Mother's Day

Eleanor is now over 6 months old and I've had my first Mother's Day. Not a holiday I ever thought I would be celebrating as a Mom but all the more meaningful now as a result. It was a bittersweet day though as the next day my maternity leave officially ended and I headed back to work (part time). Naturally, I worry about leaving Eleanor, but I've come to accept that worrying about my daughter is something that will always be there. I am try to accept it for what it is while acknowledging that as long as we love and care for Eleanor as we do now, she will weather my return to work just fine. She is also in the capable hands of a loving sitter and continues to be a happy baby...suprisingly, even after 1 week of my absence. :)

Parenting is a never ending series of tasks and decisions...what should she eat today? are we out of diapers? how long did she nap? is that green beans in her neck?? I try to focus on the big picture: providing her with love and security, and making sure she is healthy and happy. I am sure the 'big picture' will get more complicated as Eleanor gets older and her needs expand, but I hope I can be the type of mother whose child always feels loved and safe, in an environment where she can always learn and explore, and who has trust in us as parents and in our love. I am sure we can do this even if she does have green beans in her neck. :P

Returning to work has been a challenge of my organizational skills. I find myself spending my evenings organizing my lunch and Eleanor's, washing her clothes and picking out mine, trying to decide whether I can do some homework or if should I indulge in some Netflix, etc :) (Blogging, apparently, comes in a desperate bid to stay awake until 9pm. :P) I am, thankfully, teaching a class I have taught before so that cuts back on some prep time. I am also teaching a higher level, so my sarcasm, dull after months of neglect, can be sharpened and understood simultaneously...not always guaranteed in my profession, you know. :P I am happy for the social interaction with my colleagues and to be back in the classroom. It gives me something to occupy my mind...instead of just reading Pio Peep for the 30th time. :P As I explained to my students yesterday after one audaciously asked why I was at work and not at home taking care of my baby (yes, I really was asked that): I love teaching and I think it's important for me to not just be a mom and wife, but to also have a career. It's a very personal choice and for the moment, this is the right one for me. Meanwhile, feel free to come cook for me or do my homework! :)

Eleanor is a solid sitter. :) Not crawling yet, but I can see how that's on the way. She is much more mobile during her tummy time and sticks her little butt in the air in an effort to move around. She's very mobile in her crib now and still determined to sit at all other times. She cries now when I leave the room (not when I leave for work, of course). She loves being in the swings; the weather has been warmer and we've been out exploring the neighborhood parks. She's also upgraded to two solid meals a day and is much more fond of veggies than she is of fruit. We also had a lovely visit from Auntie Ann and family, so Eleanor got a chance to meet all her cousins on Will's side of the family. :) The three boys were quite sweet with her and enjoyed their time with 'baby Eleanor'. We hope to see them again this summer!