I rarely comment but I do want to say now before it's too late just how much reading the Toast has meant to me over the years, but especially these past few months--I was home alone on maternity leave, dealing with all of the weirdness of a newborn and postpartum depression, and visiting the Link Roundup each morning felt like a life raft. Being here reminded me that there is a world full of smart and funny people with many wonderful and important things to say, and it gave me a lot of hope that someday I'll get through this and I'll be one of those people again.
So thank you all, and may you all have much happiness.
Thanks for everyone's responses--yes it is hard, and I knew that on an intellectual level going in but obviously living it is different!!
I know this is the best arrangement for the whole family and my husband is so excited to have this time with our kid, and honestly it's better this way-- I'm dealing with postpartum depression and having a break from 24/7 mom duty will help me take better care of myself and therefore better care of my family. Even so I know it's going to be an adjustment and I'll miss my kid a lot when I'm away.
I do already have weekly Saturday morning plans for baby and me yoga plus the farmers market together so maybe that will help too (plus giving my husband a break--I took zero time for myself on leave and regret it immensely).
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Those of you who are working parents--how did you handle going back to work after your leave ended? I'm going back a week from today, which will be 12 weeks, and although I'm incredibly excited to be back in the grown up world and doing adult things, I don't feel at all ready to leave my kid behind for 11 hours a day, even though it's with my husband (who is taking 6 weeks family leave when I go back). I'm sure my kid will be just fine! But I'm not sure I will be. Any advice to make the transition easier? Going back part time or working from home is not an option unfortunately.
I'm 39 weeks (sooooo close and yet so far) and it's been easy for me too, but because I basically get one symptom at a time, like a sampler box of different teas. As soon as I solve one ailment, a new one arises. For example, last week, I was having excruciating back pain because of the baby's position and me probably overdoing it (i.e. a long public transportation commute). It's better now that I'm working from home, but instead I've developed a massive rash all over my belly and limbs that will NOT STOP ITCHING no matter what I do and I am losing my mind. The doctor says, as he always does, "the only way to get rid of it is to have the baby" and that is less than helpful.
I've been dealing with the pregnancy heartburn for the past few months and I found that a combination of generic zantac 150 in the evening, plus a glass of almond milk when the burning starts, seems to keep it at bay. Regular milk can work in a pinch too but almond milk seems to last longer. But jeez it is rough.
Yes!! 90% of why we bought the house we did was that my husband and I saw the loft space and were like...A LIBRARY AT LAST. WE HAVE A LIBRARY.
We haven't put up all of the books yet (we did just move) but every time I go up there and see the (Target) bookshelves and the big comfy chair by the window to read them on, I just get so happy.
Also pregnant and doing something similar this year! I was a little sad at first because we always go out of town for some epic partying, but now that it's New Year's Eve I'm super happy with my takeout and TV plans.
My own 2016 goals/resolutions:
1) Lurk less, participate more! Sometimes I have something to say, and when I do, I would like to be less afraid to say it.
2) Last year's resolution was to finally quit smoking, and I actually did this summer--but only because I got pregnant. So this year, the resolution is going to be a fully smoke-free year, even after the baby comes. I do not expect this to be easy.
As a Leo facing some incredibly wonderful and scary life-altering changes, I really, really, really needed to read this horoscope today. Thank you so much.
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