Momma Post: Valentine's Day was my first day back to work, but thankfully not the end of my maternity leave entirely. I'm working two ten-hour days on Thursday and Friday. Going back was a little harder than I anticipated. The first five hours of the day, I'm happy to be there and am productive. The last five hours I'm missing Willa and am somewhat scatterbrained. Because of this it would be easy to start up my afternoon caffenine fix, but I'm trying to view coffee as a treat, rather than a 3:00pm shot to the veins. There were some big changes in store for me. My supervisor transfered to another team leaving a vacancy. A few co-workers have shuffled around. The fourth floor has been remodeled, most notably relocating the Mom's Room (the breast pumping storage closet). Hormones and change is not always the best combo. After several emails to facilities and management, I was allowed into the new Mom's Room, which WAS OBVIOUSLY DESIGNED BY A MAN. To elaborate the room for one doesn't have an electrical outlet, so I had to dig out my battery pack, and the energy efficient lights turn off after eight minutes (really fun just as the milk is letting down to be suddenly in the pitch black). On a more positive note, I'm glad to be back at work as I missed my team, projects and out-of-the-home structure. Again I feel so fortunate to be working part-time for the next month.
For Valentine's Day, Matt gave the girls a so-ugly-it's-cute goldfish. Ruby didn't hesitate on naming the fish "Friday", which I thought was a very clever name, as I believe traditionally Catholics eat fish on Fridays. Friday shares his bowl with an alluring siren and an aqua pebble floor.
We have a nice rhythm at home. Ruby is officially sleeping in her big girl bed downstairs. I'm thrilled that Ruby took to her new bed and room so easily. We've had her room set up for months, more as a play and dressing area. Then last month, Matt encouraged Ruby to begin taking naps in her bed. This past weekend she started sleeping nights and has ever since. We're so proud! Willa has also transitioned nicely to the crib with only two night feedings. This is amazing as we co-slept with Ruby until she was 9 months old. I can't believe Willa's only 3 months old and we have our bed back to ourselves. I was hoping this would be the case around the 6 month mark, so for it to happen now is fabulous.
Another milestone for Willa is that she's been asserting her desire to grip onto objects. I probably should have been introducing this skill to her. Earlier this week I noticed that she kept grabbing onto my shirt or robe. Last week I found that she had pulled her pacifer out and was waving it around with a big grin on her face. On Monday I saw her focusing in on her fist. Digging through the toy box I found the hippo rattle that Meg and Hannah gave her. I waved it in front of Willa and very tentatively she curled her fingers around the ring. Then she gripped it really tight and smiled. She held the rattle for roughly ten minutes, before deciding she was hungry. She's not quite read to shake the rattle, but she now has the power in her hands.
Momma Post: JJ and Suzanne had us over for a playdate on Monday. Suzanne had her 2nd Birthday last week, Happy Birthday Suzanne! And, Ruby was excited to check out all of Suzanne's new toys. Suzanne demonstrated how to share nicely. The girls along with the scooter and stroller made use of the circular floor plan. A tea party was started. Cheese and pita chips devoured. Playing doctor held the most interest. Suzanne was very concerned about her ears and Willa's ears, making sure there were no infections. I must say UNDER 90 minutes is the best length for a playdate and true visiting with the other mom/girlfriend must be saved for an adult only occasion. One secret to playdates, I'm discovering, is that they set up the kids for naptime perfectly. We got home, ate lunch, and Ruby was asking to brush her teeth, which is "code" for nap or bedtime.
