A new chapter begins
On Monday Andrea’s maternity leave will come to an end and she will return to work after five and a half months away. I know she does this with sadness and apprehension that only a new mother can truly relate. I know the transition will be rough because, as I can attest to, being away from the babies for long periods of time is difficult.
But, Andrea, I want you to know what a great job you have done over the past four and a half months and how truly proud of you I am for the way you have handled every challenge that has presented itself. From pregnancy to breast feeding you have done more than most people would. I thank you for that. I have also truly enjoyed seeing the transformation of my best friend and lover to the role of wonderfully devoted mother. Your bonding sessions with the babies during breastfeeding and the way you lovingly play with them during the day and the way you give each one of them the attention he or she deserves is truly inspiring. You never let fatigue keep you from doing what the babies need and that is truly amazing. The babies love you and they will continue to love you for the rest of their lives. I am so proud of you. I am so fortunate to have you in my life and every time I look into Swee’Pea’s face and see you looking back at me it is just a reminder of how blessed we are to have created such wonderful little beings.
I know you are sad about returning to work but we will survive, indeed thrive, through all of this. We have a strong family and it will only get stronger as we teach and impart the values that are important to us. Keep that in mind when we’re apart from them. We are their parents – no one else can give them what we can. Not daycare providers, not teachers, not friends. Go back to work with peace in your heart, dear Andrea, and know that we are doing the absolute best we can for our children.
I love you with all of my heart and I look forward to watching you grow as a mother as much as I look forward to watching our children grow into adults. Someday we’ll look back at this time and wonder where the time went. But for now let’s just enjoy the time we have with them and accept the roles and responsibilities that have been presented to us with resolution and commitment so that we can give the best to TheMonk and Swee’Pea. Good luck on Monday Sweetie, we’ll be here for you.
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Just keep saying those sweet things to her, Dad. And good luck, Andrea!
Comment by surcie — October 27, 2005 @ 10:27 am
My wife was off for 6 months following the birth of our twins and when she went back to work…it was difficult (for my wife for me and for the girls) at first. Then, once a routine was settled into and everyone got used to their new roles, things slowly went back to normal (or as normal as a house with twins can get).
Keep saying and doing the things you are doing. And if you ever need a good laugh, check out all the blogs you have linked to the right…’it will cure what ails ya.’
Comment by Kemp — October 27, 2005 @ 12:20 pm
Hey! Are you trying to “soften” that “hard” heart of mine or something? (Well it worked, says momma as she wipes her tears with her lunch napkin). Maybe I’ll bring kleenex to work Monday…Enjoy your turn. I know you will love it and so will the kiddies. They love their daddy!
Comment by Mommy — October 27, 2005 @ 12:43 pm
Well put. The first few days will probably be tough, but in the end there will be plenty of love and attention to go around. Great job Mommy! Great job Daddy! Bri and JT: You have wonderful parents who love you very much!
Comment by Kari — October 27, 2005 @ 1:55 pm
It’s great to hear that you care so much about your wife and family. It’s really nice to read posts like this.
You will both be fine.
Comment by Chocolate Makes it Better — October 27, 2005 @ 5:41 pm
Damn you for making me cry AGAIN! My thoughts are with Andrea, as I know this can’t be easy. At least she knows they are going to be with someone who loves them as much as she does. Enjoy your time with them, now.
Comment by Amy — October 27, 2005 @ 6:17 pm
Dude. What up with making me tear-up and sh- . . . stuff? Jeeeeeeez.
Comment by MIM — October 27, 2005 @ 8:11 pm
Good luck come Monday! It’s not quite the same, but I’ll be venturing out to the pediatrician’s office with ALL THREE kids. Alone. This will be a first. We’ll just see if it will be a last. If not, we’re doing the zoo on Wednesday. Whee!
Comment by Becky — October 29, 2005 @ 7:31 pm
Your post brought back all those memories of the day I had to go back to work. Andrea, hang in there. The first days are awful, but it will get better. Don’t be afraid to bring anything you need to get through the day. I went back to work with a video, pictures, and two dirty bibs that smelled like the twins. And I still had to duck into the bathroom to cry on and off throughout the day. I’ll be thinking about you tomorrow and sending a lot of good thoughts your way.
Comment by MOWA — October 30, 2005 @ 6:10 am