back to work!

I started back to work on Tuesday past, and even though I felt a little anxious about adding this new routine into our lives, I really felt 'ready' for it. So far it's really working out beautifully and I'm also remembering (all over again) how much I love my job!

I was off work for two years and nine months, with Lilah, the best (almost) three years of my life, so far. And spending every second with my girl over the last few years has bonded us together more than I ever imagined possible. We've only ever had Lilah looked after once, by our close friends, when we went to hear Steven Curtis-Chapman live. And she was only away from me once when she spent five days at camp in the summertime, which of course she absolutely loved, and even begged me to send her back! Oh yes, and she's been in her little 45 minute Sunday School class every Sunday since September 2009.

I know what you're thinking - that poor child, no wonder she LOVES school so much, it's because she's hardly ever been away from you! Truly though, we've loved hanging out together, Lilah has thrived and grown and she knows without a shadow of a doubt that she is loved to pieces. And really, that's all I ever cared about, first and foremost was that she knew she was loved. And yes, maybe I am an overprotective 'helicopter' mother, but that's what mothers are for. I stand to be corrected, but I think there is probably a little bit of helicopter mothering in every one of us!

Anyway, as it stands my employer has allowed me to come back to work part-time (as opposed to full-time) and for that I feel so blessed. I work Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, which means I get 4 day weekends...sigh...and spend more time with my girl than without her. It's the best thing ever, I know it's only been a week, but I feel that I have a very healthy mix of home and work life now. I'm so pleased and extremely happy.

We have our little routine down pat; Baba drops Lilah off at school at 9am, and I work 7am-3pm, which means I get to pick my girl up at 3:15pm on the three days I work. And the other two school days that I'm not working, I get to walk Lilah to school and home. I'll also be volunteering in her classroom the odd Friday - I'm aiming for once or twice a month.

I have an incredible husband who gave me the gift of staying at home with our daughter, and we have a wonderful daughter that has brought us so much joy. I love them both more than words could ever adequately describe.

I can't help thinking how wonderfully blessed I am.

You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you, as you are to them. ~Desmond Tutu