What to do when you get off work early?

Our company closed at 1 today!  Yay!  So the big dilemma do I go home and hang out with the kids or do I take a couple of hours to myself to do some shopping and have a coffee?  I decided to do a quick shopping trip in search of a new Thanksgiving dress for the little one, I skipped coffee and zipped home.  But I have to say I'm really feeling in need of some quality me time.  

I think womos spend the majority of their time with someone else's needs/expectations weighing on them-- either at work or at home, that it's necessary for a little quiet solo time for some rest and relaxation.  Although being away from the kids does cause a little guilt, I think the benefit of a more relaxed mom is beneficial to all... so next time I get off early I think I'll make sure to work in a coffee break!

Wild Fires

Much of Southern California was under siege by smoke, soot and ash compliments of the Tea and Montecito Fires.

It was ominous seeing the darkened skies-- although the pink sun was sort of cool. My 3 year old had many questions about the fires. Besides the usual what's a flame, why is it burning? There were tougher questions like what started it? Did a person start it? Why would someone do that?

So what do you tell a kid about arson and an arsonist's motivations?

Chicken Pox

Yesterday CC had a red splotches on her cheek and chin.  She also had 6 bumps on her hip, tummy, and one on her rib.  She was energetic as usual with no fever-- yet I was convinced it might be CHICKEN POX!

We went on the defensive immediately separating the girls and planning an early am dr's appointment.  I spent the night kicking myself for still not having her vaccinated for the Chicken Pox.

Today-- the rash on her face was gone and the six bumps are clearly some sort of bites.

Phew no chicken pox.

But, I am planning to schedule the vaccination... or should I?  

Since we didn't have the vaccination when we were kids, I feel like it should be okay if she doesn't get it-- especially with all of the concerns about over vaccination these days.  I have a friend who's daughter got chicken pox even though she was vaccinated- but it was a very mild case only 5 pox.

I'm 95% gonna vaccinate for it, but I'm hesitant since it is a live vaccine.  Doesn't it seem wrong to inject your child with live germs?

What do you think?

Deadlines Killing this Working Mom

The creative agency we're using for our online ads sucks-- we're going on 5 days past due on materials.  Our creative director is out at a press check, the guy who used to work for me quit and my 3 year old is sick again!  (Barf at breakfast is always fun.)  It's 6:20 and I promised to be home in time for dinner, but I'm still waiting for materials to review, I'm just about to pack up to leave when we get a call from our attorney about another set of materials on the brink of being overdue.  What do I do-- stay or go?  Like an idiot I stayed until about 7:15 and finally walked out of the conference call feeling guilty for leaving and worse for staying!   

Situations like mine, I'm sure, are occurring at every job site on a daily basis. WoMos are forced into a chose between work and family, but when it comes down to it, it shouldn't really be a dilemma, it's family first.  So why is it so hard to make this a reality?  I think it's a classic case of women overcompensating to prove themselves competent and capable of their jobs.  

I know I feel like I have to go the beyond the extra mile to prove that being a mom hasn't impacted my job performance.  That somehow taking calls from the agency at 10p and looking at artwork at midnight will compensate for the times I'm late to the office because of school drop offs and the times I take off to have fun with the kids, go to teacher meetings, and clean up barf.  The thing is, I don't think my office cares if I take vacation days or if I'm late.  

I think I just need to acknowledge the fact that being a mom has impacted my job performance and it's ok.  Being a mom has also enriched my life beyond belief, so as of today I'm cutting myself some slack and trying to take the foot off the gas a bit to enjoy my family a little more and work a lot less.  Wish me luck... 

Waking Up Early

This week was supposed to be the week I started getting to work on time.  Seems like achievable goal, right?  My 3 year old thinks otherwise.  For me to get to work on time, we have to get Si Si up and out of bed by 7:30-- she likes to sleep into 8!

To facilitate an earlier than usual wake up here's what I tried:

1.  Opened the blinds early, about a half hour before wake up time

2.  Sent the tickle monster to wake her

It worked!  She woke up in a good mood and we made it to school early... me only 20 minutes late... 10 minutes earlier than usual.

Any other tips on waking up a sleepy head?  Let me know.

Does your first born get sick less often than your other kids?

Today was KK's 9 month old check up. As usual she had a runny nose compliments of her big sister. Poor #2 it seems like she is getting a little cold every other month!

The doctor said that's how it is for second borns, they get everything the older sibling brings home... but the upside when she starts pre-school she'll probably never get sick. Let's hope.

We're woefully behind schedule for vaccinations because she's been sick whenever she's supposed to get one and that's been compounded by the fact that I want to spread them out so she only gets one at time just to be on the safe side.

Ah well the good news-- KK's check up was fine-- she didn't even cry when she got poked for her hemoglobin or TB tests! She's 75%-tile for weight and height, and her head size is 96%-tile!!

More tomorrow.

What to Do When the Nanny is Sick

Another day another dilema. Yesterday I noticed our nanny was under the weather. My first reaction -- I hope she's okay.... immediately followed by "Oh shit" who's going to take care of KK.

Of course I want her to take the day off so she can get well, but it does throw everything for a loop... it's a very tight ship we're running and the slightest thing can capsize us! A sick nanny is like a little iceberg!

What are the options when the nanny is sick.

1. Stay home sick yourself -- by the way do you tell the truth and say your child is sick or do you fib and say you are sick?

2. Get your spouse to stay home.

3. Get an alternate sitter.

4. Call mom! BINGO-- I'm so blessed, lucky, and thankful that my mom just retired and can help us!!

So are ship continues to sail... hopefully our nanny will be well tomorrow.

What is WoMo 411

A WoMo is a working mom. That's me-- and hopefully you.

Join my blog in a quest to find ways to survive the work week and start the grind all over again after a fun filled family weekend!

These days I feel like I'm barely managing to keep it together--having 2 kids is a lot tougher than having 1 (why I feel compelled to state the obvious is beyond me... but seriously it is... isn't it?). On a positive note, I have to say, taking care of a newborn and an infant IS SOOO easy the second time around. Going through it now, I can't believe I thought it was so hard the first time!!

I have two girls Ci-Ci (3) and Kay-Kay (9 months). One of my biggest challenges right now is pumping at work... what a joy. I nursed Ci-Ci for a year... so I feel like doing anything less, will be totally short changing Kay-Kay-- also since I have to work to pay the bills and I can't be home with my baby, I feel like the least I can do is pump... but maybe I'm just being a martyr?