the more things change, the more they stay the same

I returned to the workforce this week (part-time).  I vowed not to blog about work but since I just started, I thought I'd update you on some of the highlights.

Same Company I worked for 9 months ago before having Sydney.

Same hiring manager.

Different job responsibilities.

Less Stress.

New learning opportunities.

Same commute route.

Way more traffic.

Same desk.

New cube-mate.

Same difficulty getting to work on time.

New bigger vending machines (with only 20 oz pop) - just what I need.

Same security guy.

New security badge with a new ugly picture of me.

Same awesome new-mom benefits like a Mother's pumping room with hospital-grade pumps.

Same computer system.

New rules including no access to blogger or message boards (*sniff*sniff*).

New parking ramp (that cost me $20 today - doh!) - I will promptly return to the old ramp, which costs $10/day. *sigh*

Same kids.

Mom has new appreciation for kids.

Same Mom.

Kids have new appreciation for mom.

Overall so far this seems to be a very good thing for us.  There have been some "glitches" and I'm exhausted.  BUT, I think it's going to be a good thing.  The nanny is doing well getting up to speed.  I feel rejuvenated getting a change of pace in our week.  And what I didn't realize would be a benefit is that I think the kids are rejuvenated by the change-up too.  The last 2 nights Sam has been extraordinarily well behaved.  I think maybe he appreciates me more in smaller doses.  LOL.  So rather than spending an entire day disciplining him (which is no fun for either of us), he spent the day with the nanny (she reported good behavior) and a few hours of QUALITY time with mom that consisted of very little discipline (it just wasn't needed!)!  Tonight we ate dinner as a family, played outside, ate dessert outside, visited 2 neighbors, and read stories - all before bed.  I don't recall having that much fun in such a short time in a long while.  And great news, Sydney is doing well too, staying relatively happy and she's taking the bottle - YEAH!

P.S.  The sleep wrap seems to be helping Sydney.  Maybe it's coincidence but she's now taking MUCH longer naps (think 20 minutes before to 2 hours now) and sleeping longer periods at night.  One of these days she might sleep through the night again!