Back to Work

Well, I've successfully made it through my first two weeks back at work. Everyone has been so welcoming and it is good to join the world again (as my hermit transformation had become complete when I was on maternity leave).  I am slowly getting into the swing of things again and I better do it quickly because we are about to be very busy.  Everyone at work thinks I'm handling the transition well but you can be the judge of how I'm really handling it after you see what book Ryan bought me after I was back at work for less than a week:

Seriously though - it is good to be back at work.  I get to use my non-Mommy brain, I get to talk to other adults about all kinds of things which gets me back into the world (I didn't even watch the news while I was on leave), working is kind of like "me" time, I'm contributing to the financial well-being of our family, and I'm hopefully on track to become a role model of work ethic to my son. Now, having said all that - wwwaaaaaahhhhhhhh - I miss my baby boy!  I know I'm making the right long-term decision for our family but in the short-term...OUCH!  It's pretty emotionally tough to not be with Copeland 24/7 anymore!  Every single day has gotten a little better though.  And I'm lucky to have a flexible workplace that has let me ease back into work AND I have some days off over the holidays to also help with the transition.  And my sweet husband had a surprise waiting for me in my office on my first day back (cue the water works):

And boy is this girl happy that my Mom was here to take care of Copeland during my first week back at work!  I felt so comfortable knowing Copeland was with his Grandma and I got to have my Momma's cooking (yum) and go out on a date with just Ryan for the first time since I had Copeland.  We went to Luke's Steakhouse (probably my favorite steakhouse) and saw Hunger Games.

I also ventured out to my first girls' gathering of pierogi pinching and cookie exchange.  Lucky me I had help with the cookies.  :)

And now Ryan is at home with Copeland every day until the New Year.  What a special time for Ryan and Copeland.  And again, it really makes it a little easier for me to leave in the morning when I know Copeland is with someone I trust and that loves him. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I realize I'm over a week behind but better late than never!  Ryan and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving vacation.  Ryan took the whole week off so Copeland and I were so spoiled to get so much time with him.  We decided to start the holiday week off at the condo.  There was a fresh dusting of snow so Ryan was able to get in some skiing and I got to sip coffee and cuddle with Copeland in the cozy condo with a view of the beautiful, snowy mountains - my idea of a perfect day.  We also played games, went on walks, went out to eat, and went out for coffee.  It was such a wonderful time.  And even though Copeland was happy 99.9% of the time, I have to include the following picture because I think it's hilarious and he looks so darn cute with his scrunch face - even if it is somewhat of an awkward family photo.

Then, the day before Thanksgiving we had some special visitors arrive to see us Copeland:  Grammies and Grampies!  We ate way too much, visited, went on walks, decorated for Christmas, had an early Christmas celebration, and ate way too much.  Did I mention we ate way too much?

Milestones

I can't believe Copeland is already 12 weeks old!  Technically I was supposed to go back to work today but when I was applying for my time off I miscalculated 12 weeks (why yes, I am an accountant) and requested off until next week - lucky me I get one extra week with my baby boy!  I am experiencing a lot of different feelings about going back to work...On the positive side I think day care will be great for him because they're so good about activities there and he'll be able to socialize with other adults and children (whereas I'm a bit of a hermit so when he's with me...well - he sees me) and also we'll all be able to settle into a nice little routine and I'll be able to get some adult time (remember, I'm a hermit).  Also, I know the weekends will become more special to me.  On the down side...wwwwaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!  I am going to miss Copeland SSSOOOOOOOOOOO much and it is going to be so hard for me to leave him.  Also, no matter how good the day care providers are - they aren't me.  But, I am so lucky to be returning to a great place with such a supportive team and Copeland will be going to a day care that Ryan and I both researched and visited and liked a great deal.  But still, wwwwwahhhhhhhhh.

Anywho, enough of my ramblings and on to the subject of this post: milestones.  Copeland grows so fast and seems to change every single day so I'm not always great about remembering when he does something new, like using his legs to support himself when I'm holding him upright, or kicking his legs so much at the toys on his play mat; however, recently he did a couple things that I want to make sure to record:  he giggled and he also rolled over!  The first time he rolled over was two weeks ago Friday.  We were down on the floor doing tummy time and he was kicking and squirming so much I thought he actually might do it so I told Ryan to watch and sure enough the little guy rolled over onto his back!  He just kinda looked around like "what's up".  HAHAHAHA.  Such a calm little guy.  Then he did it just a little bit later in that same day and didn't do it again until last night!  I guess he has to be in the mood or something.

The giggling happened early last week.  Ryan had said he thought Copeland was trying to giggle before then but early last week at the condo he did it several times in a row and it was unmistakable.  Cutest thing ever.  It sounds like "hee hee eeeek".  Cracks me up.  Also, I've since resigned myself to the fact that Daddy is the fun and funny one considering he is the first one to get Copeland to smile and giggle.  Sigh.

In other milestones - I am back to wearing real pants.  You know, the kind with a zipper and a button.

And here are some cute pictures of Daddy and Son watching football: