I went back to work today. It really wasn’t that bad. I missed the kids like crazy, and almost got in two wrecks racing to see their faces after work, but other than that, it was pretty uneventful.
I think we were all ready for it this time. Well, maybe not Dustin. He’s been really supportive while I’ve sorted through 6 different day care options, and pushed my way back into the nursing field. Although he hasn’t made mention of any concerns, I know in the way a wife knows, that he has some reservations. I think more than anything, he just wants me to be raising our kids. I will be. It’s only part time and today also proved that it’s temporary. I missed them way to much for this to be a permanent gig. My plan is to work for a couple of months, using the income to pay down some debt and also build work hours to keep my license.
We decided on having this super sweet SAHM take care of the kids. She’s a licensed day care provider and holds a lot of the same values I do in parenting. (As far as I can tell, from our 1 hour interview). Another woman from my church takes her son there and she just loves it. Besides my kids, she’s only taking care of two other little boys. I really like that. I like the idea of the kids getting socialization, but still being in a comfortable home environment. Some of the things that really closed the deal for me are: how nurturing and heart warming she is, her own children are really well behaved, she speaks Spanish to the kids and she’s really cost effective.
Apart from missing the kids like crazy, I loved being back at work and the sense of accomplishment it brought. I work in patient homes providing nursing care to chronically ill children and give their well deserving parents a break. I’m a much different nurse now that I have kids of my own. The parents used to drive me absolutely nuts with their worry, questioning of me, and hovering. Today I found myself tearing up as the mom told me of her child’s medical history and the toll it has had on the family. I couldn’t separate what she was telling me from my memories of Maddie in the NICU. I think that’s a good thing. I think it makes me more empathetic and able to be sensitive to the feelings of not only my patient, but the family as well.
Like I said, I won’t be doing this forever, but it’s really nice for now. And besides, I don’t know how you working mom’s do it. All the household stuff along with your career. Whew! It’s exhausting!
3 Comments
I guess when I went back to work it was temporary as well, though I didn’t realize it at the time. I just couldn’t do it anymore after 8 months. I can’t believe I made it an entire school year.
Good luck with your job! I hope you enjoy it for as long as you decide to do it. I think the decision to go with an in-home babysitter/daycare is a good choice. Lila always loved her babysitter.
God bless you!
I’ve been thinking of you all day today while I was trying to make it through clinicals.
You are making such an impact on these families lives, Mary. God is using you in their homes and He is also using you in your home as well. Your kids will grow up appreciating the hard work their mommy put in, whether you’re a SAHM, a nurse, the president, whatever!
Amelia LOVES her little school. There are only 6 kids in there and 3 teachers! (One is a college student there part time). She BEGS to go in the morning and has just thrived with it. That helps with the mommy guilt a LOT. Of course, I frantically rush to see her when I get off, you know how it is!
Anyway, the point of my comment is… I respect you and admire you so much. You inspire me, you are a terrific mommy and I can only imagine what a phenomenal nurse you are! I wish I’d gone to school with you!