I think with each child it gets easier to go back to work after maternity leave. I can't tell if that's because I've had to go through it before so I knew what to expect...or because the quiet time is that much more appealing. There were a few moments on Monday where I just sat and looked out the window with a blank stare. Well, it looked like a blank stare but in all honesty it was merely my brain working overtime to make sense of the quiet surroundings.
No whining. No screaming. No crying. No random stenches. No puking. No tantrums. And no "Mommy!".
But with that came...
No hugs. No kisses. No smiles. No cuddles. No cooing. No playing. And no "Mommy!".
By last night I was ready to see them again and was quickly reminded of what I had missed. Ella had her 2 month checkup yesterday (more on that later) and was a bit cranky from the shots so she was screaming. Josh and Lauren went outside while I tried to whip together dinner and they were screaming. I was screaming at them to stop screaming. And then Josh was screaming because Lauren had diarrhea running down her leg.
Ahhh....good times.
I finally collapsed last night with the kids all cuddled in my bed. It was a long day for them too as they had to get back to their schedules as well. We made some popcorn and watched old cartoons and it was just perfect.
Our first morning back (Lauren's thrilled)
Ella's checkup went great. She is the smallest of any of my children because she is only in the 90th percentile for height, weight and head circumference. Yeah...we make big kids...what can I say? She took her shots like a champ and Lauren was very glad to not be on the receiving end for once.
She kept saying, "Mommy...owie baby?".
Lauren was up to her usual escapades this weekend. Friday she decided to go ahead and subtly suggest I sort through her clothes.
While it was certainly a goal of mine to go through her drawers and make room for new summer clothes...I had not planned on doing it on Friday. However, I reminded myself...at least it wasn't Vaseline.
In other "Lauren news"...she is officially done with her paci. I couldn't take it anymore and decided enough was enough. That was four days ago and not one temper tantrum yet! Woohoo!!
I had decided that my payback for Mother's Day would be a "Honey Do List" weekend for Dustin on Saturday and Sunday. He fought like "you know what" to avoid any work on Saturday and moped around the house just like the kids do when I tell them to clean their rooms.
But by Sunday even he couldn't argue against working outside with the gorgeous weather. Josh had his first experience walking behind the mower with Dustin and he thought he was so cool. The kids and I worked on cleaning up the patio as Dustin decided to trim one of our trees.
You must understand that when our neighbors hear Dustin start a chainsaw we get one of two reactions: either they run for cover or they chain themselves to their own trees in fear of him becoming overzealous.
Anytime a power tool is involved I have to keep a close eye on him. So in my duty to raise a woman fit for management, I had Lauren come out and join me in my supervision. He did very well in controlling himself and I was pleased to see a part of our yard previously hidden by branches and leaves.
Lauren still wanted to play outside for a bit so while Dustin ran an errand...we swang.
We are looking forward to a nice three day weekend and, dare I say, a laid back weekend. Unforunately, we have to get through a few pesky work days in between. Have a great, safe Memorial Day everyone!!
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