“She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn’t take them along.”
-quote by author, Margaret Culkin Banning

This was quite evident, today,
as I embarked upon my first day back to work.
Actually, this was more of a “trial period”,
as my maternity leave does not officially end until September,
when the school year begins.
However, today, I had to leave my baby for approximately 4 hours and 58 minutes,
so, work, it was.
And, I think I must have talked about her approximately 458 times.
Per hour.
Like when I first arrived, bright and early, and my co-teacher told me that this week’s theme was “Under the Sea”…
of course, my first response was not about what craft project I was dreaming up,
or the songs I was preparing to sing.
No,
the only thing I could muster was,
“Wow, the baby has an Under the Sea bouncy seat.”
Yes, folks,
I am one of those mommies, it seems.
And don’t get me started about what happened when someone would dare to mention the name of a certain Disney Princess.
There were tears involved.
But hey, I made it.
Day 1, down.
I will never have to face the first day again .
And, coming home, and holding my baby tight to my chest,
(only after I washed my hands, Purelled my arms and changed my clothes, of course. Kids have germs, don’t you know? They’re snotty by nature!)
was the best feeling in the world.
So, 1 down, 4 days to go,
and I hope that each day gets easier,
as they say.
And even it doesn’t,
I still have the most beautiful baby girl in the world to come home to,
and that is the greatest pay-day of all.