Hijabification

Assalamu alaykum all :)

Alhamdulillah it's been 9 1/2 weeks since iBaby has graced us with his arrival. In about two weeks, I will be returning to work, full-time, in the evening. My heart is breaking, as he is getting cuter each day, and now he has a repertoire of tricks at bedtime, that I will miss, five nights a week. I'm not worried for his well being, as he will be home with Baaba who is in amazing father, and who will give him so much TLC inshaallah.

I'm just feeling deflated/sad/heartache for being away from him. I cannot work days- because then iBaby would be in daycare 9 hours a day, and I am not willing to do that.

My God. Mashaallah he is so soft and sweet. His legs are chubby and cute. He's very calm and easy going- and loves to smile, coo and make baby noises. Four days ago, he found his hands and now they are in his mouth frequently. Sometimes I put him down for a nap, and when I walk back into the room, I hear him sucking. He still loves to be swaddled at night, and when I'm all finished wrapping him, he gives me a huge gummy grin and loves to be cuddled. We then head to the rocking chair for some quiet time. He stays awake and just looks at me, and I feel like I'm the best thing ever. I will miss this.

So, what I want to know is: how do you all cope with returning to work? Do you have a strategy for getting things done at home, as your time is limited? How do you juggle your husbands, and children and your own needs? Does anyone have any helpful hints that you would like to share? Even your smallest tip or idea could be helpful...

Alhamdulillah for the opportunity to work. Alhamdulillah for my education and skill that allows me to help provide. Alhamdulillah for a hard working husband ( and outstanding father to our son) who will begin graduate school in September. Alhamdulillah for our healthy baby boy, and may Allah swt protect him always.

Oh. My. Goodness.

SubhanAllah.

My baby giggled at me today. A full on, primal, unrefined belly giggle- accompanied by giant smile. It lasted only for a nanosecond- enough to make me go absolutely insane with joy and pride.

I think I kissed him a thousand times as a result of his giggle.

I can now identify his different cries most of the time (hungry is distinctly different from tired, and tired is very different from "I need attention"), and now when he cries, real tears come out.

iBaby has also learned to suck on his forearms, hands and fingers in a pinch. LOL.

I just got a rocking chair; we love it.

Tomorrow is my last post-partum check up. I will miss this chapter in my life so much! My OB/GYN is the best. I will bring iBaby with me. This should be interesting since I havent ventured out alone, with him, without help yet, unless I go for a walk. My appointment is at noon, so inshaallah I should wake up at 7am LOL. It will take me that long to get ready.

How will I ever return to work without a broken heart?

Ya Allah, please help me deal.

Mashaallah:

He smiles.
He coos.
He always kicks with his chubby left leg first.
He tries to communicate with me.
11 lbs. 8 oz.
He knows his Mama and Baaba
Tonight he went to sleep at 10:30pm!
Mamma's gonna get some shut-eye!

May Allah continue to bless his little heart, his little life, his innocent soul, Ameen.

Night night.