Future GW-er

Two weekends ago, Abigail had the pleasure of meeting Amy, Suzie, and Kelly for the first time (technically second for Kelly).  The girls came up from MD and VA to meet Baby Abby (Abby is spelled "baby" when jumbled /tidbit) and to spend time with moi.

They arrived on Saturday at our house and they first met Abby and saw her room.  We promptly then went to Pudge's for some lunch and Abby behaved.  Woohoo - she hearts chicken cheesesteaks!  We continued on to Valley Forge where we saw Peter at the cabins but he was too busy with visitrons so we walked around for a bit.  We avoided bugs and Amy searched for a cot.  We came back to the house then and everyone got a turn holding Abby, then Kelly fed her a bottle.

They then went to check into their hotel and I met up with them a bit later (sans Abby) to head on down to Victory Brewery in Downingtown.  Daddy was watching Abby for the evening while Mommy got to have some downtime with the girls.  AND I got to have my first beer since August 2009 - a whole year!  I got a Whirlwind (similar to a Blue Moon) and it was amazing.  We had a good time hanging out and talking, then I had to get home (in which Abby, Sophie, Nacho, and Peter were ALL sleeping).  

The next morning we met up at Bob Evans (Abby included) for breakfast before they got on the road to head back home.  Abby kept pulling her pink headband down over her eyes.  :)  She was sad to see them go.  

I can't do GWs (girls weekends)  like I used to, but it was really good to see them.  Plus, Abby is a little GW-er in training!  Before I know it, she'll be coming along and we'll be painting her toenails and playing dress-up.  ;)  

Here I am with the girls (sadly no pic with Abby):

   

Back To Work, Back To Reality

My maternity leave officially came to an end when I returned to work on Monday, August 16th. 

Although it was nice to see everyone again and update everyone on Abigail and show off new pictures of her, I wasn't looking forward to jumping back into the actual corporate world and leaving Abby at home.  I figured it would be hard after spending virtually every single minute with her for the past 12 weeks. 

Although I missed her, I didn't have to worry about anything since Nana and Granma were babysitting Abby at our house.  They have fun watching her!  Our guest room is now being put to good use too.  Nana is reliving her days from when I was a baby!  

Being back at work has its ups and downs.  I get more adult social interaction this way.  When I go to the bathroom or eat lunch, I get to take my time for the most part and don't feel rushed to get it done before baby starts crying.  If I want, I can use my lunch hour to run out to the stores to get some errands done, whereas it'd be hard to do otherwise from home sometimes.  My back doesn't get sore and I don't deal with baby cries or tears.  

On the other hand, I wish I could be with Abigail during the day instead of just weeknights and weekends.  Being at work makes me soo tired.  At least before if Abby was napping during the day, I could do the same.  Now I'm at work, expected to perform and then come home, deal with dinner, dishes, and other chores, plus breastfeed, playtime, bathtime, and most likely getting up in the middle of the night for another feeding.  My morning routine has doubled in time for the most part.  Some days I feel like a zombie at work.  But wes gots to pays the bills yo!

Breastfeeding has been another interesting task while back at work.  When I am at work, Abby gets two bottles which means I pump twice while at work to keep the supply going.  Luckily I am close to two empty/private offices that I can use but it takes 20 minutes out of my day each time, then I have to rinse everything off in the bathroom and keep the milk in the shared refrigerators.  When I come home I get to clean 2 baby bottles and 2 sets of breast pump pieces... making it a total of approximately 22 little pieces.  It's time consuming and it does get tiring.  On nights and weekends we don't bother with any bottles so at least I get a little break with that.  

Being back at work also means...work.  Right now I not only have to catch up with the analysts that backed me up on my accounts while I was out, but I was also given a new client account to learn.  I am also helping out with a time-consuming Oncology project.  However, my two new work rules are:  1) When it's time to go home, it's time to go home - I can't stay extra hours or log on from home in the evening as I've done in the past, and 2) I can't travel at this time and they have to just accept that.  

Does it sound like I am complaining?  Maybe I am.  It's definitely an adjustment in numerous ways.  I know there are plenty of other moms out there that are in a similar situation.  I just gotta go with the flow and enjoy the time I do have with Abby to the fullest - and I am!  Oh and I have 3 weeks vacation to use before the end of the year - woohoo!

 

Abigail's First Vacation

Abby Cadabby did so great on her first trip/vacation!  Here are some pictures:

Enjoying her buddies on the boppy.

"Hey there pals!"

Beach baby!

Life is so rough.

Enjoying the Cape Fear River Walk.

Someone fell asleep in Mommy's arms at El Zarape.  Ole!

Hanging out at Carolina Beach boardwalk after some Britt's donuts.

Happy beach baby!

Still happy down at the River Walk.

Abby meets Luna, the albino alligator (hanging out in the background), at the Aquarium.

Ready for a night out on the town!

Family on the beach (gotta protect that baby from the rays!).

An enthusiastic, interactive storytime for Abbicus.

All of us downtown, the last day.

2 Month Check-Up

Awhile ago I had taken Abigail to her 2 month check-up at Dr. Youssef's office.  This was the first time I took her by myself.  She did great in the car going, great in the waiting room, and really great during her appointment up until the shots.  She got 2 shots and one medicine via mouth.  The drive home involved lots of crying and screaming but she did calm down later on and had no side effects from the shots.

Her weight was 9lbs., 11oz.  Her length was 22.5".  She was in the 25th percentile.  Dr. said all looks good!

She goes back for her 3 month check-up the day after Labor Day.  Abby will start solids in month 4 so the Dr. and I will talk about it at the next appt.   

Busy (still)!

Hi all! 

I have been away from Abigail's blog for awhile - things have been quite busy!  There are lots new pictures and things to write about so hopefully I will have some time in the near future to update and post some pics.  Plus I am back at work.  She is doing super though!  It's amazing how much love one can have for another. 

Busy, Bzzzz

I've been a bit MIA on the blog scene lately... we've been busy with stuff at home, Peter's been back to work more, and I'm just plain tired. 

I go back to work in a week and 3 days.  That will be another huge adjustment!  I'm sure getting organized and having some kind of a schedule the first week will be rough.

Well, Abby and I are off soon to the pediatrician's office for her 2 month check-up.  Can't wait to get her newest stats!