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| my view of the little darling |
The closer it came for Clara to join us, the worse I was feeling about only having 13 days of paid time off to spend with her. The fact that I didn't get a proper maternity leave made me just sick to my stomach ( read the situation here, here and here if you are wondering what the heck I'm talking about!)
Well...to keep it short and simple - I decided to take a "personal leave" and enjoy SIX WHOLE WEEKS with our lil angel-face, Clara...even if it cost us an arm and a leg. The second we decided to go for the personal leave, I felt at peace and like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Like I've said before, babies are only babies for a short time...they grow so fast. I am so blessed to have this time to cuddle my Clara, smell her sweet baby scent, nurse her, calm her and watch her sleep.
She is my joy.
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| love her sweet little pink lips |
These six weeks will be worth every last penny. I don't even want to think about the day when I get up in the morning and leave her for a 14 hour work day - tugs at my heart and makes my eyes water.
For now, I will cherish these moments... however fleeting they may be.
You will never, ever regret taking the extra time off to spend with her - I am a new mama too & loved every second of my maternity leave with my son. There is no sweeter time. Truly.
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that you decided to take the time.
ReplyDeletebest decision you could have ever made!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you made a fantastic choice :) Enjoy your lovely little girl!
ReplyDeletegood for you for going for it. they are only newborns once, and despite the fact that your residency has made it hard, i think you made the right choice.
ReplyDeleteI echo everyone else. It's a good decision. What a huge change in your life!
ReplyDeleteShe seriously has the sweetest face - just like a little rose bud. Enjoy your personal leave.
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower. I love the name Clara, and she looks so perfect at first I thought it was a picture of a doll!
ReplyDeleteOh my God, Jes, yes. So happy you made that choice. Clara is so tiny and perfect. I am thrilled that you get to cuddle those little cheeks for longer than anticipated.
ReplyDeletegood for you for making that decision...I can't tell you how mad it makes me that you didn't get proper maternity leave...it's a crime!!
ReplyDeleteShe is absolutely precious. I agree with Ruthy - the rules/law around maternity leave are awful. Too bad we don't live in Europe with weeks and weeks of "holiday" and good family leaves.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you Jes. So, so, happy. My heart swells.
ReplyDeleteAnd don't talk about that BridalHood! You'll have me packing my bags and practicing my euro accent stat. I like to pretend that crazy unfairness is non-existant.
I am so happy for you. Enjoy your little sweetheart. She is an absolute doll!
ReplyDeleteThe hardest thing about being a working Mom is having to leave your kids. I think you feel less guilt when they are in kindergarten and "supposed" to be away from you. I struggle with this all the time. I was really fortunate to get a lot of time with both my babies (4 months maternity and I still only work M-W-F-and some Saturdays). It's a rotten shame that the US doesn't value maternity leave more and for that matter, some PATERNITY leave. I think it should be at least 6 MONTHS and really 1 year. Newborns are REALLY REALLY hard work. With both my babies the newborn phase was always really the worst part and that's okay to admit, it doesn't mean you are a failure or anything! I love my little ones but I find being a mom super challenging! The hardest job EVER! You are doing great, Jes.
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you, Jes.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest indicator that I've made a good decision is always when you get that weightless feeling - suddenly free! :)
stephanie@metropolitanmama.net