Thoughts on Motherhood...

... or things I've learned since becoming a mom:

• My parents were right - you really do understand once you have children.
• It is amazing how much time one little person can occupy.
• Good communication between spouses is so very important.
• Sleep is not as important as I thought it was at one time - but it sure is nice to have on a consistent basis!
• It is possible to be completely frustrated one minute and completely thrilled the next  - just because you've gotten a smile out of your little girl.
• Loving someone more than your own life is not just a saying.
• Although they are just as much a part of our family and will always be so, my puppies are not my children - they are my companions, comic relief, best friends and cuddle buddies and I love them dearly.
• Watching someone sleep can be a great way to spend your time.
• My heart is capable of unconditional love in a way I didn't believe was possible. 

On Monday, I go back to work for the first time since before Lily was born. Just as a sidenote - I do find it a little ironic say "going back to work". Motherhood, albeit the best job I've ever had, is a lot of hard work! 

Although I am looking forward to getting back into a routine and to diving into work, I am going to miss her more than I ever thought I would. Before I had her, going back to work full-time was a no-brainer for me. I was positive that I would never want to be a stay at home mom. Now, although I still don't think the stay at home full-time path is for me, my thoughts have definitely changed in regards to working and staying with Lily. Going back to work full-time is definitely what needs to be done right now, for me and for our family and for those at my workplace that are depending on me to come back. However, if the opportunity presents itself in the future for me to spend more time at home with Lily, I would seriously consider doing so until she is old enough for school full-time. I don't think I will ever want to stop working outside of the home completely - at least until I'm ready to retire! I enjoy it, find it motivating and rewarding and it helps me to maintain structure in daily life.

We are lucky in that we have found a great person to care for Lily while we are working. Although she will be going with Richard to work for 2-3 days a week, as long as that is feasible for both of them, we needed someone to care for her during the days she will not be working with her daddy. We found someone with an extensive background in preschool and in-home daycare, with wonderful references, whose daughter was born only a month after Lily! She will be keeping only Lily and her daughter and perhaps one other toddler very part-time and we are so excited about that. We wanted Lily to be in a situation that allowed her to learn to share, get along with others, etc, but that would also allow her to have the personal attention she needs to learn, grow and develop at her own pace. I am so thankful and happy that we've found that for her! 

So, although I am sure next week will be very very difficult for me, I am grateful that Lily will be in good hands all around, when she's not in mine. And, as her daddy keeps reminding me, because I will be away from her during the day, the time we'll have together at home will be even more special.