back to work 101

things i have learned in the 2 short (loooooooooooooooooong) days back at work that i'd like to share with anyone who may ever become a working mom:

1- do not attempt to walk eight blocks (any distance longer than a hallway, for that matter) in heels when, over the past three months, your feet have only graced the inside of socks, house shoes and sneakers. if you do choose this sure-to-be-painful option, at least bring band aids for your blisters. and, turns out, walking into the daycare center to pick up your baby in bare feet is frowned upon. who knew?

2- once the baby and all his things are strapped in the car heading out in the morning, you are also IN the car. as in no one, NO ONE, is getting out. so if you do not screw your travel coffee mug lid on tightly, and your coffee spills down your sweater as you back out of the driveway, then, sweetie, you're going to work with coffee on your shirt. plain and simple. when you get to work, cvs, shout wipes, done and done.

3- depending on the size of your city and the time suck of your regular commute, tack on at least thirty minutes MORE time than you suspect you need to get out the door. so if you think that getting yourself showered and pretty and a baby diapered, fed and changed may take, oh, an hour and a half, go on and give yourself two hours. trust me.

4- every woman you see at work who knew you when you were pregnant and enormous will not-so-slyly stare you up and down before saying how great you look and asking how the baby is doing. it sucks because you know that you're not looking totally back to normal yet and your pants are still a little snug, but hey that's the way it goes, so suck it in and smile!

5- while you were home for three months, the season likely changed and you likely didn't notice. trust me, though this might seem impossible, it can happen. so, if in december in a fairly northern city, you show up to work in a dress, no coat, no gloves and bare legs, expect double takes. (in fact, now that i am thinking about it, maybe that's what the up-and-down stares were about...?) i was shocked as i drove to my parking garage downtown and people on the sidewalks were in heavy coats, gloves and scarfs. i mean, wasn't it just summer?

6- you'll miss the baby more than you expected you would. definitely.

i'm sure i'll have more to add here, but like i said... it's only been 2 days.