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!

[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.

[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.

[jfoufou.livejournal.com]

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

She's adorable :)

[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!

[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

[gingerdc9.livejournal.com]

Just curious - how much does she weigh?

[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!