Back to School

I returned to my EdD program last Wednesday. I hadn't taken classes since January. I got back into the swing of school relatively easily. I just have to navigate getting my schoolwork done with a newborn this time. I anticipate I will mostly be working on homework at SLCC and when Wesley is home in the evenings. This term I am taking Education Systems.

Peter

Leanna had her baby boy on Sunday night, September 15th! I'm so excited to have a new nephew! I'm so happy he's so close in age to William and I hope they are friends. Leanna and I are now both in the postpartum period. I'm so blessed to be the proud aunt of my three precious nephews and one precious niece!

Maternity Leave

I have been on maternity leave from SLCC since July 9 when I thought my baby would be coming early. It is the end of my last full week of maternity leave since I go back to my doctorate program next week and SLCC two weeks later. It has been a good maternity leave hanging out with Wesley and taking care of William. I also have been working on personal projects like backing up photos and planning William's welcome baby party. I am also still physically recovering. My stitches still sting sometimes and I'm still having pretty heavy bleeding over a month later. I had an ultrasound yesterday and at least it's not any retained placenta causing the bleeding. I'm just hoping it will heal and lighten.

Motherhood

I have been a mother for almost four weeks now and it has been a wild ride. It has been so happy and rewarding combined with a lot of guilt. I thought I had a lot of experience taking care of my niece and nephews, but I realized I knew hardly anything about newborns in the hospital. Breastfeeding was a challenge and terrifying when he was at risk for jaundice and not wetting enough diapers the first week. As soon as I switched to formula, his jaundice went away and he wet his diapers as often as newborns are supposed to. I also had to get used to not sleeping consistently and working on his schedule. It's been hard because my body is still recovering from childbirth and the third-degree tear. It's made me really appreciate what mothers go through. I also got hit with a bout of the baby blues. On the amazing side, I am absolutely in love with William. He is the cutest baby ever and really chill in a lot of respects. I love him more than anything.