As I may have mentioned before, the question about what to do with little Ben when it's time for me to return to work has been something that I have struggled with for some time. I have always known that I would be a working mom. For one, I love my job and the people I work with. I have been with my company for over six years now and have done so much growing since I have been here - both personally and professionally. Secondly, our benefits are WAY too good to walk away from, especially with a new addition to the family. And while I am positive that if it were important for me to be a SAHM that Greg would do everything in his power to work around the clock to make that happen for us, it is not how either of us picture our lives. And third, I am the type of person who WILL need adult interaction, (and probably some baby-free moments) on a regular basis. I know it is not the right choice for every mom, but for us - I think Ben and I will both be happier if I continue to work outside the home.
With that being said, the thought of leaving him all week and spending 40 hours away from him during his first year of life is difficult to say the least - and I have not even met or bonded with him yet! (Although, I have to say - his little kicks are becoming a daily reminder that he IS there and that he WILL be part of our lives soon) :)
Since before I got pregnant, I had considered all of the different options that might be available to me. I had wondered how flexible my boss would be with my schedule. The truth is, about 90% of my day is spent working on my computer, in our online database, answering emails, generating reports, putting together contracts, coordinating events, etc. While I was/am very confident that I would be able to accomplish work from home, I wasn't sure if that was a desirable option for my company - and the last thing I want to be is an inconvenience to my coworkers.
After a few discussions with the best boss ever, (and no, I don't think he reads this so I'm not sucking up), he has agreed to allow me to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This will start on a trial basis - he of course wants to be sure that I am still easily accessible, getting my work done, not checking out to just be mom (and be paid for it), and assuming it all goes well will continue until the end of next year. We both agree that once Ben is walking and talking it will become less and less manageable for me to both watch him AND get work done.
My mom is going to start working 4 days a week (starting in September - YAY!) and will be coming over to watch Ben on Mondays. We are both excited that they will be spending a day each week together. Hopefully some of her awesome grand parenting will make up for the fact that I will be clueless about what to do for awhile...
And on Wednesdays and Fridays, Ben will be spending time at *a daycare center right down the street from my office! (*I'm thinking that posting where might be a little too stalker friendly...) I was absolutely thrilled to learn that there will be 4 infants total, all starting in January, and that they will all be born within weeks of one another! Ben already has a little posse of homies forming.
My friend Steph pointed out that we truly will have the best of ALL worlds in this situation, and I have to agree with her! Ben will have a few days with me, a day being spoiled by his grandma, and a couple days of "social interaction" - learning from an early age that the world is not all about him ;) I mean, of course OUR world will be all about Ben, but I do like the fact that he will be around other kids learning to share, how to interact with peers and other adults, etc.
So that is my very LONG update. I have to say, I am so thrilled with the outcome and how it has all worked out. One more thing to check off the never ending list...
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Yoga - June Teaching Schedule!
Lately, I have been feeling pretty great in terms of my energy levels. Since we are getting closer and closer to September, (and since I am becoming more and more pregnant), I figured I would ramp up my teaching schedule while I am still able to do it! For anyone interested in joining me for a yoga class, below is the list of my teaching schedule for the month of June.
June 2 (Thursday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at Hot Yoga of Mill Creek - 6:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 4 (Saturday) - Power/Vinyasa at Bindi Yoga - 10 am (75 minutes)
June 6 (Monday) - Hot Power/Vinyasa at HYMC - 5 pm (60 minutes)
June 11 (Saturday) - Power/Vinyasa at Bindi - 10 am (75 minutes)
June 11 (Saturday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 4:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 13 (Monday) - Hot Power/Vinyasa at HYMC - 5 pm (60 minutes)
June 18 (Saturday) - Power/Vinyasa at Bindi - 10 am (75 minutes)
June 18 (Saturday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 4:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 20 (Monday) - Hot Power/Vinyasa at HYMC - 5 pm (60 minutes)
June 24 (Friday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 6:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 25 (Saturday) - Power/Vinyasa at Bindi - 10 am (75 minutes)
June 27 (Monday) - Hot Power/Vinyasa at HYMC 5 pm (60 minutes)
June 28 (Tuesday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 6:30 pm (90 minutes)
June 29 (Wednesday) - Hot Hatha Yoga at HYMC - 6:30 pm (90 minutes)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Nursery Update
I wanted to give an update on the nursery as we have made some significant progress in the last month or so! I will save pictures of the room itself for when things are complete, (below are just pictures from the web). I cannot believe that Ben will be here in, (let me refer to my countdown...), 16.5 WEEKS! While I honestly cannot wait to meet/hold him, I do not wish for him to be even a day early. I have way too many things to accomplish in the upcoming weeks.
