It's been awhile since my last post. Life got busy as I set out to do just what I had written about in fear. I wrote about my trials with having to go back to work and not being ready to wean from nursing. My final words were "In two years I hope you find me with a child attached to my chest. Then you will know that Carter is leading the weaning not work." I am proud to update that at 19 months and counting, Carter and I still share the occasional nursing session, and it is ever more wonderful now then before.
When C turned 9 months I got hired to work part-time for Shoppers Drug Mart. The schedule worked perfectly with Daddies schedule and allowed us to have 2 incomes and NO childcare costs. Carter had only started solid foods around 7-8 months, it was a slow process, and I was insecure about leaving him to go to work.
Turns out that having a few shifts a week, was a welcomed change of scenery. I loved the math of opening the store and completing deposits. (AND I HATE MATH) I enjoyed solving customer issues. Mainly because they didn't concern diaper rash, or sleepless nights. ( I do not work in the pharmacy.) Other then the noticeable engorgement of my breasts from going 5 hours without nursing, I hardly noticed the time as it ticked by, and enjoyed myself.
Daddy and Carter were forced to figure things out in a new way. And that they did. These guys didn't miss me for a second, and I will always thank my job for getting me out of the house and out of my husbands way. To allow him do his Daddy duties without me there to interfere or take over. Carter has the best Dad. I will never ever doubt that. I am so lucky.
A few months after starting at Shopper's I took on a little boy Carter's age to babysit and bring in even more cash-flow. Again this allowed me to stay home with my son to continue breastfeeding, and now my income has doubled.
So look at me now! I consider myself to be a full-time, working stay at home Mom. I have achieved my goal of allowing for child led weaning, AND contribute to our household income. I am proud of myself for getting to this point. Proud of my son for following along so willingly and staying connected. And proud of my life.
My Toddler is leading the weaning. Not work. And I couldn't be happier.
2 comments:
It's so nice that you've found a happy balance of work and mommy life! It's hard to know what's right until you try new things.
I especially love your pic on the side of your sister and you. My sister and I had boys 3 weeks apart! It's been great!
I'm very proud of all your accomplishments, Shan, and your commitment to breast feeding Carter is beautiful. As are you, in every way.
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