Back to Work...

"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."  -Dr. Seuss

That just about sums up the mantra I've been repeating to myself this week.  March 1st has always felt so far away... and now it's only days away.  The end of my maternity leave.  If logic trumped emotion, I would remember that I had way more time with my baby this time than the first time around.  I would remember that Izzy is perfectly ready to be at daycare--eating and sleeping just fine during the day.  I would remember that most people only get six to twelve weeks off with their babies.  I would remember that I need to go back to work, both for my intellectual sanity and our family's checking account.  I would remember that Cooper's been missing going to Krissy's house to play every day.  I would remember that kids who go to daycare still grow up to be well-adjusted, smart, independent, and happy people.  I would remember that I'll be back in the swing of things at work in no time.  I would remember that I get the summers off!  I would remember that I'm lucky for every minute of the past four months at home. 

But logic doesn't trump emotion for a working mom.  And it probably never will.  

Cooper, I am so glad we found a balance of part-time daycare for you over the last few months.  I love that you had lots of time to play with your sister and learn how to be more gentle and loving to her.  You are such a good big brother.  You got to stay home on Mondays and Fridays for the past months (and lots of times even more than that), and you got to have some special time just with mommy while Izzy practiced going to Krissy's.  I cherish our pajama mornings, painting, play-doh, uninterupted play time, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, cooking 'toast and eggs' (a.k.a. French Toast), playing in the snow, and coloring.  We have had a couple of fun 'dates' since Izzy's been here, and I love how excited you get to have special time with mom or dad.  You are at a very exciting age--you're soaking in everything, learning dozens of new words by the week and watching our every move.  You are such a funny little boy, and I love it that you have such a sense of humor at age two.  I love you, Cooper!

You LOVE the snow, and you got so excited when it was warm enough to play outside

Mommy and Cooper

Izzy, I am going to miss spending every day with you.  You will never remember that you got to spend your first 4 months at home with me (and often your brother, too), but I will never forget it.  It was our special time, and I am so blessed to have had the chance to catch your 'firsts,' scoop you up after every nap, snuggle you every time you needed mommy, and watch you grow.  I will miss our Mommy and Izzy time, and you'll only understand when you become a mom yourself.  I will miss your little fingers and toes, your squishy thighs, and your crazy hair.  I will miss your chubby cheeks and kissing you a couple hundred times a day.  I will do my best to make up for the kisses before and after work!!  I love that you have made these last four months so relaxing for our family, because you have been such an easy baby.  I really can't believe you are already four months old.  I have done everything to not take for granted my time with you.  Our days were full of snuggling, rocking, playing, chatting, smiling, giggling, and getting to know one another.  I even curled up on the couch and napped with you a few times.  Time with my baby girl has been so precious, and although I'm sad about going back to work and being away from you, I'm excited to see the little girl you grow to be!  I love you, Izzy!

One of our many 'photo shoots'

Stealing a nap on the couch with you was one of my favorite things!