Maternity Leave

As my maternity leave draws to a close, I feel the need to pause and just soak in how far we have come in the past 12 weeks.  Part of me wishes I could go back to the beginning knowing what I know now.  I don't call myself an experienced parent by any stretch of the imagination, but those first few weeks would have been a lot smoother with just the little bit of knowledge I now have.  But I guess that's part of the adventure, right? Flailing about in sleep-deprived insanity, crippled with anxiety that you have already screwed up the baby's life. So much fun!  Haha  But I digress.

I have to express huge amounts of gratitude to the family - both John's and mine.  My mom was able to come for the first week and was basically taking care of me while I took care of Ella.  John's mom and family have been indispensable in the day-to-day helping when I needed a hand at the house.  They say it takes a village to raise a child, and boy! are they right!  I cannot say enough how much I appreciate the support given to me, even if it's "just" coming to babysit for an hour so I could sleep!  (Which is a big deal for those who remember their time as young parents)

I have loved watching Ella grow and learn about her world.  From a tiny baby that cried even though she didn't know what was wrong, to a strong little girl who loves watching everybody around her -- she's come so far in such a short amount of time.  I'm really excited to see her investigate and grow. Not to toot my own horn (our own horn?), but she is the smartest baby ever.  :)  All mommies brag about their babies, but this time it's true.  Ella is just the sweetest thing, and everyone loves her when we go out and about.

Well, Ella goes off to daycare tomorrow, and I have to  be at work on time.  That means an end to the lazy mornings and lunches with the family.  I know I'm going to miss it!!  Here's hoping that we can get a morning routine that does not involve me waking up at 4am! (and that I don't cry too much when I drop her off!)