Bitter Sweet Symphony

Monday I turned in my resignation. It's a bitter sweet thing because I love working with Jenni and Carol, but am looking forward to my new position and career direction.

After having Helena the commute to Falls Church everyday took on new meaning. Less time for her with me, more time for her at daycare, tired mommy for her when I got home.

So, for the past few weeks, I've been applying and interviewing for positions with companies closer to Silver Spring. I've had the opportunity to meet some great people, learn about different companies in the area and figure out the best position and company for my family and career.

Thursday I was offered the position of Marketing Assistant with Reznick Group, P.C. in Bethesda, Md. Our friends Kevin and Cindy Zarcone work there and I've always heard good things about the company so when Cindy sent me a job posting and it was exactly what I was looking for I hoped that I'd get an interview and hopefully the position itself. And I did!

It's an exciting time for the company and I get to be in the middle of it all. I'll continue to work some on internal communications, but now I get to work on external marketing and proposals too.

The office is only 7 miles from home and during rush hour it would only take me about 20 minutes to get home. Plus, the benefits and salary are great too!

Sadly, my last day with Carol and the gang is April 4. It's been great working with them and I'll miss our team. Of course, I plan to keep in touch and send plenty of pictures of our little Helena.

You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile

This week I returned to work and it's been an adventure!

Wednesday I returned to work for a half day. After 7 days of rehearsing our morning routine, we woke up an hour late. This on top of the stress of returning to work set the stage for mass hystaria in the Latiri house. We were rushing around and Omar had to drop Helena off at daycare I usually do it. I was in tears as Omar toke her and placed her in the car seat. I even ask him to give her back to me so I could hold her more.

After getting ready I got to work early and pumped - something I had skipped at home because I was running so late. I have been pumping for a while using a pump a friend of ours gave me. It worked fine, but I was afraid I would burn out the motor because of how often I'd have to use it so I bought a hefty duty one.

Thursday I added two hours. The morning went well and I even got in an extra feeding before we left for daycare. Helena was asleep when I dropped her off so that made it easier. I did call to see how she was doing - very gassy all day. She came home and we had a nice walk outside with Omar. She fell asleep in the stroller. She had a nice nap and we found a park near the house.

Friday, I stayed the whole day. I'm lucky that work is busy, busy so I wouldn't have too much time to think about Helena. AND being Friday means it's the weekend after 5:30 PM, which means it's Helena time.

The Final Countdown

This week starts the countdown to me going back to work. We were lucky that our daycare set it up so we could transition Helena into daycare. So, beginning on Monday, Helena has been going to daycare - a little more each day. This has been great for Helena and me - mostly me. 

I think I've been handling it well. 

Wednesday I even went into work for a meeting without crying as I crossed the American Legion bridge. Well, I didn't cry on the way there. I think it was a combination of being tired and rush hour that I didn't have time to look in my rearview mirror and see the empty car seat base that she usually occupies. On the way home, in little traffic, I looked back there to see the empty base and started crying.

Thursday I got a little sad as I spent the morning at home alone. Then I went and got an eyebrow wax. That helped for an hour. Then I called the daycare and got to hear about her day and Miss Carola also helped me by saying I was going to see her in 3 short hours.

Today was different. It's her first full day and I was missing her before 10:00 am. I called Aunt Esther to talk and started driving to the mall to go shopping. Then I realized I needed to pump and turned around and went home. Pumping helped me not miss her as much. Then I remembered we recorded Lost so I watched that and then tried again to get to the mall. Now I'm blogging and watching The Daily Show. 

So, I guess I'm good as long as I keep busy, or watch TV - now I know how stay at home moms with kids in school can become coach potatoes.

Next week I transition back into work.  I'm nervous about being away from her for so long - 7:00 am - 6:30 pm on a good day. So, starting Wednesday I add some hours until I have a full day away on Friday. And that's a blog for next week.