My maternity leave is coming to an END. I have loved being home with Nathan, becoming a mother, learning about him; his little cries, whines, and the noises he makes when he nurses, even the grunts when he sleeps. I've falled totally and utterly in love with this precious child the Lord has given to me. I've always worked full-time, and thought of myself as a sort of 'business woman' since earning my Bachelor's degree. Now that going back to work on March 2nd is coming so close, I now look at myself as a 'business-mom-woman'. As much as I'd love to stay home with Nathan, we just can't afford the missing salary....we've got bills to pay, and Nathan can't quite meet my salary requirements. He's a strict boss, I tell ya! heehe :)
Our plans for Nathan's daily care when I go back to work has been that the Grandma's would share the week taking care of him. At first didn't want any Grandma's to have to be daycare person plus Grandma, because it's not fair to their right to spoil the kids as Grandma's are supposed to do. Well, the price of full-time daycare convinced us otherwise, but I've recently found an option that will work!
Back up for a second... Tom's parents have offered since day 1 to help watch Nathan for the first year. While they love their grandson, we want to be sure they can enjoy him fully, and taking care of a baby in their 70s is much different than taking care of a baby in their 30s-50s. In addition, my mom is turning 60 next month, and with my dad's health rapidly declining, she's got him to take care of as well. Basically the Dr said he would very soon need Adult day care. Long story, don't want to get into it, very emotional...
So I began my search for daycare centers with any possible openings next month. I called 3 places nearby home here and all 3 had openings. One was full-time only, one was Mondays & Fridays only, and the 3rd is a flexible schedule... so full-time or part-time, and any combo of days. That's KinderCare, and my friend Julia has been taking her 3 kids there for a while now and they love it.
I had a chance to tour the place the other night and fell in love. They can not only give Nathan wonderful care, but provide him with developemental toys, games, kids, and so much it blew me away! Their secruity is top-notch so I don't have to worry about my child being kidnapped. I am really excited for Nathan to have this wonderful experience and I know he will really thrive by going there. The Center Director just had her baby girl on Nov 20th, so she and Nathan are only 2 weeks apart. I think the babies will learn a lot from watching eachother, and growing up together. Look out baby girls, another girlfriend for Nathan! :)
*hugs*
Roxanne :)
1 comment:
Being a mother and having to make the gut wrenching decision to return a work is an internal battle. On the very day you return to work - March 2nd - my only child was born 32 years ago. It was hard for me to return to work after only one month, but off to work I went. She has grown into a beautiful woman with three children of her own. She understands the difficulties that comes from being a working mother. Yet, she didn't suffer years ago when off to work I went and she went to daycare.
While family care is a luxury few mothers are given, commercial daycare is a viable option. It is a natural environment for babies and/or young chldren to interact with children their age, and to trust and accept adults outside their family circle.
You have made the right choice even though it was a difficult one. Nathan will be fine. He already has the love and devotion of his parents and grandparents. He is a very lucky little boy :)
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