

She's adorable :)

[aliki.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

[smittenbyu]

but she still looks so tiny and just adorable....

in my case people can't get over LO's head of hair and her height... so they think she is 6+ months.... I think every child gets some remark or the other!

[aliki.livejournal.com]

The hair does throw people off, I think. Most Caucasian babies I see are born with very little hair...?

[jenont.livejournal.com]

I find it sad that the American government and its companies don't see the value of offering year long maternity leaves.. you should move to Canada!! :D (sorry - I'm trolling Rob's fl and have been following your blog since your last trimester :))

J

[aliki.livejournal.com]

Adding you! About half my posts are friends-only.

Would it be stalkerish to say I remember when Rob announced Rebecca was born in 2005?!?

[gingerdc9.livejournal.com]

Just curious - how much does she weigh?

[aliki.livejournal.com]

She hasn't been to the doc since a month ago, but home estimate puts her at approximately 17 lbs. and 26 inches. At the doc visit last month, at 3 months she was 26 inches and 15 lbs. 4 oz. (Our yardstick says she hasn't grown in height at all? Could be off..)

[parisinspring.livejournal.com]

Erika is so adorable!

Oliver was really big (and tall) for his age as well. He always seemed so big - especially next to his little friends who were all so much smaller than he was. But now when I look back at those baby photos, he looks so small!