So I am in nesting mode again. Nope, not another baby. (That ship has sailed…) But alas I have to return to the full time work grind in exactly one week. And I am not ready for it.
It’s funny, with my first I was looking forward to work again. Conversations with full size humans, having to challenge my mind with the nuances of the job and generally getting out of the house solo. This time the desire is not there. My oldest is in kindergarten and I have made some wonderful friends of the other parents I see every morning. My house has become a playdate haven after school with at least one or two children following us on our walk home. I have happily chopped up no less than 5 lbs of apples, a box of oranges, 2 boxes of crackers, a jar of pickles and a brick of cheese as an after school ‘snack’ over the course of two weeks. (Good grief can kindergarteners pack away food!)
And now, sadly, this ends for me. I don’t have the luxury of staying home and keeping the bank at bay. I am envious of the parents that are able to have one parent home past the maternity leave and still afford to live in the Lower Mainland. So until BC Lotto pays off, I am back to work.
And here is where the reverse nesting mode comes in. Making sure the daycare is stocked with diapers, spare clothes, a favorite blanket and stuffie, and all forms completed. Check. I am purging anything I can out of the house to avoid (let’s be honest here… just reduce) the clutter. Diabetes, Kids Wish and Big Brothers have come to know my house well over the past month. I tried to make the most of this last week with my older son. Science world one day, then the library, bake cakes together the next. I have play dates lined up for everyday after school and have started making dinners in advance for the freezer. And of course the house must be cleaned stem to stern. When I was pregnant my husband came home to find be washing the bathroom ceiling with diluted bleach. Yesterday I was on hands and knees scrubbing baseboard moulding. There just seems to be too much that I feel has to be done before I can possibly leave my house for a full day. And throw in a first birthday party to the mix with in-laws in town and I am ready for a full blown hissy fit.
I have never been so envious of the stay-at-home mommies, and am secretly cursing the bra burners of the ’70′s. I know that our moms only had 6 weeks or so to bond and I am told I should count myself lucky that I have had a year. (And I do, really!) But is it so wrong to want more time?
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Contributor:
Sam is a busy mom of 2 boys sharing her mommy-isms.
