Mom Thoughts, Part 2

Well, we are 2 days into this new arrangement and things are going well. Ellis has adjusted more quickly than I have. Sunday night was spent with me crying. Monday morning, I woke up with swollen eyes and exhausted -- I then cried from the second I dropped Ellis off until I got on the Metro. Ellis also spent the morning crying, but by afternoon Jean (the nanny) had won her over. And today Ellis did very well: smiled, laughed, babbled, the whole nine yards. When we picked her up yesterday and today, she was serene and smiley and remained happy all night.

I am getting up early to be ready for when Ellis gets up (around 7:00am). That way, we have over an hour to get ready and play together before I bring her over to Jean. Tomorrow is the day they go to the zoo and Thursdays they go to the library for story hour. Jean takes great umbrage with the claim that the girls are too young to enjoy story hour. She believes strongly that babies understand most everything from day one.

Because I get to leave work at 5pm, I am home by 5:30 or 5:45 and get about 3 hours with Ellis before she goes to sleep. (She is still waking up once at night to eat around 3am.)

Anyway, things are going pretty well. Today, I spoke to my boss who kindly let me prattle on about Ellis for a while. I admitted to my boss that I'd like to work 3.5 days and he answered, "I am just glad you are back. Please don't leave."

So now I have to talk about all the wonderful people who have made this transition go well. My office has been wonderful, truly wonderful, from the senator, chief of staff, legislative director, office manager who were so flexible to the rest of the staff who picked up the slack when I was gone. And particularly yesterday, I got some very kind messages from friends. My sister called and said that I needed to remember I was making the world a better place for my daughter. Joanna emailed and told me that I am a great mother. Nick emailed and said his wife cried too when she dropped her boys off at day care the first time. Lexa checked in early by g-chat and tried to pep me up. And Bill insisted I leave work early.

And finally, my husband who has exceeded all my high expectations for years. He is the best partner a person could have. He takes the weight off my shoulders and makes everything easier. Ellis could not have been luckier in her choice of father.

You all have been amazing. So I send you a virtual hug and kiss. Thanks to my friends and family, which (to me) is redundant.