Maternity Leave

A quick word about maternity leave, from my perspective. After working full-time for nearly 10 years it's an adjustment to be off work for 8 weeks, now down to 2. It goes without saying that learning to be a mom to my new beautiful daughter is a lifestyle I love and cherish. This time together will be remembered always and set us up for a wonderful connection. But I must admit that being on leave has been an adjustment. Granted I spend all day in my house anyway but usually it's within the walls of my home office. Change of scenery it really is not. Change of tempo, absolutely. I'm used to taking time off for some sort of travel around or out of Alaska. Rarely is leave taken and I remain at home. And if I'm home I am productive.

Here's that word "productive." In my pre-Miss A mind I planned to take care of her, recuperate myself and get some projects done around the house. I figured I'd even reorganize my recipes with any extra time I'd come upon! HA!

Usually the measure of a day is made based on how much I could accomplish, cross of my list. Between work tasks and needs around the house, or planned activities, I could look back on the day and see how I was productive. Being a mom to a newborn is not the same. I don't have the familiar sense of what I "did" during a day. I know it's obvious but it's something to feel to know. I will not quantify the diapers changed or how many feedings over how much time. At first it seemed odd that simple things are not easily accomplished even though I'm home all day, like writing cards, updating the baby book and making dinner.

I guess what I'm saying is that I'm learning to "be present." My friend Jesse wrote about this a lot when he served in Africa. I am there for my daughter, we veg out when she sleeps on me, and we stare at each other. Taking a shower or a trip to the grocery store becomes a major activity (I realize that will change). It's good to readjust my tempo and slow it down. I am getting to know and soak in my newborn's perfection. We are partners in the day. I'm calibrating for a new purpose in my life with many more tempo changes to come, which I know will pick up greatly!

I've thought a lot this past year about preparing and adjusting, but mentally considering maternity leave was not on "the list." It has been quite interesting and quite lovely. Now, to think about going back to work (in my own home) with my own baby. Thankfully we have Grandmas visiting all February to help with that transition.

So here's what I'm doing, or checking off the list, during maternity leave: love love and love.

(the recipes will wait)
*Amy

One Month Old

Miss A is one month old. Of course time just flies by and yet her arrival last month seems part of a far-away holiday land, long ago.

"Paws" the polar bear was made just for A by Uncle Kyle and Auntie Steph. I think her monthly photo shoot tells some sort of story (not sure what kind) about A's new relationship with Paws. I'm interested to see how the two of them evolve over this first year.

The days, on maternity leave for me, are sliding by. We might just be discovering some sort of routine. It's amazing to me that we've already had to retire some newborn clothes! Recently she's become soooo happy in the mornings. Every smile, reflex or the real deal, is amazing to witness. While missing some major smiles, this video glimpses at the happy morning girl (if you can stomach the talking mother).

She is quite strong and one of my favorite baby-isms is the Moro reflex. That's when she throws out her arms in a full reach. It's like she says, "what gives?" Or she's ready to catch a football. The outreach happens for just a moment, usually during a diaper change, and is hard to capture. Here's a partial "moro":

 Typical sighting of mom and baby

 Tummy Time!

She has great strength, and sense of hanging on!

Miss A loves her black & white books right now, finally felt sunshine during the dark Sitka winter and her hair continues to grow. It's been an amazing, challenging and life-changing month.

*Amy