Working Girl

Whew. I'm sure most of you will think I'm nuts, but I must say - at least after yesterday- I can't wait to go back to work! (now quick, someone go check on Johanna. She is probably doing back flips in her office :)).

Yesterday was challenging. Eileen would NOT go down for a nap, would NOT chill out in her swing. The only way she'd be content was if I was holding her. Heaven forbid Mommy needed to take a restroom break - screaming would commence within seconds of her being out of my hands. Josh was thinking I should call the doctor in case she was sick. But as long as she was being held, she was smiling and cooing and sleeping just fine. Later in the afternoon, I loaded her up into the car and went for a drive hoping she'd pass out in her seat. She fell sound asleep, until we got home. As soon as we pulled into the garage, she was screaming again!

I finally gave up. There were dirty dishes and laundry and plenty of other little messes. I barely ate anything b.c I just couldn't get anything together for myself (thank Heaven for drinkable soups and drinkable yogurts). I finally just cuddled her up and sat down for some quality time with Eileen, Dr. Phil and Oprah.

Hoping for a better day today. Mommy needs to be able to get out and have contact with other humans of the adult variety. It's pretty chilly, but sunny, and I can't stand to be cooped up in the house any more! I did get to go to physical therapy (thanks Aunt Sissy for babysitting) and I'm meeting a friend for lunch.

I have no doubt that when it really is time to go back to work, it will be extremely tough. Especially since we're a one-driver family- I will have some serious scheduling to figure out. I know I'll miss hanging out with Eileen all day. But I also think that being away from her for a bit each day will suit me well. I hope I don't sound like a bad mom, or like I don't completely adore my daughter.

Having some time with friends at work, taking on challenges that don't involve diapers - for me, I think the balance of the two lives will help keep me sane. Stay tuned...

Fall Fesitivities

Who doesn't LOVE Fall?

Here's Miss Thang in her pumpkin costume from Nana Betty. How cute is she? We'll dress her in it again next week and Trick or Treat. Ok, we're only going to the next door neighbor's and the folks across the street- how could we not at least hit two houses with this little angel?
We went to a pumpkin carving party- and it was such fun! Picture a crowd of 30-somethings (after a margartia or two) outside weilding knives and large gourds. Too funny.

Perfect fall day.. sunny, cool and breezy (Oh,and the Vols beat Bama, so that was truly the icing on the cake). And there was to die for Butternut Squash soup and this desert - it was like liquid pumpkin pie with ginger snaps.
Here they are... the works of art. I think there were actually more than this that came along after the picture.

Eileen slept thru most of the chaos. Then she woke and just hung out watching all of us. She's so laid back, let's hope she stays that way.

Happy Sunday.

ps. here's a link to some more pics:
http://eileenloebner.shutterfly.com/action/?a=8IZt27Foyat3G&notag=1