I sit here on another stormy evening (the 3^rd in less than 2 weeks) noticing how challenging these past days have been. This is my last week of maternity leave. A year has quickly passed and the return to my full-time job looms. The logistics of leaving Samuel with his child-care provider are complex for these new parents: Who takes Samuel and at what time? How much food to pack? How many diapers will be needed? One or two extra sets of clothes? Emotionally, it has also been hard. Starting Monday I will only see Samuel for 4 to 5 hours a day during the week. This can drive the most balanced parent into a whirl-wind of emotions but some how, our society thinks this is perfectly normal.

For Samuel this has been a week of “firsts” as we try to pack as much family fun as possible while adjusting to the new reality ahead:

• First sled experience (the initial suspiciousness of this new means of transportation was rapidly transformed into clapping and laughter)

• First basketball game (more clapping ensued while Samuel attentively observed the Sea-Hawks and the enthusiastic audience)

• First time seeing daddy play professionally (Chris Kirby and the Marquee were part of a special halftime celebration at the Sea-Hawks game sponsored by The Telegram)

• And… first full day at the babysitter (an amazing Colombian lady, mother of 6. She already had Samuel – who normally naps for only 40 min – sleeping for 2 hours straight!)

Any ideas on how to cope with the last days of maternity leave? Please share!