Back to Work

Well, I started work again on Monday, and I survived the week! I must admit that, in a way, I was glad to be back. I miss Maddie like crazy when I am not with her, and I can't even think about her much when I am at work because it makes me a upset. However, I know that her grandmother is taking very good care of her, and the best thing for our family is for me to work. In the last few weeks of my maternity leave, I had even started to feel like the walls were closing in a little bit, and I must say that it is nice to have the social interaction and mental exercise of being at work.

Hank's cousin Nicole hosted a Halloween bash yesterday. Maddie and I both went dressed as black kitty cats:


Nicole and Maddie:


Cat Nap:



I'm posting a few other pictures from the past couple of weeks. Here is Maddie with her Aunt Liz:



Maddie playing with Daddy:



Overall, we are doing great. I finally feel like I am breaking loose from the post-partum cloud. Maddie is sleeping like a champ, so we are all sleeping well. Hank has been amazing as an equal partner in taking care of the baby and keeping our house going. Honestly, I couldn't ask for more!

And as for Maddie's sleeping habits, I hate to share this with other parents less-fortunate, but our little girl has been sleeping for TEN WHOLE HOURS at night. Most nights this week, we put her down around nine in the evening, and I had to wake her up at seven in the morning. So many parents I have told this to have shared stories about how their kids didn't sleep through the night for years, even one as old as FOUR!!! Hank and I know we are lucky lucky lucky!

I am also happy to announce that as of Friday, I do believe Miss Maddie is fully capable of holding her head up. She has just a little wobble when she is tired, but I would feel confident enough to put her in her Bumpo chair or use a front carrier at this point. Everyone who holds her can't believe how strong she is, including her back, legs, and grip.