separation anxiety

Much like pregnancy, it seems like every time I start to get comfortable in one stage with Henry, the next stage has already begun. One thing I have heard in my moms group that continues to resonate with me is that parenthood is full of constant mourning and celebrating. And while I miss all the sweet and constant newborn cuddles, I rejoice and love seeing Henry's world open up as he starts to explore new sights, sounds and experiences. 

Henry's new favorite toy, he is totally mesmerized

So, today was a first of many goodbyes. Today Jon took Henry to work with him. Jon is fortunate enough to have a babies in the workplace policy, that lucky bum! Even though I'm still on maternity leave, Jon has approval to bring Henry to work one day a week starting this month, so we decided to do a trial run. Just a half day--to see how it goes.

Jon woke me and Henry up this morning to give us the 15 minute warning that he would be leaving. I savored those last sleepy snuggles in bed and drank in his smell and early morning smiles and coos. I reluctantly got him dressed and found myself full of unsolicited advice for Jon. "Don't forget the bottle warmer". "Did you get the bouncy chair?" "Are you sure you don't want me to try to feed him once more before you leave?"

As he headed out the door, boppy, blanket, binkie, and baby in hand, tears welled up in my eyes. Maybe it will be different when I'm rushing off to work myself. But for now the separation was tougher than I expected. Fortunately the morning has passed quickly, I made my way to a barre3 class, which was a welcome distraction. [side note: barre3 has been an amazing postpartum workout. Knowledgeable instructors, low impact and accessible to all levels. I'm kind of obsessed with it!] One of my fav instructors, Kait, kept me so busy finding my barre3 shakes, I hardly had time to miss my sweet little boy.

Now its mid-day and I'm looking forward to being reunited shortly. And I know Jon and Henry are both happy and enjoying their time together. He even has the photos to prove it.

Henry chilling in the boppy on Jon's desk.

Gosh, I love those smiles!

It will get easier, right?