The weekend after Greg and I found out we are having a boy, we (I) decided it was time to paint the room. I never thought I would have a "blue is for boy" or "pink is for girl" nursery, but we did end up with choosing blue for the color. It just looked SO great with the bedding we had already picked out, and I'm really happy with the final result!
We have ordered and received both the crib and the rocker/glider. Our parents were so generous to offer to pay for both of these items - Greg's parents bought the crib and my parents bought the chair. (Spoiled)!
While I was gone in Orlando, Greg and his friend Steve worked hard to put the crib and the chair together. They also painted the ugly (sorry, Greg) dresser that Greg has had for YEARS to a color that matches the espresso wood of the chair and crib. It looks like a brand new piece of furniture! I just need to pick out some new knobs to add the final touches to it! Thanks, guys!
Finally, I have ordered the tree decal that I wrote about a few months ago, and it is on it's way to me! I'm hoping it arrives before the long weekend so we can get it up on the wall.
My goal was to have all of the "big projects" done before the summer months arrived. When it is nice in Seattle, the last thing either of us will want to do is deal with something like painting, or putting together furniture. Also, at least 1/2 of the weekends between now and B-day are filled with plans already - and I want to save some time for any last minute things that may have slipped my mind.
Left to do in the nursery:
* Frame the artwork I had previously purchased
* Purchase and hang a mobile above the crib
* Move the elliptical machine out of Ben's room and into our room
* Establish some sort of closet organization system and purchase the necessary bins/shelves for that
* Purchase shelves to hang on the wall (see the above picture of the tree)
* Set up a "changing station" on the dresser
* Find and purchase curtains
* Purchase (maybe) a book shelf or a toy chest for the room
* Last minute details to personalize the room
* Anything else? (Help)!
The weekend after Greg and I found out we are having a boy, we (I) decided it was time to paint the room. I never thought I would have a "blue is for boy" or "pink is for girl" nursery, but we did end up with choosing blue for the color. It just looked SO great with the bedding we had already picked out, and I'm really happy with the final result!
We have ordered and received both the crib and the rocker/glider. Our parents were so generous to offer to pay for both of these items - Greg's parents bought the crib and my parents bought the chair. (Spoiled)!
* This crib will convert into a toddler bed and then a double bed when we are ready
While I was gone in Orlando, Greg and his friend Steve worked hard to put the crib and the chair together. They also painted the ugly (sorry, Greg) dresser that Greg has had for YEARS to a color that matches the espresso wood of the chair and crib. It looks like a brand new piece of furniture! I just need to pick out some new knobs to add the final touches to it! Thanks, guys!
Finally, I have ordered the tree decal that I wrote about a few months ago, and it is on it's way to me! I'm hoping it arrives before the long weekend so we can get it up on the wall.
My goal was to have all of the "big projects" done before the summer months arrived. When it is nice in Seattle, the last thing either of us will want to do is deal with something like painting, or putting together furniture. Also, at least 1/2 of the weekends between now and B-day are filled with plans already - and I want to save some time for any last minute things that may have slipped my mind.
Left to do in the nursery:
* Frame the artwork I had previously purchased
* Purchase and hang a mobile above the crib
* Move the elliptical machine out of Ben's room and into our room
* Establish some sort of closet organization system and purchase the necessary bins/shelves for that
* Purchase shelves to hang on the wall (see the above picture of the tree)
* Set up a "changing station" on the dresser
* Find and purchase curtains
* Purchase (maybe) a book shelf or a toy chest for the room
* Last minute details to personalize the room
* Anything else? (Help)!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Hilary's Visit
*Of course I forgot to take a picture of us together, so here is an old one!
