Back to work- Day 2

Well, today was Day 2. Michael was working late tonight, so getting dinner ready and closing Victor's day was a bit hectic. I also didn't plan ahead with my sitter to go to the gym, so that sucks. But all in all it was a good day.

I went to bed early last night, had lunch ready and my outfit was selected. I woke up an hour late and just couldn't get out of bed. That's when the maternity leave dreamland swooped it's way into my head. "Remember when there was a time that you use to wake up, when the baby did?" "Remember not having to get dressed until 1 pm?" Wow, mat leave is really great. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot of work, but it's a very cozy time. Blankets, PJs, sweaters, yoga pants, slippers… Mmmmm.

So I woke up, got dressed, did my hair and makeup. Sadly in the process I ripped my favourite nylons. Sad. Day. I was ready just in time to help Victor get out of his wet clothes, give him lots of kisses and take a nibble at his thighs. I packed my breakfast to-go with my lunch and off I went!

No time to warm the car this morning. Poor Black Betty. It was so cold, my door wouldn't close properly. Good thing my husband had both cars plugged in, or else she probably wouldn't have started.

When I got to work, the best thing happened to me: I FINALLY GOT MY PARKING PASS BACK! It's almost been 4 years! No more parking on the street, no more broken side mirror, no more parking tickets and no more wasted time stalking for a spot every 3 hours!

When I came home after work, Victor's expression was uneventful. He hugged his grandma goodbye and played in the kitchen while I prepared a quick bite to eat. I fed him as he played and tried making a taboule salad at the same time for tomorrow's lunch. What a long process! Victor insisted to feed himself with the spoon, which was cute.. but messy :S He's so refined, eating with cutlery and all.

Exhausted and sleepy, we cuddled on our chair as he drank his milk (holding the bottle himself, may I add!). He fell asleep in my arms and when he started snoring I knew it was safe to kiss his chubby cheeks. I gave him a few tight squeezes and put him to bed. No fuss and no tears tonight.

Well, time to watch some TV and get some me time in before it gets too late. Tomorrow is a new day, let's hope it goes well!

What's your routine when you cook for one? Do you have any quick meal ideas for your kids? Are you structured when it's just you and baby? Please share your comments below!

Back to work, back to life...

... Back to reality! Preach it Soul II Soul! They were so wise for their time.

Well friends, today was my first official day back to work! So far, so good, but much planning and anticipation has gone through my head to make sure I start off on the right foot.

Keys to making this day a success:

1. Plan ahead- From your shower schedule (switching to nights!), to your lunch, your work outfit and dinner. Have as much ready as you can the night before. You will be so thankful the next morning.
2. Get your sleep. Or should I say, don't stay up late watching the Help until 12:00 a.m. (my bad! I love Emma)
3. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to get caught up with all your  work on the first day. Today was Inbox cleaning day and urgent request day. I am very happy with the amount of work I put in today.
4. Have a trustable person you can leave your children with. 

Instagram of my outfit that I chose last night.
Classic, comfortable and easy!

I woke up early this morning at 5:45 a.m. I got dressed, did my hair, had breakfast and made my lunch all in 1 hour. Then magically, Victor woke up as soon as Grandma came to look after him! He was happier to see her than me, and just fell into her arms. I thought to myself… THIS IS MY QUEUE! I better escape :) I wasn't insulted that he didn't want to see me, in fact, it reassured me that he was in great hands. I realize that I am extremely lucky to have my mother-in-law look after little V. But I am also not lucky to have been working during maternity leave. This is life's way of balancing itself out… a.k.a Karma.

When I got into work, I carefully sent an email to all staff to advise them that I was back! To my surprise, I had about 50 balloons dumped on me from the other side. It nearly scared the living death out of me. I rarely get surprised… well played Social Committee, well played.

It was really nice having lunch in the lunchroom today, a la yuj. A colleague asked me if I had made "the call" to check in… I was like "No?" hahaha. No news is good news! That's my motto and my way of staying relaxed. I am not the person that will check in every couple hours.

When I got home, Victor was so invigorated and happy to see me. So was I. I have to admit I got really tired when it was time to make dinner. I started prepping right away, in time for Michael to get the BBQ going (btw… the coldest day to BBQ was today!). I got a second wind after dinner, I must have been really hungry.

Me blushing after being surprised with a whole bunch of balloons dropped into my cubicle.

Me after a long day at work. So thrilled to have a parking space back
and to be going home after my long day!

Victor greeting me at the baby gate near the side door.
I was trying to capture his sweet welcome home reaction.

This is all I could get from him.

We just finished up with dinner; marinated flank steak with green beans and carrots. All planned ahead the night before and I even have some left overs for lunch tomorrow! Michael is giving Victor his bath, and I just finished cleaning up the kitchen. So far, it's 6:47 and all that's left are showers for mom and dad. I wish and pray that every day can go this smoothly!

Tomorrow, I'll be flying solo, because Michael has his night shift. It will look like a different day. No elaborate meals, more of a "fend for yourself/clean out the fridge" dinner. This is also my chance to head to the gym before work. Let's see how I do.

What makes you nervous about returning to work? Do you like work or prefer staying at home with baby. Do you have any tips to share? Please leave your comments below.