Reflections on maternity leave - accomplishments and hilarity

Today is my last day of maternity leave, and it has been a day of mixed emotions. I'm really glad to be going back to work, exercising my brain and engaging in grown-up conversation. I'm also pretty sure that it is easier to be a lawyer than a stay-at-home mom. But it is going to be so hard to be away from her at first. Enough about that, no need to get all weepy when I have four more days until I actually go to the office. (Mom, remind me to put some Kleenex in the car for the drive to work on Tuesday.)

Anyway, I was thinking back on what I thought maternity leave would be like, and the list of things I thought I would do/accomplish while on maternity leave. So here's the list (at least, what I can remember) and the results.

1. Survive. Accomplished? Yes! With flying colors, marriage strong as ever, self-esteem high, and a healthy baby.

2. Lose the baby weight. Accomplished? Somewhat - I have 10 pounds to go, but I think it will be easier to lose them when I am not spending all day next to the refrigerator and a five minute walk to Starbucks, two cupcake shops and three different ice cream establishments.

3. Finish the pregnancy journal. Accomplished? Yes!

4. Organize the basement. Accomplished? Hahahahahah! I was clearly insane and in serious nesting mode when I decide to tackle this project while on leave.

5. Take down the storm windows and clean the windows and storm windows. Accomplished? Only if you consider the three screws I removed on Monday to be any sort of accomplishment.

6. Sleep. Accomplished? Sort of. Annie didn't really want to sleep much for the first six weeks, and she's still getting up at 3:30 or 4 every morning to eat, but I am trying to appreciate getting 5 1/2 to 6 straight hours of sleep every night, and trying not to dwell on the fact that she should be going at least 8-10 straight hours by now.

7. Appreciate how wonderful it is to have a healthy, happy baby. Accomplished? Mostly. The first few weeks are so hard that I spent some of the time wanting my old, pre-pregnant life back, but after I started getting some rest I was able to more fully appreciate how lucky I am. I have a wonderful husband and gorgeous baby - what else could I ask for (other than 6, above)? The good news is that I'll appreciate it all even more when I'm back at work.

Here is what Annie thinks of this list -

Off to take one last walk to the frozen yogurt shop!