Eight Months & A Working Mom Side Note

Did we miss Eloïse's 8-month marker? Wasn't that over a week ago? (Cue Charlie Brown music). Here's a very quick look at the milestones for the last month and change: For Mother's Day (May 12), Eloïse gave me her very first tooth. Her second showed up a day later and now she has two strong healthy bottom teeth, making for a cute little smile I've yet to capture for posterity. As an acceptable substitute, I offer you this:

We also had our first bandaid experience, thanks to mom's poor nail clipping skills. Man can those little fingers bleed! Thankfully we are all healed up now, and there are no hard feelings so far as I can tell.

Some favorites for month eight: beets, eating directly out of the pouch, "the worm" style crawling, pulling up on things, little Gap flower dress (above), hiking and camping (first trip was a success!), chewing on blocks, chewing on clothing, chewing on anything we leave lying around, peek-a-boo, riding in the Ergo, and tackle-hugging Jackson.

Now for A Working Mom Side Note

I just got back from a three day work trip away from the baby. It wasn't required, but was very valuable professionally, so I decided to take the plunge. I stored up TONS of milk, left some handy schedule tips for the hubby, found an empty office at our host school where I could pump, and made sure my phone was charged to skype. I was so proud of how well Phil handled E on his own—he was incredibly patient and selfless, even on very little sleep. And, I...did ok. I tried not to let myself worry about whether she would give me the cold shoulder for leaving or forget me altogether, and only cried a little when I finally got home.

The experience left me in awe of how deep my feelings run for the little gal. Is it a product of her life-stage, her basic need for the food I provide? Or will my heart always ache when I have to leave her, at two and ten and eighteen? I am baffled that someone with so little to offer can mean so much to me.

Before Eloïse was born, I longed to be a parent. I love being a parent. I love it even more than I expected. There is a richness to this experience that I don't think anyone can prepare you for. And after three days away from it, I can see its beauty all the more clearly.