Thursday, January 6, 2011

Chronicles of a "Single" Working Mom

I'm back - sort of. As Brad mentioned in our last post, he was home from Biloxi on Monday night. I should explain. Brad is on a 4-month rotation at the VA Hospital in Biloxi, MS. It's only 1.5 hours away, but sometimes it feels like a world away. The "normal" schedule is commuting home Monday and Wednesday nights, and every other weekend. But of course, there's no "normal" when it comes to the VA. Brad usually makes it home most Monday nights, but Wednesday is a crap shoot depending on how the day goes. And the weekends have been crazy too. Not hatin' just explain'. So most days it's been Campbell and I since November 1st - thus the lack of recent posts.

When Campbell was born, Brad had just started his research rotation. He worked from home for four months and was "available" to help with everything from late night feedings (Brad's a pro at waking up in the middle of the night!) to grocery shopping. [Wow - you're probably thinking we timed that well - oh wait - we totally planned it that way!] And despite all the chaos of having a newborn, he had a very productive research rotation, completing several projects - way to go babe. Campbell and I were very spoiled getting to spend so much time with Brad, a special 4 months I'll never forget. So the Biloxi rotation has definitely been an adjustment to our normal routine.

November 1st - Brad goes to Biloxi; Campbell starts daycare.
Oh what a day! It's important to know that the company I work for has been great to me - our office is in New Jersey, and I used to travel every week to train agents in our offices across the country. Post-baby, no travel, and I work from home on various projects. It's also important to know that Campbell is a night owl. I thought little babes still slept a lot at 4-6 months. Not so for our active little boy. He loves to play and be entertained and usually doesn't go to sleep till midnight (like tonight - down at midnight!)

Week 1 - shower, make-up, cute clothes. I wanted to look like all the other working parents dropping their kids off at daycare.

Week 2 - shower, cute clothes, make-up optional depending on the day.

Week 3 - no shower, workout clothes, stinky coffee breath

I'm pretty sure the ladies at daycare think I'm crazy - what professional financial services organization would employ a woman who wears t-shirts and jeans every day. Oh well - thank goodness we don't have video-conferencing yet!

If I'm in bed by 1 AM, it's a miracle. So here goes our "normal" routine.

Alarm goes off and dogs start whimpering to be let out. Roll out of bed, throw on clothes, make coffee (that part is essential to my day). Let dogs out. Check on Campbell - still asleep. Let dogs back in (paw check - we live in NOLA, backyard is a mud-pit when it rains), feed dogs. Start to make my breakfast... Campbell wakes up. Change diaper, dress Campbell, nurse. Oh shoot, we're running late. Grab bottles from fridge. Campbell in carrier, off to daycare. Back home, start work, back to back conference calls. Did I eat breakfast? Reheat bowl of oatmeal that's been sitting in microwave for the past several hours. 2nd cup of coffee. 10 minute break to make sandwich. Eat while working at desk. Run to daycare to nurse Campbell on my "lunch break." Back home - work - super, crazy busy year-end and start to new year. 5 Pm - attempt to quit work. Take dogs for speed walk. Then off to pick-up Campbell from daycare. Back home. Feed dogs, feed Campbell. Feed mom! Play with Campbell... nurse... play with Campbell... nurse... did I brush my teeth today?... nurse.... play with Campbell... dude it's midnight, when are you going to sleep.... nurse.... asleep!

Friends in NOLA have been supportive, inviting Campbell and I over for dinner on both weeknights and weekends. Sometimes though, I've politely declined with the excuse that I've already made dinner. I think that sounds better than, "I haven't showered since yesterday, I probably stink from walking the dogs and Campbell is going through a growth spurt, nursing every hour. So if you're okay with a stinky, topless dinner guest who's so tired she might pass out your coach, then we'll be there."

All kidding aside, I'm amazed, inspired and in awe of the real single working moms, who give 100% to their families and careers every day. I've learned that I can't get it all done, so I have to prioritize - yes, my Christmas tree is still fully decorated and it will probably remain that way in our family room for several more weeks. At least it smells good!!! I hope to have pictures from the holidays posted soon. Good night for now!

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