The end...

...of my maternity leave. I went back to work this week (sad), and Henry had to start daycare Monday. It helps me knowing that this is not permanent right now. Like for example, next week is Thanksgiving, and we have two days off. Then, Kevin will be able to stay with him from December 12 - January 5, and potentially a day or two a week through the end of February. That helps. I don't feel like it is never ending. We are taking him to a woman who used to watch my nieces. With the current economy, a few of her regular kids have not had a need for daycare (also sad), so he is about the only guy there. There is one other 18 month old that is there, but not with any regularity. She is a very nice lady, and seems to really love Hankry. She also only charges us hourly (a very reasonable rate I might add), and only charges us for the hours we are actually there. This is great compared to the centers we are (were) considering that charge a flat rate per week and only allow two "vacation weeks" per year. Her house is less than 10 minutes from my office, so I can spend lunches with him and get a fix any time during the day. However, in an effort to "cut the cord," I resisted the urge to go to him at lunch this week. Hard core, I know. What doesn't help me in my efforts to "cut the cord" is that we had a "snow day" Tuesday. Don't get me wrong, I was super excited for a free day with my boy, but it made it that much harder to take him back on Wednesday. That said, we made it through the week. Yesterday, when I picked him up he would not stop smiling, so clearly he is fine with this whole situation. Theory confirmed...this is all much harder on me than it is on him...

On a side note... now that I am paying someone to watch my child, I am very irritated by this concept. Why would I pay someone for the privilege of hanging out with Henry. He is fantastic...I want to hang out with him. She should be paying me for letting her hang out with him. This lady has the best job in the world...so, if any of you would be willing to pay me to watch him, we have a deal. We can discuss my salary requirements if you are interested.

Here are some pics of the boy enjoying tummy time...