Something that has surprised me (and this is because I am a total idiot, I guess) is that I haven't had the time to feel lonely or bored. I worried that I would feel so lonely, being here with only Abby every day. But working 6 hours a day and taking care of Abby really does not leave much time for that!
Another adjustment that I've had to make is dealing with my a$$hole dogs. Min Pins bark when a leaf blows down the street, so I've had to work on keeping them quiet (or outside) during phone calls, or during nap time when I know the mail man or UPS is coming. They also bark at trash trucks, school buses, neighbors, children, loud vehicles, etc. Honestly that has been a bigger adjustment than Abby. She's really easy going.
Most of the time, she is napping while I am in meetings or working on important things. When she is awake during my work hours, she plays in her pack and play or watches Mickey Mouse from her walker or jumperoo. Now that she's mobile, I can't just plop her on the rug anymore!
I do feel bad about her watching TV. Earlier this week, I was working on a huge project and she was stuck in front of the TV watching Sesame Street and Baby Einstein while I sat on endless phone calls. I also feel bad when I am on a call and she is crying and I can't go comfort her immediately. That is a hard pill to swallow. I'm hopeful that won't happen too often.
But with these negatives there are so many positives. We can take our time in the morning. Eat breakfast, drink coffee, go for long walks in the stroller. I don't have to wake her up if she is still sleeping at 6:30. I am getting more exercise and eating less junk. I'm not sitting in the car for 3 hours a day, or paying $200 a month in tolls to avoid that traffic. I get to see my baby girl all day.
Overall, I am happier. My paycheck might be smaller now, but the trade in my happiness makes it 110% worth it in the end.
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