New Sheriff

Would you believe I go back to work in just a week? Sherwood is 8 months on Monday, and my first day is April 1. McHotty is all set for me to pass the torch. I overheard him telling Cakes today, “there’s a new sheriff in town.” Ha.

It’s funny, he’s remarkably relaxed about these changes. He usually is pretty zen though. I’m getting anxious. I am definitely ready to go back to work, but I’m feeling a little guilt. It’s not like I’m going back to a job where I save lives or anything. It does feel a little self-indulgent to go back early when I don’t have to. But I will be a happier person, I’ll be home early every day, and I think it will be a great experience for McH. I have no reservations about his ability to take over, and do it well.

I am concerned about a few logistical issues, mostly concerning breastfeeding. I’m going to have to pump at work, and I’ll need to borrow someone’s office (there are two possibilities but both occupants usually eat at their desks). It’s going to be a pain in the ass. Also, Sherwood’s currently sleeping late, so I’ll need to wake him to nurse before I go out. But I’m sure it will all sort itself out. He’s eating solids now, so we can soon cut out breast milk during the workday. Does anyone know how long it will take until I can nurse before and after work without getting painfully engorged in between?

I will confess, I am really looking forward to a few simple pleasures: dressing up a little, walking to work, lunch at St. Lawrence market, quiet morning coffee. These little things will allow me to enjoy the time I spend at home a lot more. And get this—I’ve promised my family I will spend much less time on the home computer starting next week. I’ve been pretty bad at setting boundaries during my mat leave, and I plan to do better once I’m on the computer all day at work. Of course, I will take a few minutes for occasional updates here. But please, slap me if you catch me tweeting from the bathroom in two weeks, ‘kay?