S and I are lucky in that we are able to both take extended family leave now that Baby Z is here. S doesn't get paid for the 12 weeks he is off under FMLA, and this time around I'll get half of my pay based on accumulated sick/vacation time, but it's worth the money pinch in order to have this time home with Baby Z. When Baby X was born, I took the first 12 weeks, reveling in the newness of a brand new baby, hanging out on the couch holding him, feeding him, watching lots of guilty pleasure tv, and taking long walks with him and the dog. This time around I wanted a different experience, and so I'm back at work for the next 12 weeks, while S gets to experience the sleepy newborn stage. I'm not super happy to be back after only one week, but I look forward to taking Baby Z to sing along time at the library and other Mommy and Me activities I missed out on because Baby X was too young.
First day back at work is, um rough, however. Overbudget email on one project, and the encryption on my computer went wonky so it wouldn't boot. It's Monday!
How awesome that you both will get to experience that one-on-one time with a little one though - with YOUR little one. EEK! Happy Monday, even if work is a shit show, you get to go home to your baby! :)
ReplyDeleteWe had this great plan for all our time off when our daughter was born...until we found out that since my husband and I worked at the same place, we only got 12 weeks FMLA between the two of us. And then our employer decided (even though it was nowhere in writing) that we couldn't take unpaid leave if we had accrued time on the books. That reduced my grand plans for a full year off to spend with the baby. Sigh. I'm glad to hear that other people create a plan and get to see it work for them! But right back to work is a tough road - good luck readjusting, as you look forward to that 12 week mark!
ReplyDeleteGlad things are moving forward with permanence. Glad both of you get to take 12 weeks off. It will be nice to enjoy months 3-6. :-)
ReplyDeleteCongrat's on the new babe!!!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with reentry to work. That's a fabulous plan, especially knowing your time at home is coming up rather than behind you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats. But back to work? Ugh!
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