I knew long before I became pregnant that I was going to be a Working Mom - I just had no idea HOW hard that role would be. When I first went back to work - I talked about feeling both "lost and found" in my new Working Mom identity. After having spent every hour of every day with my baby - I suddenly felt like I was missing a limb without him in my arms.
Now... as I have been back at work for almost 9 months I - I felt like I'm being pulled limb from limb. This week has presented me with more Working Mom challenges than I've ever seen so far. Since the beginning of the year - Brandyn and I both have taken off a combined 5 days of work (5 days- in TWO months!!) to tend to Andrew and his various illnesses (don't worry - nothing more serious that the flu, or recurring double ear infections). We've taken those days off happily - and enjoyed the extra cuddle time with The Babe.
However, this week - was a different story. Monday, I traveled an hour into San Francisco for work, only to receive a call 30 min after I arrived at my desk - and learn that Andrew had thrown up at day care - and they needed me to come pick him up. So I pulled my stuff together and headed an hour back home. Andrew and I made it to the Dr. - diagnosed another double ear infection and a random virus (which caused a rash all over his body). But this post isn't about Andrew's aliments, its about ME! ;)
I spent the next two days - taking care of Andrew and working from home - and being pulled in every which way possible. I attempted to check work emails, while my clingy and in pain baby fought to grab the keyboard and would NOT be put down. I attempted to make myself lunch, while taking a conference call, and trying to feed and non-hungry, crying baby. I attempted to put the baby to sleep (which lasted 30 min), while I tried to respond to 10's of emails that poured in that morning all about projects due by the next morning. I called my coworker, and attempted to commit to handling my share of a project, only to have to call back an hour later with the realization that I was NOT going to be able to get anything done with a baby in my arms. I attempted to take a drive - to get us BOTH some fresh air and get out of the house - only to be 10 min away from home, when Andrew threw up in the car.
This morning, Andrew went back to day care, not because he was feeling 100% better (he hadn't had a fever in more than 24 hours and hadn't thrown up during that time either)... but because I had to go back to work!! Andrew actually had a good day at day care (Miss Stephanie really does give him extra love and attention)... and I had a productive day of cleaning up the messes I made the two days before. But the truth is... I wanted to be at home today, cuddling with my sick, cranky, ear-infected baby... and loving when he snuggled his head in my chest - snot and all!!
This Working Mom stuff is H.A.R.D.
11 comments:
Wow, I have so much respect for you!
You're doing such a great job, A!! I hope Andrew is feeling better and that you're able to get some rest soon!
I can relate. We do the best we can and hope that the balance is the best for the babes and ourselves... not that I haven't called in even if Weezy wasn't just having an off day! I am sorry he hasn't been feeling well and balancing your two worlds is even harder than usual! Hugs!
I totally understand. It's so difficult to maintain some sort of balance, in fact, I don't think balance is EVER possible, just giving and taking where you can. You're not alone, my friend.
I can totally relate-and there are times when my job is a lot more demanding than others and it's very difficult for me to take time off...thankfully so far one of us is able to take the time off when needed but it is tough.
Hugs to you mama, it is SO hard. You will both pull through!!
That's rough stuff... Hugs!
Wow you summarized it well. It is sooooo hard because you can't expect when they will be sick and work pulls you one way and your baby needs you. Yep being a working mommy is hard. :( however, your doing a great job...keep your head up.
You handle this like you do everything else A. With grace. I have so much respect for my working mom friends. Andrew is lucky to have you and so is your employer.
It is so hard to be a working Mom and damn near impossible to be a work at Home Mom with no help. Especially when the kiddos are sick and you could care less what someone at work needs when you only want to take care of poor baby at that point. If only we had 8 arms! You are doing a great job Mom...hang in there!
Everyone wants a piece of you because you're incredible! I respect you immensely for juggling everything like you do.
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