So far, so good

I've been back at work for a grand total of eights days and things are going really good.  The transition back has gone so much smoother than I expected.  I have enjoyed being back at work.  It's good to get dressed up every morning, socialize with my coworkers and have a feeling of accomplishment when I get tasks completed.  My previous days as a stay at home mom included sometimes not getting dressed until around noon, socializing with a person who doesn't talk back in coherent words and feeling like I accomplished something if I got a shower and shaved my legs.  Of course, I miss Olivia a ton when I'm at work.  I think about her all day long, wondering how she is doing and whether she drinking her milk and taking her naps.  But frankly, it's also kinda nice to have a break from changing diapers and wiping up spit up.  I love coming home from work and having her give me one of her big smiles because she is happy to see me.  Nothing beats that. 

Hanging out with her new friend Cookie Monster

Either trying to kiss or eat Cookie Monster

Besides Olivia and being able to play with her all day long, there are a few other things I miss now that I'm at work.  I miss being able to go to the grocery store on a weekday mornings when there are little crowds and the shelves are stocked.  Now it's back to shopping on Saturday afternoons when it seems like the entire city of Houston is out doing their shopping.  I also miss having the ability to take naps during the day. Olivia is still waking up once to feed during the night, so I do have times at work when I just want to lay down and sleep. Can't do that though.

Our nanny, Romelia, is awesome.  We are so thankful that we found her.  She has completely surpassed my expectations.  She gives so much love and attention to Olivia and already seems to have developed a bond with her.  She plays with her, reads her books, sings to her and takes her for walks 2-3 times a day if the weather is good.  Last Friday, on only her fifth day here, she told Olivia she loved her as she was leaving...too sweet!  Plus, she does housekeeping chores when Olivia is sleeping.  She does all the laundry, cleans the dishes, empties the dishwasher, sweeps the floor, reorganizes and folds everything in Olivia's dresser drawers and more!  When we hired her, I had hoped that maybe she would do the dishes for me, so all the extra chores are a huge bonus.  It is wonderful to be able to come home from work after a long day to a clean house and have more time to spend playing with Olivia instead of having to do housekeeping tasks.  Romelia has commented multiple times that she is "muchas happy" to be caring for Olivia and the feeling is definitely mutual.

We waited until her 4 month b-day to get her a blackberry.  She's updating her twitter page here. :)

Thank you to all who have prayed for my transition back to work.  I have felt your prayers.  Please continue to pray as my schedule at work will be very, very busy and stressful the last half of January.  I am still learning to balance my roles as wife, mother and employer and the next few weeks will be a big test for me.