Monday, June 2, 2008

Back to Work

Wow - Yesterday was a tough day. I went back to work. I can't even believe that six weeks have passed since we have been home. On one side of the token I felt great. I had lots of adult conversation, did adult work, and even (gasp!) kindof enjoyed myself. On the other side of the token, I felt a little lost without my little shadow who I love so much. There was no "Hop on Board the Animal Train" music in the background which I always cringe to everytime I hear it start up at the house for the five thousandth time. Now I think I might have to take a moment and burst in to song...okay I feel better now!!

I called our sitter at lunch time and Daniel was doing so-so. Apparently he was refusing to take a nap by crying (very, very loudly) and he had had an earlier crying jag. I offered to leave and pick him, but our sitter said she could handle it and I didn't hear back. A small part of me wanted her to say "Yes, come get him" so I could rush out and pick up my baby, but the other part of me knows that I have to let him grow up and get used to other places and people. It's just hard. I know many of you out there understand.

When I picked him up he was fine. She said he fell asleep and slept for two hours and woke up happy. He ran to me when I showed up then he wanted to get back down and play. This morning he waved to the sitter when I said I had to leave but she took his hand and showed him the doggies and all was well. I actually think today was harder than yesterday!!

On a more upbeat note, we had a great Memorial Day weekend. We played in the kiddy pool and had so much fun. We also had a family cookout. It was so nice! Pool pictures below. I only developed about 300 pictures because they were all so cute!! We also had a gigantic yard sale this past weekend. Many family and friends of the family had donated items to us while we were in the process of the adoption. We just weren't ever able to get the sale together before we received our referral and went on our whirlwind trips to Russia!! Technically you could call it a post-adoption fundraiser!! Troy's parents came down to watch Daniel (at our house) and my mom and Aunt Sarah and Troy's sister all came to help out over the course of two days. It was so much fun. We sold a bunch of stuff and donated the rest. Granny (Troy's mom) wore out Daniel to the point of which when I would take him for his nap he would cry for all of oh say five seconds and then roll his eyes in his head and start snoring!! It was rather funny!! On Saturday, he even got to play with his cousin Parker who is just a bit older and they had a blast.

So all in all things are moving along smoothly. We aren't perfect and don't claim that every day is full of roses and sunshine. But every day there are smiles and laughter and love. Couldn't ask for more!




20 comments:

Mama Fish said...

I just love those pool pictures! When we get the little ones, I want to buy a pool like that. I had one when my boys were little and it was great fun, for them and ME! lol!

JennStar said...

I'm glad things went well. Love the photos!!!

Shannon said...

Hi Rachel,

Love the photos...Daniel is so adorable. I can totally understand you having a hard time leaving him at the sitters, as well as wanting some grown up conversation. All the girls I work with have said the same thing after coming back from maternity leave.

Keep the stories, photos and comments coming. I love reading your blog.
Shannon

Becky and Keith said...

What a cool dude in his sunglasses! :-) I love the pool pics - I can't wait to play in a kiddie pool! I'm glad you're enjoying adult conversation but know how much you miss the little guy. Nice chatting with you last night - we need to talk more! :-)

Dede said...

Love the pool photos. Returning to work was tough for me too but it is good for all of us. Our little guy loves his daycare and has really improved on his speech and social skills being around other children.

Chris said...

The best part of going to work, is coming home - and having your kiddo(s) come running to you with smiles and joyous laughter!

Shane & Marie said...

Going back to work is so hard. Hugs! Glad you made it through the first day. It does get easier but you will always miss your shadow, as I do. In time, things will get better with Daniel and the babysitter. Isn't that smile on their face when you come home priceless? I look forward to that moment all day. It looks like he had a blast in the pool.

The Wilson's said...

Don't you feel like you are in the twilight zone sometimes. It is like one minute you are thinking about Sesame Street and the next you need to have an intelligent conversation. I understand how torn you are -- there is a part that enjoys adult conversation and then the other part of you who would just rather be hanging out in the pool!

Michael, Carrie, and S said...

It looks like he had so much fun in the pool! I'm glad your first day back at work went well. We will be doing that in about 3 weeks, and I'm very nervous about making that transition, too. I'm sure I'll be asking you for advice!

Anonymous said...

Cute photos of your little water baby! I'm keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers as you transition back to work.

Carey and Norman said...

The pool looks like so much fun. Daniel is so cute.

I'm glad he is doing well with the nanny. The first few weeks are hard (for him and you), and I'm here if you ever want to talk. I wish I had advice to give at this time, but I am going through the same emotions and experiences as you.

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Joy said...

I love the new photos! I think we might get that same pool it is going to be 90 degrees this weekend.
Joy

Allison said...

Oh my gosh. What a cutie!! Love the pictures! I am so happy that it is pool weather again. There is nothing cuter than seeing little boys wearing swimming trunks with their little bellies hanging out.

Ryan and Amy said...

I clicked on your blog and Ryan goes, "Wow, is that a cute little boy BIG compliment. Love the blogs new look. I know that going back to work is tuff - it does get easier - promise. Cute pics!

Susan said...

I love the picture of Troy dumping the bucket on water on Daniel's head! Sorry to hear about your maternity leave being over already. The time goes by sooo fast!

Ron and Dinia said...

Love the new photo! Daniel has the most beautiful eyes.

MandyJo013078 said...

I love your pictures of Daniel! He's just such a sweetie pie. Sorry you haven't heard from me much life has been crazy and I'm working on a couple of posts to tell you all about it. HA! I'm sure going back to work has been so tough! I'm keeping you guys in my prayers Rachel!

Mary and Michael said...

I hope the rest of your work week went okay and that D. is doing well with your sitter. Your time off went by so quickly. I love the photos - he is having so much fun in that pool.

Dan and Alicia Marlowe said...

So glad to hear things are going well overall for you and your new addition. I hate it when Dmitry cries at his sitter. I feel so bad when he runs to the door when I get home crying 'mama mama'. BUT I would feel equally as bad if he didn't .... I'm sure they'll outgrow it eventually.

Carolynn and Steve said...

Rachel,

Glad to hear that the return to work went well, and hope that the rest of the week was even better. I love the pictures of your pool boy!