Transitions

Summertime in our house is officially over.  I went back to work this week and while the State Fair is still going on and our weekend plans include a trip there, going back to work equals the end of summer.

This summer, I had a lot of people respond when I mentioned not having to work summers... "Oh, that must be nice!" or "How great that you get to spend all that time with your son."  Or something similar.

And by the end of the summer?  A part of me wanted to scream back.  No.  It's not great.  Yes, I love my son.  No, we're not loving summertime.  We've hit our limit spending time together as mama and son, and I imagine that toddlerhood plus pregnancy have contributed to that feeling.

A part of me felt extremely guilty for those feelings.  Who wouldn't love spending time with their kids?  Doesn't everyone want to be a stay at home mom?  And when people would tell me that it's totally normal to feel that way, I'd smile and nod, but in my heart feel like it wasn't actually true.

And then, the most wonderful thing happened.  I went back to work this week.  While that in itself was lovely, it was talking to my colleagues that told me I'm not alone.  I heard things like "Summertime equals work" or "We're not sad summer is over" or "Workshop week is like vacation."  I wanted to shout "AMEN!" to all of those things.  And with those statements, I've been able to start my journey into "acceptance."

I love my son.  And I love that I still get every other Friday off during the school year to spend with him.  He's hilarious and a cheeseball.  He's adorable, huggable, and fun to squeeze.  And I get to enjoy all of those things all the more when I'm able to go to work, put my training to work and let someone else spend the day with him.

I don't write this to get all kinds of "Oh, it's okay" type comments.  I know it's okay.  I've been told it's okay.  And I'm finally starting to realize it's okay.

And if you're a working mama who wants to work and doesn't cry every time you leave your kiddo at daycare, I'm right there with you.  If you're a mama who knows she'll be saner if your child(ren) goes to daycare even though you don't have to work, I'm right there with you.  If you're a working mama who loves her child(ren) more than anything else, I'm right there with you!

Better go... my son is banging on the crib happily and ready to get up from a nap... :-)

July

July has been a whirlwind for the Ehrenberg family!  We had so much going on, it's easiest to share its happenings with you in one blog post with bullet points (who doesn't love bullet points?!)

• Went to 3 states (Massachusetts, North Carolina, Iowa)
• Spent 26+ hours driving in the car
• Spent 14 hours in airplanes and airports
• Saw 18+ family members
• Went to the beach
• Went to 2 rivers
• Got overwhelmed by 2 waves
• G tried 5 new foods (M&Ms, lemons, limes, orange moss dessert, chocolate eclair dessert)
• Countless hugs, kisses, and cuddles

We were in Massachusetts for my brother's wedding.  They threw such a fun party and it was a great time.  We're so excited as they begin their journey in marriage!

Afterward, we took a road trip down the East coast to my parents' in North Carolina.  G was such a trooper and did an awesome job in the car!

We spent a week and a half at my parents' relaxing and checking out all things North Carolina including my mom's workplaces, the Bodie lighthouse, the beach, Goose Creek National Park, and Bill's Hot Dogs (twice!)

Outside The Fish Hooks Cafe, where Oma works

First time at the beach!  It was fun as long as Mom or Oma was close by

Playing with water at Oma & Papa's house

G and I travelled solo on the way home and found easy entertainment by playing peek-a-boo with the tray tables.  

Once home, Nick and I made a quick turn-around trip to Des Moines for my dear friend Emily's wedding.  It was so fun to see them married and fun to have our own little weekend getaway while G spent the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa.

Our August is blessedly quiet without travel; something we're looking forward to!