Staycation

D and I are on staycation this week.  I had a week's worth of vacation hours to use up before the end of the fiscal year.  I could really use this week of vacation on maternity leave next month, but next month is also the new fiscal year and new vacation accrual. I have to work with the system or go crazy.  Plus, I really needed a vacation.

I don't remember ever being at home on vacation with D.  Usually we go somewhere (usually the grandparent's).  But this time we are home alone (my husband is still working this week and is home most nights so we are not totally "alone" but it still feels that way) and I am starting to miss work.  Yes, I am one of those "bad" mothers that likes working, that wants someone else to watch her kid so she can work (I have two master's degrees to pay off).  Although while I am at work I often think about being home, so I guess I would think of work at home.  It seems that the grass is always greener on the other side. 

I really am enjoying some of my time at home.  I am getting things ready for the new baby and crossing things off my to-do list.  But I am at my whit's end trying to keep a 5 year old occupied.  Not only that, I have two dogs that are used to being home alone all day and are barking hysterically at every little movement inside or out.  Maybe working in the relatively quite atmosphere of the library has ruined me for noise. D is used to having tons of friends to play with at prek/day care and is going a bit stir crazy herself.  I guess we are all out of sorts this week.

That is what I have to keep reminding myself, I am a good mom, but we are all out of sorts this week.  If being home was our usually routine, we would be awesome at this and I would not be going crazy right now.  We've never had a week like this.  D keeps asking if it is a school day, but on school days she asks to stay home.  I wish for time at home, but at home I just want my normal routine back. 

So kudos to stay-at-home moms and working moms and really all moms.  It is hard work always.

I am just afraid of what will happen on my maternity leave when I have D and a newborn at home for 6 weeks.

Any advice?

Large and Less In Charge

It is June and I am 33 weeks pregnant.

My hands and feet are swollen from edema.  This causes my arms to "fall sleep" and my hand to hurt once they "wake up."  This makes everyday activities such as dressing myself, putting on makeup, working, typing and knitting much more purposeful tasks.  What used to be easy is now difficult and takes concentration.

Also at 33 weeks, I am measuring larger than average according to my midwife.  Apparently this is apparent to everyone.  Last week, I had three people ask me how many days I have left and I told l them 8 weeks.  They were all shocked.  I am huge, I get it.  So to all the people out there, very pregnant people do not always want to talk about how much longer they are pregnant, especially to strangers, and don't assume on size. I feel it is an eternity away.

So while my body gives away, I am still doing pretty good on my knitting deadline for the baby blanket.  I have less than 300 yards to go! Which is well ahead of my original goal.

I am hoping to get this done before too long.

Then I have yarn to make another baby blanket (I may have a problem) and some cloth diaper soakers. I will have to get some bibs and burp cloths made up too. Making baby things is so fun.

What are you working on?