Gabriela in the Kitchen

We Made it Through the Day...

We survived:)

Yesterday was a big day for everyone. First, Lane started a new job at an architecture firm. He's still working on the Pentagon project, just on a different aspect of it with a different company. He's working with guys he already knows and likes, and instead of having meetings everyday at SIX in the morning, he doesn't even have to be at work until 8:30. And, his office is just a short walk from mine. The best part, though is that we are both going to work around the same time every day! This is huge! For the whole 8.5 years we've been married, one of us has been asleep when the other left for work.

I was especially glad for Lane's new schedule yesterday because it meant he could go with me to drop off Gabriela at daycare. I came with several extra things I probably didn't need to leave with her, including her Ergo Baby Carrier and yes, I gave not one, but two demonstrations on how to use it (in my defense, they were to different people), and as soon as it got close to time for us to leave, I burst into tears. Thank goodness I saw this coming like 50 miles away and made sure I didn't wear any eye make up yesterday. We kissed Gabriela goodbye, Lane got me some tissues, and held my hand and we went off to work together. I did it. It wasn't easy. at all.

I cried a couple more times at work, especially when people asked what it was like leaving Gabriela at daycare. I also called a couple times to check in on her. Each time they said she was happy, she took her naps and bottles without any fuss and she was playing. I had such mixed feelings about the reports I got. Of course I was relieved she was doing so well. But then I felt a little bad that she didn't even miss her own mommy. On the other hand, I would have been really upset if she had been fussy and crying all morning. AND, I hate to say it, but I also wonder if she was really as happy as they said she was. It's not like Gabriela is going to come home and tell me she cried her eyes out all day.

I felt like a little kid waiting for Christmas by the end of the day. I was practically giddy - I couldn't wait to see my baby girl!! As I walked from the metro stop, I felt like my feet just couldn't get me there fast enough. When I arrived, Gabriela was busily playing with another little girl and seemed very happy.

It felt normal to be back at work. Of course, I missed Gabriela like crazy. Sometimes I would kind of zone out and think just about her, or contemplate how many times is considered reasonable to call the daycare to check up on her. I think I can get back into the swing of things.

I am getting the hang of this whole pumping thing. I'm lucky we have a lactation room at my work. It's a special room with big arm chairs and curtains that you can close around you. There's a fridge for breastmilk and a sink and restroom, and even a TV and bulletin board with mommy stuff and pictures of the cutie babies.

I feel like I can get back into the work routine; but it's not going to be easy. I have to do this, though. The plus side is how excited I am to see Gabriela and how much I appreciate our sweet time together. She's going to make new friends and learn some Spanish at daycare, so that's good too.

I'm just glad today is Veteran's Day and we both get to stay home. It makes for an easier transition.

I think (and hope) it will get easier over time.

Thanks everyone for your encouragement!!

Tomorrow's a big day

Going to work tomorrow. **sigh** I plan to start out with a clean apartment (half way there), all the laundry done (some folding left), and a freezer full of dinners I made (check!). Still have to make dinner for tonight and finish gathering supplies for Gabriela's first day at daycare. Oh, man. Last night I finally faced it and burst into tears. It's going to be a hard day for everyone. Thank goodness Lane is working different hours and we can go to daycare together in the morning. I am getting teary eyed just thinking about it. Wish me luck being away from my baby all day, actually getting some work done, and mastering this whole pumping madness.

Gabriela's Latest Skill

To entertain Gabriela we often do the "motorboat" sound with our lips. Recently, she started trying to imitate it. She does a pretty good job, but hasn't quite learned how to contain all that saliva! Enjoy . . .

Gabriela on the Go!

Okay, not *quite* on the go, but she is learning. Here is some video of her scooching around.


As you can see, this is very hard work for Gabriela, and she sometimes gets a little frustrated. Poor Baby Girl! We tell her it's okay and know she can do it!

It's Voting Day!

Today, Lane and I headed down to the polls in our pajamas. Thank goodness our polling place is inside our apartment building. Unfortunately, the line was so long it went out the door.

We decided to return later in the afternoon, expecting to spend hours waiting in line. Thank goodness, there was NO line at all. We did our duty and are heading to an election party with some friends this evening.

Gabriela is so proud of her "future voter" status.

Gabriela was really excited about her first presidential election, so excited that she had to stay up until she confirmed that her candidate had indeed been elected...and that was pretty late on the east coast! Yay Obama!

Our Little Love Bug

Gabriela had a long day on Halloween. First she dressed up, hopped on the metro and went to the Pentagon to visit Daddy and meet all his co-workers.

Next, we got back on the metro and went to the Red Cross to crash Mommy's work Halloween party. I think it was too much laughing and cheering for her to handle after having already toured the Pentagon. She got a little fussy - probably too much stimulation and not enough nap time as she's used too. But she still got in some good visiting.

Gabriela's first Halloween was, as Borat would say, "Great Success!!!"