This past week, Hilary was in town to visit! Unfortunately (for me), she came during the same week that I was in Orlando, but we were able to spend one awesome evening together to get all caught up on girl talk :)
Hil came over with some delicious snacks, and I don't think we stopped talking for 5 straight hours. It is always SO much fun when we have the chance to hang out, and we have done a great job of staying super close even though she lives in California and I live here. I'm already looking forward to her next visit to Seattle, and I can't wait for the THREE of us to visit her and John in San Diego. Maybe that will be Ben's first vacation??
She also brought this ADORABLE jacket for Ben.
Our kid is going to be SO stylish :) THANKS AUNT HIL!
Friday, May 20, 2011
23 Weeks!
How far along: 23 weeks
Weight gain: I'm guessing between 8 and 9 lbs.
How big is baby: Over 11 inches long, weighing just over a pound!
Maternity clothes: Pants are almost entirely maternity now (with the exception of some of my looser fitting jeans) and tops are a mix.
Stretch marks: Nope...but I've got my eyes out for them and I'm trying to remember to apply my belly butter nightly!
Sleep: Sleep is good. The nightly "get up to pee" runs had stopped there for awhile, but they are back now. I will have to get up at least once, if not twice, each night.
Best moment this week: This week has been a little stressful with being out of town and being busy in general, but I did really enjoy the most comfortable bed EVER at the hotel in Orlando. King size, high thread count and TONS of pillows. I was able to prop them all around me in a position that allowed me to feel like I was sleeping face down, but without squishing my belly. I also had a GREAT visit with my buddy Hilary (in town from San Diego) - but more on that in another post :)
Movement: Every day! It's so fun to feel him in there. I spend at least 5 minutes a day just thinking about what he must be doing in there, how is is positioned, etc. when I can feel him moving around.
Food Cravings: All kinds of fruit! I had a fruit delivery from Klesick Family Farm on Thursday, which contained apples, pears, honeydew melon, bananas, and mandarins! SCORE! If you have been considering a produce delivery system, I highly recommend giving this organization a try! (Tell them I sent you - they will send me some jam) :)
Movement: Every day! It's so fun to feel him in there. I spend at least 5 minutes a day just thinking about what he must be doing in there, how is is positioned, etc. when I can feel him moving around.
Food Cravings: All kinds of fruit! I had a fruit delivery from Klesick Family Farm on Thursday, which contained apples, pears, honeydew melon, bananas, and mandarins! SCORE! If you have been considering a produce delivery system, I highly recommend giving this organization a try! (Tell them I sent you - they will send me some jam) :)
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly button in or out: Gross
Belly button in or out: Gross
What I miss: It's funny, when you are younger and do not have the commitments and responsibility of work, a mortgage, a relationship and a family - those are all the things (many people) are chasing after and longing for! And while I wouldn't trade what Greg and I have built for ourselves for one second, I think both of us are in this state of looking back and remembering how EASY it was to just show up for work, go out after and sleep all day on the weekends. I wouldn't say I miss those days, but they sure were fun :)
What I'm looking forward to: I took today off (since I worked on Sunday) and plan to enjoy a day to myself! My mom is visiting for lunch and then I am going to go for a long walk in the sunshine followed by a dinner at home with Greg! I really missed him while I was away! This weekend we will be attending our friends Shauna and Brandon's baby shower on Saturday and a charity bowling event on Sunday!
What I'm looking forward to: I took today off (since I worked on Sunday) and plan to enjoy a day to myself! My mom is visiting for lunch and then I am going to go for a long walk in the sunshine followed by a dinner at home with Greg! I really missed him while I was away! This weekend we will be attending our friends Shauna and Brandon's baby shower on Saturday and a charity bowling event on Sunday!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
22 Weeks!
How far along: 22 weeks - 18 left to go!
Weight gain: I'm guessing 8.
How big is baby: 11 inches long, the length of a spaghetti squash. According to my reading, the baby can now hear us talking. So weird to think about that!
