Back to work ramblings...

I have some pictures to post, but they will have to wait.

I have been thinking of a lot lately during all this transition back to work and figured it was time to write more and not post a picture for a minute.

Working mom...
This term has always been interesting to me. For one, as a mom you are constantly working whether someone has paid you for it or not. Second, can you really be a "working" mom? When I first was pregnant, I knew I would be returning to work. I told people this and had mixed reactions.

"Do you have to?"
"I don't understand why people have kids if they don't raise them themselves"
"There has to be a way you can stay home"
"Do you think Ryan will quit his job?"

and so on.

Growing up I never expected to be a working mom. My mom mostly stayed home, my sisters all stayed home. In fact most people I knew stayed home. I didn't have a lot of models in front of me to understand what it was like being a working mom. Like other things in life I figured I would have to trod this path alone and figure it out.

Just to clear it up... Would I stay home if I could? Probably. Can I? I suppose I could if we had a different situation than we do now. Could I change my situation? sort of. that is a tough one. We would have to make some large changes in order for me to stay home, of which we aren't willing to make. yet.

I've been working for 13 days now. Yes I am counting. Some days have been better than others. Patrick has adjusted better than Ryan or I have. I am lucky, so lucky to have a fabulous husband. Ryan is great with Patrick and I am so happy to have him home with him these first months that I am back to work. I am actually ok being gone during the day. My job is good and I have a very supportive environment to work in. The toughest times are late in the afternoon and right before I fall asleep. I get very anxious later in the afternoon. I can't wait to see Patrick and feed him. (Pumping just isn't fun!) Night time is tough becuase I know I have to get up the next day and leave again. I am ok being away from him, but I wish I just wasn't away so much.

Today I called home and Patrick was having a crabby day. He had been crying for the good part of an hour. Ryan sounded a little tired, but was still in good spirits with it all. I knew I probably couldn't do any better for him, but I wished that I could be there to at least try. Also knowing that I was stuck at work while my baby was needing something more than he was getting, just plain sucked.

For all those parents out there who choose to work? Great. Awesome. I think if that is what you choose, your family is better for it. Your confidence in your decision is great. I wish I was as confident in mine.

Balance is a whole other issue I have been thinking of lately.

Mom, Wife, Housekeeper, Cook, etc...
How on earth have you all done this for so many years? Womens lib? Great, now we get jobs and still have to do all the rest. (Once again, Ryan is awesome and helps out a ton!! thank God for men of 2008!) I am seriously considering a meal service or a housekeeper. Because it isn't that I can't do it all, I just want to spend my time differently. I want to coo at Patrick and take long walks as a family in the evening. I want to go to bed at a decent hour instead of cramming a days work into 15min in the house. I want to eat meals that don't come out of a cereal box. Is it too much to ask?? ;)

ok, if you made it this far you are either bored or curious to see how it ends. I am curious as well. I know that change is hard, but with a baby that change happens every day, not just when you get a new job or move. I guess Ryan and I will need to take surfing lessons, because we are going to be "riding the wave" for a while...

Some pics to enjoy!

I can fly!

He got Dunked!

Patrick was baptized today. We had lots of family and friends to share in his special day. He was just a gem. He fell asleep for the sermon and woke up just in time for a little water.

Patrick in his baptismal gown (made by great grandma)


Patrick in his baptismal outfit (the one Ryan wore for his)

Dunked!


Nana and GB Rois


Grandma and Grandpa Bliss


Pastor Siri and Godparents Laura, Jay and Allison


Party afterward with homemade sweet rolls (thanks to mommy!) and a great cake!

Ewww....

He got me...



Baptism this upcoming weekend. I'll certainly share pictures next week!

Mr. P and me

I am constantly getting comments from folks. "We never see pics of you on the blog, Catharine"
Well, there are a couple reasons:

*I take most of the pictures in the family
*You never like pictures of yourself
*Darn that extra 10lbs that just won't go away!

Well, here is a picture that Ryan took of Mr. P and me. I just found a new tool on the web and now the picture looks the way I imagined it to be. Enjoy this moment as much as I do!

Sleep, Glorious Sleep

Patrick slept a wopping, wonderful, fantastic, glorious 8 hours last night! WooHoo!
My little boy is growing up... ;)

Hangin' with Madison

Madison and Patrick are becoming fast friends as well as cousins.