Officially a Working Mommy

As many of you know, I started back to work last Monday, so I have had two weeks as a "working mommy". As all you other working mommies know, being a professional mommy is no joke. It takes more energy, prayer, and patience than I ever imagined. Last week, I was a walking sombie. I felt like all I did was some kind of work - either professional work at school or mommy work at home. Yes, the two hours at night that I had with little man was the highlight of my day and somehow re-energized me to get up and do everything all over again. The exhausting part of the day is after I lay Luke down, it's like I begin the work on the second shift - cleaning the house, laundry, getting bottles, lunch, and clothes ready for the next day and unfortunately, for me, I did school work after Luke went to bed because I am so far behind due to my leave.

Work has been WILD!! I wish I could write about all of the drama that I experienced in just the two weeks I have been back. My first day back last Monday ended with the School Resource Officer in my office and then ended yesterday with the second county office visit that I requested due to needing some guidance on a few sticky situations. It has been crazy!! I guess the Lord wanted to make sure that I did not get bored enough to miss Luke during the day - well, no worries there - does anyone who works in a school ever get bored??? (he, he)

Last weekend, Luke and I played and played and played some more. We were able to spend some great quality time together, so getting up to start the second Monday of the job was not near as bad as the first one. :) I am out of work today for spring break and I am thankful for the rest. I brought home STACKS of work that I will attempt to do after the Lukester goes to bed. :)

One positive result of returning to work is that thanks to the stressful job and the running that Landis and I are doing, I am now only two pounds away from my pre-pregnancy weight. I am able to wear my "skinny" pants again (not my "skinniest" pants - but, I will be in those before I know it). Landis and I are doing well with the running. Yesterday, in the first 80 degree weather that we have run in, we completed 2 miles out of the 3.1 running without having to stop and walk. Of course, I did that with the BOB. I was very proud of myself. Last Saturday, I took off running by myself (no baby and no hubby) and was able to run almost 3 miles without stopping - it was much easier without the stroller and it was so nice to just RUN - I forgot how much I loved to run to relieve stress! This gorgeous weather makes running even better. :)

Now...for the real reason you visited my blog...baby Luke!!!

Luke is doing great! He is the best baby in the world! He is continuing to grow like a weed. Because his head is getting stronge and sitting up is getting easier, he wants to sit upright all the time. Wednesday night I carried him around outside in the Baby Bjourn for an hour because he wanted to walk around. He cannot stand to sit still. We are going today to Babies R' Us to get him some kind of baby saucer/seat that he can sit in while also playing with some toys and practicing his reaching. He is trying very hard to use his hands. He can get them to his mouth, rub his eyes, and he can hold a rattle if I put it in his hands. He is reaching for rattles and things that are hanging in his baby gym - he can hit them but not grab them. It is so sweet to watch him play.

From what Landis and I can figure out using our old fashioned home weighing, he weighs a little over 14 pounds, which means he has doubled his birth weight before the 4 month mark - he's right on track! His next doctor's visit is April 23rd. I can't wait to see how much he has grown! The downside - more shots!! :)

He is still sleeping through the night (most of the time) until around 5:30 or 6:00am which works perfect for me when going to work. Last week, he woke up between 3:30 and 4:00 a few mornings! Wow! Shock to mommy!!! :)

Luke does great during the day with memaw (my mom) and mammaw (Landis' mom) - he loves them both and enjoys staying with them. Mommy loves them both and appreciates the good care they take care of him while I'm working - Luke couldn't be in better hands!! :) Thanks memaw and mammaw!! :)

Finally...here are some updated pictures of him...enjoy them and enjoy this beautiful weather...get outside!!!

Toddy