The nest is practically feathered. The impending day of baby’s delivery (and a couple really good naps) have energized me and Dear Husband through a whirlwind of housekeeping and homemaking. To wit:
Lawn mowed, weeds killed, and new flowers are planted in the front and back yards
Our humble crops (corn, cucumbers, mesclun greens, mixed bell peppers, cilantro, basil and tomatoes) have been transferred to larger planters and moved outdoors
Everything that can possibly touch the baby’s skin has been washed and organized
The freezer in the garage is stocked with: baked spinach pasta; black bean enchiladas; pasta with turkey, mushrooms and squash and white chili
Final run (or, at least we hope for a long while) has been made to Babies ‘R Us
Floors cleaned, dogs bathed, laundry folded
And amazingly, DH and I have been having a blast together, too. Far from being some kind of work release program for minor offenders, all this time around the house has been therapeutic, restorative and satisfying…if not quite relaxing (although we certainly found time for Rock Band Jam sessions, lots of Tivo and Netflix goodies and time with our family). And while we’ve been so busy at home, it’s still very much on my mind that this is my last week of full-time “work” work before life as I know it really changes. And I’ll admit it: the professional finish line is giving me a tremendous sense of relief.
I am confident that, between DH and I, we can handle whatever the baby throws at us. We feel we have realistic expectations of adjusting to life with a newborn. What it takes to be successful in the workplace, however – that, I don’t feel too sure about anymore.
I am proud of what I’ve learned and achieved professionally in the past 10 years. I’ve had both amazing experiences and tough lessons. I spend a lot of mental energy on what’s next on my career path, what field do I want to be in, am I using the skills that make me most happy, how do I keep growing. And lately, there are no answers. I feel stagnant and pigeonholed.
So I am glad to have time off to focus on somebody else, to pour myself into something I know I can be great at and that will be a satisfying experience. And everything I see lately reminds me of the truly important finish line: “That meeting won’t happen till after the baby’s born…” “By the time that movie comes out, the baby will already be here…” “We’re going to have our baby before this guy in front of me has to register his Jeep.”
I have faith that my worst day at home will still be better than my best day at work.
