It was just a matter of time

I had my first overnight travel for work this week. I spent the evening in Charleston wining and dining Big Oil. Practicing my business development skills as I had good seafood at the marina isn't such a bad deal. However, it was my first night away from my precious baby boy. Jeremy and Holden got along great without me, which I knew they would. Although, I do feel a little guilty that I wasn't more torn up about having to be away for the night. If I'm honest, a little part of me was even excited to be in Charleston for the evening even if it was for work. I did give Holden lots of hugs and kisses when I returned today to make up for my absence yesterday.

Work Mom

When I was in grade school, I noticed that there were moms that came to school to help serve lunch. I came home from school one day and said to my mom "your a work mom not a cook mom". I guess that was my way of noticing that my mom wasn't a stay at home mom but a working mother. So, I have followed in her footsteps and become a "work mom" too.

Holden has been in daycare part time for 3 weeks now and I back to work. He is doing great, I do better each day. He is in a family daycare center and Tracy is really nice and Holden seems to be fine with her, she has definitely got him on the nap schedule I have been trying to do for weeks. He seems to do really well and she gives me a sheet that says what he did all day. There are definitely some pros to daycare and I have decided to focus on the good things that come with daycare instead of moping that I can't be a stay at home mom (SAHM) for a little longer.

My list of good things about daycare and return to work:

1. He has a really good schedule with Tracy and is a happy baby with her and when he comes home at night

2. He gets to explore another environment aside from our living room

3. As he gets older he will have other kids to play with

4. I get to have adult conversations with people that aren't all about baby, I admit I still talk about Holden a lot.

I do worry about Holden getting enough one on one attention, but every day that I pick up or drop off he seems happy and Tracy always has something to tell me about his day.

I would have loved to stay home longer, but in reality I like my job and didn't go to school for 6 years to not use my degree. I though maybe I could be a SAHM but if I am really truthful with myself, I think I would ultimately miss the challenge of my career. However, my perspective on what is important has definitely changed, and leaving work at 4 to go pick up Holden doesn't come soon enough. I have become more productive during the day so I can focus my energy on my family when I'm at home.

I'm curious of other mom's feelings about returning to work and having their kids in daycare. Your fears, worries, joys...