A Month at Home

Yesterday was my first day back at work after a MONTH of parental leave.  My last such break from work was 4 months traveling in 2000, and before that it was 1994 when I was still in high school (assuming you count university as work.  I do).  It was a financial hit, but so worth it.

Just after Jaia was born, I started working from home and did so for the next 2 years.  I saw her every day, played with her, sang her songs, and watched her grow.  I won’t get that same opportunity with Wes.  Shannen texted me today to tell me that Wes laughed for the first time.  I wasn’t there.  I would have been for Jaia.

So this month off was special.  Here are the highlights:

1) Time with the little guy.  I’m far from impartial but I think he’s pretty cute.  He loves being outside.  He hates being on his belly, and getting his nails cut.  He doesn’t cry anymore when I give him a bath.  He’s more generous with his smiles in the morning than the evening, and is fascinated by his big sister.

2) Swimming with Jaia.  I tried to get away to the pool as much as possible with Jaia, and of course we had the week at the cottage.  She has come a long way this month, and it’s been great to see.  Hopefully it’s the start of a lifelong love of the water.

3) Giving Shannen a break.  We had a lot of help from Wes’ grandparents through May and June, but I was the help in July.  I tried to make sure she got some sleep, had some nights off, and got out of the house a few times to just get away.  She does a great job with them and I don’t tell her that often enough.

4) The cottage.  Our cottage rental wasn’t perfect, but the gradually sloping sandy beach made up for any flaws it had.  Shannen will post soon with more detail, but it really was a great week.  Jaia became a master fisherwoman, casting her pink barbie fishing rod like a pro.  Wes had some naps in the tent on the beach that I was extremely jealous of.  Beer was consumed in a lawn chair submerged in the water.  IN THE WATER.  Heaven.

5) The zoo!  We went to the Toronto Zoo while we were there, and though it was stinking hot, it is still a pretty special place to take a 3 year old.  We’ll likely be back next summer, and the summer after that.  I love the baboons.

I wonder if my work would consider income averaging like the government or teachers, so I could have July and August off every year?  I think I’ll go ask now …