Maternity clothes: Nothing new to report here. Loving long/comfortable skirts pulled up and over my bump.
Stretch marks: Nope
Sleep: Sleep is still good, but I've found myself a bit more restless this last week. It is officially uncomfortable (and not recommended) to sleep on my back, so when I need to switch sides it takes a bit more effort, thus waking me up a little longer.
Best moment this week: Mothers Day was a great day this last week :) It's always fun to spend time with my mom - and next year is going to be even more exciting!
Movement: It has become obvious to me this week what is baby movement, and what is my stomach growling/digesting. For awhile there, I could not distinguish the two.
Food Cravings: Strawberries, watermelon, canteloupe, grapes, blackberries, etc. I'm so lucky I will be spending my third trimester during the season of plentiful fruit!
Labor Signs: No
Belly button in or out: Okay, fine. It's starting to become flat/stick out.
What I miss: Nothing!
What I'm looking forward to: I'm heading to Orlando tomorrow for work! Bring on the 90 degree weather! My friend/co-worker Shauntel and I are spending the day at Epcot Center on Saturday, will be attending conferences on Sunday and Monday, and then will relax poolside on Tuesday before catching our flight home. Greg says I should expect to come home to a painted dresser in the baby room, so I'm also looking forward to that!
Work Trip to Orlando
Every year, NIST MEP (Are you ready? The "National Institute of Standards and Technology's Manufacturing Extension Partnership") has their national conference. Since I have been on board with Washington's MEP, Impact Washington, they have held the conference in Orlando, Florida. This was my 4th time attending the conference in the 6.5 years I have been working at IW, and it is always a great time to get away from the office and meet our partners across the country. While we are definitely working hard each day in our conference sessions, they also are sure to build in plenty of "networking" and down time to make it fun!
This year, my coworker Shauntel and I flew down a day early so that we could spend a day at Epcot Center prior to the conference starting. We were expecting to escape the dreary Seattle weather, and were surprised and irritated to arrive to 2 days of on and off thunder, lightening and POURING rain, (with sunshine back home, of course). Regardless, we were able to enjoy our time at Epcot checking out the exhibits, walking through the various countries and sampling some delicious food! Epcot is a pregnant woman's dream :)
This year, my coworker Shauntel and I flew down a day early so that we could spend a day at Epcot Center prior to the conference starting. We were expecting to escape the dreary Seattle weather, and were surprised and irritated to arrive to 2 days of on and off thunder, lightening and POURING rain, (with sunshine back home, of course). Regardless, we were able to enjoy our time at Epcot checking out the exhibits, walking through the various countries and sampling some delicious food! Epcot is a pregnant woman's dream :)
Delicious desserts in "France".
We spent Sunday in sessions all day. That evening was a networking event - poolside. The food was delicious and they had a live band for entertainment. The only negative was that for the first time ever (that I recall), they had an OPEN BAR. How bummed was I to not be able to partake? (Silver lining - watching others enjoy themselves, some a little too much...). ;)
Monday was another day of sessions, followed by a staff dinner (just my team) at Raglan Road in Downtown Disney! I was in charge of coordinating the dinner and finding a place for us all to go. I turned to my Disney-fanatic friend Karla, who pointed me in towards this establishment. It did NOT disappoint! The food was excellent, the entertainment (Irish dancers) was awesome and we all had a GREAT time! Our clients who attended the conference with us and joined us for dinner were also very impressed. Thanks, Karla!
Linda, Me and Shauntel at dinner
Soraya, and my bottle of Pellegrino
I flew home on Tuesday, but not before enjoying one final breakfast of the delicious fruit that Orlando has to offer and laying poolside for a few hours.
Cute baby duck by the pool
My enjoyable last day was completely wrecked on the flight home by the screaming 15-month old kid on the plane seated directly to my left. I absolutely have a new found sympathy for the mom's who have to deal with that for 5+ straight hours, (as I know that could easily be me in a couple years...) but at the same time I found myself more than a little freaked out about having to handle that stuff with my own child.
I plan to ramp up the yoga this week and chant some OM's in hopes of creating a nice little zen baby for myself ;)
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