Stork for Marchers
Rumor has it that the stork has been released. After the rumor of 23 days (ok, I wasn't falling for that, hoping maybe...) now the rumor is only two measly days of referrals. Hoping this rumor is wrong as well and the CC@@ makes it much farther into the week. Ellie and I are doing well. She is such a joy and her giggles and that sparkle in her eyes is beautiful. It's MUCH MUCH MUCH harder than I ever dreamed about though in many ways and once I go back to work, well, I just don't know how you all do it! E and I are truly lucky that my mom will be babysitting her during the day while I am at school. Still, trying to take this last week to get organized and write lesson plans, etc. during her naps. Rather be taking my own nap, honestly! She is a busy little bee!
Any suggestions on how to manage going back to work and exercising and doing work-homework and getting places on time and not letting the little things get to you are welcome!
posted by Shannon @ 11:33 AM
13 comments
13 Comments:
Pictures Please :)
Oh yuck....r u back to work already next week? I feel for you all in the US. Up here in Canada we get 9 months of Parental Leave.
YES...I too want pictures, pictures of your sweet girl!!!
Once you are in routine, being a mom gets much easier!! AND once Ellie is Channing's age, life is a breeze!!!
bring on the babies!!
Once you get into your new routine it will get easier. It is definitely a challenge when you are single to get stuff done, and still feel you are having quality time with your child. I try to come home and do some drawing or reading with Hannah, and we now also have our cuddle/dancing time before bed which is working out great!
I try to limit laundry and ironing to once a week maximum. Cook on the weekends and freeze stuff that you can just defrost for dinner. It is much easier than coming home to have to cook! I do the ironing and cooking during weekend nap times. I do the laundry on a Thursday or Friday so it is dry and ready to iron on the Saturday. I've also stopped ironing every single item of Hannah's clothing! :)
I buy UHT milk since it lasts for months. That way I just buy a box of 12x 1 litre cartons and have 2 weeks supply. If I need fresh fruit or veg I try to go at lunch times for it. Always have at least one frozen pizza available!
I rarely get any lesson planning or homework marked at home now - and I don't feel guilty. I figure I work hard at work, and certainly give them their hours. I try to get stuff done at lunchtimes. And I tell myself the world won't end if I take a bit longer to return kids work to them: they are pretty understanding!
Good luck for a smooth transition for both of you.
Thanks for some wonderful ideas! Please know I'm definitely not complaining that I have this little one in my life. I'm just trying to adjust and figure some things out so I'm not a grouchy, rush-rush-rush, mess of a mom! =)
It takes a while to get a routine and rhythm. Its awesome that your mom will care for Ellie, that's huge! I wanted to reserve my mom to be my back up beyond daycare, and she spoils Abbey so I wanted that to be once a week, not everyday. The biggest advice I can give is to get someone to clean your house. You don't want to spend your free time with Ellie trying to do that. I think you will find it easier to get your schoolwork done, your priorities will be so different now. I don't know what level you teach but I teach elementary so I plan one subject each day of the week, ie on Monday plan language arts, Tuesday match, etc for the next week. You become very streamlined because you have to be. You can't be super mom and super teacher so you quickly find out which things are truly important in both arenas. I know you will do great and we will learn new tips and tricks from you soon! Also, less is more. I had to say no to some things during the week evenings and only do activities about 2x per week night and then more fun on the weekend. We just couldn't be out every night and keep up.
Oh, I also don't feel guilty now about buying convenience items like ready made salad greens or grated cheese. If I need the ease I just go for it.
I thought that 23 day rumour was ridiculous!!! (maybe I can say that with all confidence now that we have our daughter?!!)
Thanks for the gorgeous photo of Ellie! I flashed her about the office!!
oh man, what a let down that they didn't even do 5 days worth!!!! Heck, that would have included a weekend in that mix.
FIND A WEALTHY MAN and hire help or stay home... actually, this is what i am hoping to do when Tate is here.... find someone who will clean every other week for the first few months.... i can have my whole house done for around $40... SOOOOO worth it. Also a big believer in planning meals and preping ahead of time. this is more said than done at this point but will do when Tate is here.
Sorry you are heading back to work, this has got to s..k
shannon, we are similar in many ways- I am also a single mommy to my daughter I adopted in o4 and a teacher and my mom watches Quinn during the day- give yourself a break- put ellie first- laundry-schoolwork isn't as important as your daughter- you will feel the need to do other things-but resist- it will get better/easier as she gets older- do take naps with her and get all work done at school- your life has changed for the better- if you aren't relaxed then Ellie won;t be either- give yourself a break MOm!
best of luck!
I have every single ounce of faith in you that your groove will be found in time. Both you and your girl will flourish.
That said, yeah, I'm already stressing about going back to work and I haven't even left yet!! Remind me of my words when the time comes ;0)
So glad to hear you ladies are doing well! Isn't Momhood the best?! ENJOY your time home with her, it is definitely a luxury to be able to spend all day with your child.
As far as managing life goes . . . it is hard. Especially in the beginning. Just like what a few other ppl have mentioned already, your house will never be as clean as it was before kiddo. I set up a lot of things on the weekends to help us 'coast' through our work-week easier. Even the little things, I do better when I don't have to think or plan through the work-week. Plus, I don't cook during the week =) We can get take out & eat that for 2 days . . . or make something on the weekend & put it into the fridge for the week. ALL laundry, cleaning (if any!), & house chores on done on weekend. After school each weekday, it takes me about an hour to sort through our school stuff, make lunches, put outfits out for next day, etc. Once Mali is in bed (normally by 7pm sharp), that's when 'my' time begins. I normally hop on my elliptical once M is sleeping - at night. Sticking to a routine (especially bedtime) helps a great deal. I don't watch much TV anymore b/c after the elliptical its shower & bed - b/c I'm totally exhausted.
Hope that helps =)
Your gonna do awesome. I"ll never doubt it.
It will make your time together all the more meaningful.
As for the 2 days.....I'm just sick.
Ps. I have an award for you over at my blog. Come see.
Hugz
and have fun on your play date tomorrow.
It takes a while, it really does. A few months and you'll have it down, after a year you'll really have it down and 2 years later you'll be a pro...then if you add another baby, you'll have to find your normal all over again!
Tiffany
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