Feeling the WAH in WAHM...by Liimu

When I was pregnant, I bragged to people that with my fourth child, I had every intention of getting back to work as soon as possible, stopping throughout my day to snuggle or breastfeed my new baby - a true Work at Home Mom (WAHM). I likened myself to those field workers in the early twentieth century who were said to give birth among the rows of corn, and then continue to shuck and pick alongside the rest of their crew, with the new baby suckling at their breast. Slightly ambitious a plan, I had no idea how hard it would be to execute. My youngest child is 4.5 years old - I barely remember what those early days were like.

Although I do remember that I put together (and got approval for) a very involved proposal that would allow me to work from home for three months following the birth, transitioning back slowly to the office. I also remember one day being on a company-wide conference call, during which the president of our division of J&J was speaking, when my two-month old daughter began to wail and scream. I reached down to try to quiet her, bringing the phone right next to her face, not realizing I had not put the phone on mute. My mistake was painfully evident when the CEO stopped to say to the group: "Could someone please quiet that baby or put their phone on mute??" Why I thought managing number 4 alongside work would be that much easier than number 3, I have no idea.

So, now with little Max nearing his week 5 birthday, I'm struggling just a little bit to manage it all. This blog, business development (to ensure that I have a job for which to come out of maternity leave), a small projecct that began last week, not to mention all the work involved with taking care of him - figuring out breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, pumping, and so much more. And before you guys all jump all over me to tell me to slow down and enjoy this time, I am. I really am. I'm napping with him whenever I get a chance (like right after I finish this blog), I'm spending time with my husband, and I sat down yesterday with my mother's helper to let her know that after our vacation next week, I'll officially be off maternity leave and ready for her to really start helping with Max during the day so I can work in earnest.

But WAAAAAHHH!!!!! For the first time in my 10 years of motherhood, I am sort of wishing I were a stay at home mom, instead of a work at home mom. I am so in love with this baby and totally enjoying being completely devoted to him (and his sisters, when they're home). But honestly, I have a glorious, blessed life and I love what I do. And I'm fortunate enough to be very successful at it, so rather than lament my situation, I'm jumping in with both feet. And believe me, I will be taking full advantage of the flexibility it affords. So when others are taking their coffee breaks or smoke breaks, I'll be taking my snuggle breaks and nursing breaks. And I'll be doing that for as long as I can before he's off and running in the other direction beginning the inevitable process of exploring his independence from me.

He's Finally Here! by Liimu

Max Christian McGill was born on Monday, March 14 at 9:40 am, weighing in at 8 lbs 15 ounces and measuring 21.5 inches long. We were kept in the hospital until Friday, March 18, due to some jaundice issues, but now we are home and recovering nicely.


I know I probably was, but I honestly cannot remember ever being this in love. I can't stop kissing him all over his face, I love his cries, his coos, even his farty noises first thing in the morning. I'm having unbelievable troubles breastfeeding, but I'm struggling through because this is my last child (yep - I got my tubes tied) and I love the experience of breastfeeding. I don't want to miss my last opportunity. I'm seeing a lactation consultant, which is really helping a lot. Currently "pumping to heal" and seeing good results from that, so I'm very optimistic.

Overall, I am just beyond happy. My family is complete and healthy and happy and we are all in love with this baby, I'm back to eating healthy - not exercising yet, but excited to get started as soon as I get clearance from the midwife, on top of work and bills, just feeling really blessed and happy and so grateful for this unexpected blessing in our lives. To think, this time last year I had no idea he was even on the way. To this, this time last year we were struggling financially and I was all worried about how everything was going to turn out. It's a good thing I keep my mind open and my mindset positive. All things are possible and I believe that the best is yet to come.

I know this post is all over the place - sorry for that. I'll be sure to keep it more topical next time. I just wanted to let you guys know he was here and so am I!