Happy Halloween!!!!

Even though I am still trying to finish up my hours for the year (the next couple nights are going to be long ones), I just could not turn down the chance to get dressed up with Oliver and attend our first Halloween party as a family. We spent a few hours tonight at George and Del's (friends from graduate school who moved to DC last year). They hosted a party for their pals with kids (their son, Max, is 9 months old). Oliver was ADORABLE in his bumble bee costume, and he did great at the party. But, he was totally puttered out by the end of the night. He is now sound asleep in his crib and it is time for me to get back to working/billing. It was a great first Halloween.

Getting to know you...

A Few Precious Hours

It is that time of year again: end of the billable year. For obvious reasons, this year it has been particularly hard to (1) keep up with my hours and (2) make the big end of year push to catch up on my hours. Because Oliver was born exactly 12 weeks prior to the last day of the billable year, the only way to make my hours was to return to work before my 12 weeks of maternity leave were up. As a family, we decided that we would make the necessary sacrifices so that I can make my hours. Last week was really hard. I put in long hours, which meant very little time with Oliver. I leave him with Sheryl in the morning and get home in time for one or two feedings and put him to bed at night. However, it was even harder this weekend. Although I did not bill as many hours this weekend as I had hoped, I am grateful for the precious few hours I got to spend with Oliver (he took his first bath in the big boy bathtub; we read a couple books; we played and had tummy time; Joe brought him to my office to nurse (and so Oliver could take a call); I got to sit and listen while he chatted and babbled about his first trip to REI with daddy; we sang a couple of his favorite songs; and I held him while he slept (I was even able to work and bill during a couple naps)). I am hopeful these hours will help get me through this last billable week and weekend...

So far so good

Joe took a couple pictures yesterday as evidence that Oliver and I survived my first day back to work. I returned the favor today when I saw how cute daddy and son looked together.

Choices

The past two months have flown by. I have deeply loved becoming the center of Oliver’s universe and allowing him to become the center of mine. But, the time has come for me to return to work. Tomorrow will be my first day back since Oliver was born. As expected, I have a mix of emotions. Mostly, I feel thankful. I am thankful for the chance to continue my career while being a mother. I am thankful for finding a loving and experienced caretaker for Oliver. I am thankful for a job that will allow me to give Oliver additional opportunities in life. And I am thankful for a supportive husband and a joyful healthy baby. In truth, I am also a bit fearful. I fear that Oliver’s eyes will no longer brighten and his big gummy smile will not appear in response to my voice. I fear that Oliver will love his new caretaker more than he loves me. And I fear that I will not be present enough to make Oliver feel as safe, loved and secure as he deserves to feel. I know my heart will be a little broken as I miss precious moments in his life, but I am hopeful that at the end of this journey I will be content with my choices.

Precious Time with Friends and Family

Oliver has been a busy boy the past couple weeks. His first trip by plane was to California to visit my friend Staci, her husband Chris, and their three beautiful children. The youngest of which was born exactly one month after Oliver, and we expect that this visit was just the beginning of a lasting friendship. Oliver was great on the flight, and we completely enjoyed our visit.

Upon our return from California, our friends Amy and Byron were in town with their son Wyatt, who is nine months old. Since it was my last full week of maternity leave, I was able to go sightseeing with Amy while Byron attended the conference he was in town for and Joe worked. We took Wy and Oliver to many of DC's must-see destinations, including the White House (their likely future residence). During the evenings we spent time hanging out and being entertained by Wyatt and Oliver. The good weather and great company made for a wonderful week with our dear friends--we just wish we could do it more often!

Oliver's second trip by plane was to Wisconsin to visit his Aunt Sheila & Uncle Jesse, Cousins Kate and Claire, Grandma and Grandpa (Marx), Nana (Combs), and Great Grandma (Scheer). Once again Oliver proved to be an excellent traveling companion. Since Joe was with us this time and the flight was only 1.5 hours long, the trip was overall very smooth. Once again we were fortunate to have great weather and Oliver enjoyed the loving attention of his family.

It was a joy to see Oliver meet his cousins and future pals for the first time. We enjoyed our visits so much that I was really bad about taking photos, but I do have a few of Oliver that I snapped while traveling and at home the past couple weeks. He is so handsome!

10/8/11--Two Months Old