Longest Separation

To date the longest Ian & I have been separated has been 5 hours, and that has happened the 3 days I've taught thus far this semester (last Monday and Tuesday plus yesterday). Today we'll be separated for 8 hours as I am going in earlier to do 2 peer observations. Yesterday Paul watched the kids while I was at school; that means its the neighbor's turn today. Thus far the longest he's been with someone other than Paul or I has been 3 hours. Today he'll be with them for 6 hours. I will admit I'm struggling emotionally over this. Going back to work is a hard transition emotionally and a painful one at times physically as I was only able to pump once yesterday (around 4:30pm) at work yesterday. I pumped 2.5 ounces, and he took 4 ounces by bottle in my absence. I definitely need to pump more than once at work today since I'll be there longer. I wore a black sweater plus pads so there was no way I was going to have any obvious milk spots on my clothing last night.

Yesterday morning I took the kids to a different MOPS group. In terms of mileage it's closer (9 versus 13 miles), but I discovered it's not any closer in terms of time it takes to get there (25 minutes). This group just started this fall. It seemed that possibly all the ladies go to the host church. It is a much smaller group. Including myself there were 9 women there yesterday. However that's not necessarily a bad thing as it's easier to get to know others in a group that size. Also, although the group's meeting site isn't any closer to our home, several of the ladies live only 15 minutes from our home which isn't the case with the other group. I plan on trying the group at least one more time. The next meeting is in 2 weeks. I really am still desiring to develop a close friendship with one woman who lives close enough that we can get together fairly regularly. The amazing thing was that there were 4 kids in the nursery (including Nadia) who will be turning or have already turned 20 months old this month! Two of the women are pregnant (due in April) so of course the conversation included labor and delivery stories. Nadia did great in the nursery; the woman who took care of her told me she was very impressed with Nadia's ability to do puzzles. :-) I kept Ian with me. I didn't bring the boppy, but I did bring my nursing cover and used it when I nursed him. The "program" yesterday was really informal - they had molds to make chocolates and also three flavors of chocolate (mint, milk, and dark) for dipping various items (strawberries, pretzels, marshmallows, etc.).

Nadia also is having an adjustment to me going back to work. She did better last night, but last week Paul said she kept saying my name a million times and was looking for me and asking "Mommy upstairs?", etc. I know I have it good compared to those moms who have to go back to work 40 hours a week, but I admit I am still having a hard time adjusting to being away 10 hours a week. Usually it will be 10 hours a week like it was last week. This week I'll be away 18 hours since today's a longer day and I'm going in three days this week (one more than usual). The good news is that I'll be away only 10 hours next week, and then the week after that I get to stay home as it's spring break. That's when I plan to try to potty train Nadia. So if you think of me today I'd appreciate prayers for all 3 of us in light of my long work day - for Nadia and myself emotionally and that I'll be able to pump enough that it won't hurt my milk supply at all.

Unfortunately last night wasn't a good night with Ian. There's never a good time to have a bad night, but it's really not good to have a bad night right before a long day at work, especially as lack of sleep interferes with my ability to think clearly. I put him down at 9:15pm and he woke up at 11:15pm. I was NOT happy that his first stretch was only 2 hours long. Even before he switched to a 4+ hour stretch 6 days ago his first stretch was usually 3-3.5 hours long. To make matters worse, he wouldn't go back in his Nap Nanny any time after midnight. I eventually brought him up to our bed. I had hoped our days of co-sleeping (at least prior to 4am) were over. Although I don't sleep as well with him in my arms, it's better than not getting any sleep. I am one TIRED Momma though since I only got 2 hours of sleep without Ian last night, and I won't be at home when Nadia takes her afternoon nap. The good news is that Ian now weighs 8lbs with his clothes on and 7lb 11.5oz with only a dry diaper. It was very exciting to see the number 8 show up on the scale, even if that was with his 4.5 ounces of clothes on. That means he gained 3.5 ounces over the past 4 days. Way to go, Ian!