My Growing Boy,
It's been two months since I last wrote you a letter, and, boy, are things changing! You are now 6 months old and getting so big! I love watching you grow and develop new skills! But, at the same time, I wish I could just keep you as this tiny, cuddly baby for a little while longer.
You're sitting up all by yourself now. You're eating solids (so far you're a fan of most vegetables and fruits - but you hate peas.) You love to sit and play with the wheels on different toys. You also love to stand in your Exosaucer. Daddy and I say that you're "going to work" when you're in it because you are so focused on all the different gadgets. Your focus is something I've noticed about you. You're an observer. In any new situation, you stare intently, quietly taking in all of your surroundings. Rarely do you just grab something new and play with it. You have to examine it first and figure out how it works. You think first and then you act. As you grow older, I hope this is a quality you continue to have.
Though you wouldn't know it, life around the house has been pretty hectic this past month. First off, Daddy tore his Achilles heal playing baseball; which means that Daddy can't walk. In a lot of ways, Mommy has had to take care of you by herself. Daddy tries to help as much as he can, but the only thing he can really do is hold you for a few minutes, while he sits in chair. Your Pappa Lou has also been helping us out so much. He comes a few days a week to take you to daycare and Daddy to work. While this hasn't been the most ideal situation, we're making it work.
I've also returned back to teaching, and this school year has been really tough for me. I absolutely hate being away from you so much. I'm miserable. I feel like I'm missing out on so many new experiences that you're having and I want to be a part of it all. Seeing your smiling face only 2 hours a day just doesn't seem fair to either of us. Before having you, I thought that I could be a supermom, who worked and took care of her kids equally. Now, I realize I don't want to be supermom. I just want to be a good mom to you. Doing things by yourself isn't some sort of accomplishment. I'm more proud of the fact that I have such a supportive family that I can lean on when I need them.
You've got an amazing family, Buddy, who will always be there for you. And even though it doesn't seem like I'm around as much anymore, know that there isn't one minute of the day that goes by that you're not in my heart and mind. And if you ever needed me, I'd be there for you in a second.
One way or another, I'll figure out this work-life balance. I'm certainly not the first working mom, nor will I be the last. But it still doesn't make being away from you any easier.
Love,
Your very tired Mommy.
