Last night Nadia slept almost 6 hours the first stretch and then went down easily after I nursed her and of course woke up 2 hours later. I could set my clock by that. She always sleeps 2 hours after I nurse her in the night! So that was a very good night. This morning Donna came over and brought LOTS of boxes and helped me pack. Thanks, Donna!!! The number of packed boxes in the dining room is growing day by day.
This afternoon Nadia and I went to the grocery store and then to meet with the Dean. She fell asleep in the grocery store and thankfully slept through my mtg. The mtg went as I expected in that the Dean doesn't want Nadia in my office. She's checking with HR to see if it would be okay if I signed something waiving all liability, but I think she wants this to stop ASAP even if I sign something. I have a feeling if I truly say then I will take a leave that they'll probably let me finish the semester with this arrangement as I honestly don't think they'd be able to find temps to teach my daytime classes (I'd keep teaching my evening class at least). We ran out of adjuncts this semester. I think I'm the only one not on overload this semester, and still we even had to ask 2 profs in another dept to teach two of our classes. However if I really did have to go on leave the plus would be more time with Nadia and a much less stressful schedule. The cons would be I couldn't apply for a sabbatical this year (which I would take during the year she was two years old) and of course the loss of the majority of our income plus needing to pay MUCH more towards our health insurance. Probably the one course would cover what we'd owe towards health insurance. I have contacted the faculty union to get input on this situation, and I am waiting for the Dean to get back to me after she talks to HR. Paul said "our little peanut has been expelled from the university." Daycare is just not something I am open to right now. She would be there FAR more than 9 hours a week as she'd be there during my office hours and also my driving time. So instead of 9 hours with a babysitter it would probably be at least 21 hours at the minimum (plus Tuesdays with Daddy). She kept saying she didn't think it was safe for Nadia. I really don't get how her getting one on one care around the corner from me is less safe than putting her in daycare. These babysitters both work in day care centers as a matter of fact (one of them works at the one on campus no less). So I'd greatly appreciate prayer for wisdom after I hear back from the Dean if she says Nadia can't come with me any more. I've waited sooo long and we've gone through sooo much to become parents. I don't want to miss out on all that time with her! If you think of us tomorrow I'd also appreciate prayer as Nadia and I will be at school from 7:15am to 4:30pm. I will be pooped tomorrow night!!!
4 comments:
Sorry your meeting with the dean didn't go better. I don't understand how a newborn could be a liability...it's not like she's walking and could fall down and hurt herself. It sounds like an excuse, and a poor one at that.
I've been a SAHM now for a year (actually tomorrow is the one year anniversary). My DH's employer doesn't provide health insurance, so we have to pay for that each month. And it's been a change not having two salaries. That being said, I am so glad I decided to stay home with Sophie. Nadia is only a baby once, and you will never get this time back. I say, if you can swing it financially, I'd go for taking the leave.
Good luck, I'm sure it's a difficult decision.
Erica
I'm sorry to hear that the outcome of the meeting wasn't more positive. It's hard to understand what the real concerns are, but I guess you have to deal with whatever they decide.
If you are at home with her, you won't regret it. Things might be a bit tougher financially, but you'll figure it out.
We have some of the same discussions, with both of us being self-employed (and self-insured). There are times when I think it might be best to go back to work for another company, but then I have a week like this one, where I've been able to walk Sarah to the bus each morning & be there when she gets off. I'm working from home, but having more flexibility.
You're in my prayers as you work through these decisions.
Oh I hope things work out!
You will be in my prayers. Hopefully you will get to continue your current situation.
Lynn
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