Hitting my stride

My parental leave is up this week. In a parallel universe, I'm getting ready to return to work and bursting into tears every time I think about being away from my baby all day. In this universe, I'm delighted to be carrying on as a stay-at-home mom. I have a regular freelance gig that'll bring in enough money to make ends meet, and my former employer just asked if I'd like to do freelance work for them as well! I may find myself working some late nights — I have no illusions about being productive while Andrew's awake — but it'll be so worth it.

Andrew is an absolute joy these days. Ever since we moved last month and he got his own bedroom, he's been sleeping 11-12 hours every night and usually napping well too. At last! Hallelujah! He's very vocal; I love his hilarious babbling and the dramatic hand gestures that often accompany it. When he stands on his own he looks so triumphant and proud of himself. He's going to be walking soon! My baby... almost a toddler. *sniff*

We have a nice little routine going. We enjoy our weekly community centre classes (this session it's swimming and music), we go for walks and trips to the park, and sometimes I manage to get stuff done while he naps. For the first time in my short motherhood, I'm feeling pretty good about things. For the most part I feel like I know what I'm doing, and like maybe, just maybe, I'm even doing a good job. It's easy when (dare I say it?) I have such a good baby. I know I could find myself singing a different tune in a couple of weeks, but for now I'm going to enjoy this feeling. It only took me a year to get here.

Life is good.