The Grand Finale

As much as it pains me to say it aloud, the final week of my maternity leave has arrived. Baby Caleb and I have already spent 11 glorious weeks in each other's company, though I'll admit that at 4 weeks I was dying to return to work. The uncertainty of motherhood slowly disappeared by week 6 and by week 8 I was happy as a clam. Of course I still deal with the unknown on a constant basis, but I now know how to make those situations more tolerable and I accept that I will not be able to do everything perfectly. Just when I feel I've gotten the hang of things I now have to go back to being a graphic designer. I'm not saying I'd want to be a stay-at-home mom, but I will quickly admit that I'd love to work about half as many hours a week.
Anywho, to celebrate our last week together, Caleb and I have decided to try our best to do some new and exciting activities this week.
Today for example, we went to a free motherhood class at the Teer House in Durham. Mothers and their babies (12 weeks and under) were welcome to attend and discuss our new mommy stories with one another. We all packed a lunch and sat around a big discussion table with our darling babies and talked poop and milk and sleep (or lack thereof). It was really nice to hear other mothers in their element and to know I'm not alone. It was even nicer to receive advice, tips, and free goodies. The class – called Motherhood: The New Reality Show – was free of charge and is ongoing every other Monday at the Teer House.

The back side of the Teer House in Durham off of N. Roxboro St.

Our other fun and exciting activity of the day (besides a trip to A.C. Moore and Target) was to go on a walk sans stroller for the very first time. I put baby Caleb in the Snugli facing out, allowing him to be free to watch the world around him. He LOVED it! It is the perfect after meal time activity for him because a) we get exercise b) he gets awake time after feeding c) he gets the perfect amount of stimulation from a change in scenery and d) he's being held upright after feeding to help with gas and spitup.


Going without the stroller made it much easier for me to walk with both Caleb and Paxton the dog.
We are grateful to have had a full day of fun and excitement today and hope to continue the trend for the rest of our final week off. (Can you hear the despair in my words? I'm forcing back tears.)
More to come on our activities in the coming days!