I went back to work on June 2.  I enjoyed my maternity leave more than I expected, but I had to return.  There are lots of things I miss about being home, but my favorite part was our morning hikes at Eisenhower park.  We would spend an hour at the park 3 or 4 times a week.  The best part about the mornings was that I could start whenever I wanted.  The weather was cool enough to go as late as 10am, but most mornings we were there around 8 or 8:30. 

The hardest part about going back to work is giving up my mornings.  My leisurely mornings have been replaced by an alarm clock that goes off at 5am so that I can get myself ready and feed the kid and be in the car by 6:30.

Other than the change to my morning routine, going back to work has been a very good thing for me.  I am a better mommy when I go to work.  Some women are wired to be able to stimulate and play with their baby all day long.  Unfortunately I am not one of those.  After our fun mornings I usually started to get antsy.  The only way I knew to calm the antsy was to either shop (not good when you are home on 4 weeks of unpaid maternity leave) or visit friends or go for a walk. 

So long story short being back at work has been good for me.  However, I wish I could have gone back on a reduced hour schedule so I could still enjoy my mornings.  Maybe one day I will find the right job that will allow me to have the best of both worlds.  Until then, I will be greatful to have a job and greatful that (for the time being) Reed is spending his days with Ya-Ya and Granny B.

J