We got into a good routine. Up early with both kids, a game of mancala or a phonics lesson over the first cup of coffee. When it was time for the first nap, I would take the baby out for a walk while the big kid played piano or did math. In the afternoon, another walk before dinner. More home cooked meals than I thought possible. Bedtime less of a hassle now that the big kid’s afternoon nap was gone. The overnight still more sweet than frustrating.
And then I went back to work
And it was good in some ways, and challenging in others. First the baby didn’t like the bottle, and then we figured out a bottle that worked. Then the baby decided he didn’t want to take daytime naps, and then they sort of started working, but not always.
On my first day back at work, I also started therapy to help make sense of the grief and anxiety that have weighed me down since the baby’s difficult birth. I sought out therapy after my hospitalization back in March; it took this long – and a referral from a second provider – to actually be seen.
Babies are full of mystery, and every day is a work in progress. I have several weeks of paid and unpaid leave remaining that I will use up by taking Fridays off. This didn’t feel as good initially as taking several more weeks off with my little baby, but now that it’s been a few weeks, the three day weekends are providing to be essential: one day to catch up, one day to relax, one day to prepare for the coming week.
Speaking of which, it’s Sunday afternoon, and that means the Sunday reset: taking every stolen half hour to restock diapers, put away laundry, prepare ingredients for upcoming meals, coo at the baby, or convince the big kid to run another block.
October Reading
October Eating
- Green smoothies, made two at a time
- Pumpkin butter from Trader Joe’s
- Braised red cabbage from the Instant Pot
- White bean “fondue”
- Holy time intensive vegan mole enchiladas
- Roasted delicata squash on pizzas or drizzled with citrus tahini dressing
- Quinoa and black bean chili
- Sweet potatoes baked and then topped with black beans or sauteed kale or a fried egg or whatever leftovers are around
- Nepalese takeaway, delivered just in time and enough for two meals for three
latterdaybohemian 