Two Full Time Jobs

It's tough.

The balancing act is a lot tougher than I imagined.

I'm a working, stiletto-wearing, professional, kick-ass-during-the-day-and-take-no-prisoners kind of woman,

AND...

I'm a mama to a sweet little boy whom I've wanted and loved for longer than he'll ever know.

Two completely separate, yet intertwined worlds that I am blessed to call my own.

It's hard to be fully present in either world, and I've found myself struggling... at work, I think about my little man constantly, and when I get home, I am holding my kid on my hip as I log in to find 50 e-mails since I left work two hours ago.

But you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I love, love, love working. Maybe it's because I view myself as successful (and everyone's definition of that is different) in the workplace, and I know that the work I do drives results. I live for it. The competition. The recognition. The work I do is exactly what I should be doing, and I love it.

But I also love my little boy. I love snuggling, playing, and taking walks. I love reading him books even though he has no idea what I am reading.

It makes it hard to make the decision to lead two full time jobs: my career and being a mom.

Even though I love my career, I find myself daily having to justify two things: One, I love my career and crave everything that comes along with my role: leading people, the politics, the pressure, the visibility, the money... everything. Two, my little man NEEDS interaction with others... especially other kids. Daycare is an environment that he needs for his own development, and he is so loved and well-taken-care-of.

But it's still hard. Would I be a good stay-at-home-mama? Hell, no. I wouldn't ever want to do it, either (although I give so much credit to the women who want and can stay at home with their little ones... it's not an easy job!). But going to work isn't always easy, either.

I wouldn't give it up for the world... I love my little man to pieces and being a mom is more rewarding than I could have imagined. I've also found - for me - that being career-focused is incredibly rewarding, too.

And, so, my two full time jobs continue... and I wouldn't want it any other way.

It's a Beautiful Life

Sitting on my couch, watching The Bachelor - I can NOT believe he picked Courtney. I barely even watch this show, but I know enough to know that she is crazy. Grrrr.... not that I thought his other choice was his soul mate, but Courtney?! Seriously?

Anyway, I've been a good blog follower, but lacked in the comment department in the past several days... I will be commenting yet tonight and tomorrow!

Here are a few updates:

- AF finally arrived. Oh, the joys :) No complaints, though - this is exactly what I wanted. I took Provera for 10 days, and, like clockwork, AF came on Day 10. I am on CD5, planning on tracking this cycle. Not sure if we'll "give it our all" and try to get pregnant this month, but at least it's good to track and see if I even ovulate. Maybe I am so nonchalant about it because I am totally envisioning this taking a long time again. Hopefully I am wrong :)

- Max is amazing. Two teeth, popping in a third, rolling/scooting all over the place, prefers to stand and have his hands held while he walks, can sit by himself for quite some time. He's eating oatmeal, rice, all fruits, and all veggies. No food he doesn't like. This is why he is 22 pounds. He's a big boy! We are getting pictures done on Friday - I'll post as soon as I have them!

- I LOVE this weather! Here in MN, we hit 60 degrees today, and 70 degrees is forecasted this week. LOVE IT!

- More to come this week... it's been busy around here, so sorry for my lack of updates. I will post soon!

XOXO

Mrs. D

"Let's Let Mommy Go Blog"

I had been holding Max this afternoon for an extended period of time... usually Mr. D and I take turns handing him off and letting the other have some time. Not that I don't love holding him, but I needed a little break. So, Mr. D came up to me, put his arms out for Max and said, "Come on, buddy, let's let Mommy go blog."

Love it :)

So, here I am, catching up on my bloggie friends' blogs and enjoying a glass of red wine.

I am on day 6 of Provera, still 4 more to go. No sign of AF yet, I fully expect her this week. I bought new batteries so I can fire up the Clear.blue fertility monitor on day 1 of my cycle. I am planning on just trying to figure out my pattern - or lack there of - this month. Hopefully I ovulate and things start going back to "normal" in my body. We'll see :)

I'll leave you with a picture... this is my little Maxwell at the Dr.'s office for his 6 month check-up on Thursday (I was a couple weeks late with his appointment). This was before he received 3 shots in his legs... poor pumpkin. He continues to be 95th percentile for height and weight, and is now 85th percentile for head circumference. He is our chunky, chubby, healthy baby :)

Happy weekend!