Olivia is THREE months-old

My baby girl is three months old!

Time has flown by way too fast. Three months old means it's time for Mama to go back to work! This is officially my last week of maternity leave. I go back on Tuesday, September 18th after having close to 16 weeks off total (my last day of work was June 1st). I had almost two weeks off prior to having Olivia, eight weeks of maternity leave, and six weeks of Paid Family Leave.

It's very bittersweet. I'm so attached to Olivia and she to me, that I can't imagine not being with her all day long but I know we need to get this show on the road so to speak. We need to get into our new routines as a family. Carter is also starting preschool the same day I go back to work and I'm anxious to see how life settles. I'm nervous, sad, excited, stressed, but overall I am at peace with it. Life goes on, and I really do love my work but I know the adjustment period will be hard.

My mom will watch Olivia on Mondays and Wednesdays at her house, and we're paying a friend to watch her on Tuesdays and Fridays at our house. I plan on keeping Olivia with me on Thursdays at first. I'll bring her in the office for a few hours, and my husband (we work together) will cover for me the remainder of the day. I'll nurse Olivia on my lunch break and pump in between.

I'm planning on spending the next 5 days snuggling my little girl as much as possible. 

A Boy.

My tiny peanut; we nicknamed you "monkey" during my pregnancy.

And you truly are a peanut, always a little bit smaller than others your age. To me, you are perfect.

I look back on these pictures of you so new, and I can't believe how this little monkey turned into my feisty smarty-pants toddler who wears big boy underwear and sometimes calls me Michelle.

Your father and I had no clue what we were doing, but we jumped in and we figured it out together. 

We are still figuring it out together.

You taught me patience, and you've tested my patience. All in good ways.

You are hilarious and spunky, and also kind-hearted and giving.

You love to share (food, sometimes toys) and give lots of hugs and kisses.

You LOVE your Papa and Grammie, so much. 

When we visit them, you like to curl up next to your Papa next to his spot on the couch and play on the iPad with him while you share peanuts. 

Grammie loves to teach you all about dogs and birdies, and together you prance around the backyard.

The only cartoon you watch these days is Curious George. 

Over and over again. You, little man, are our Curious George.

You remind me a lot of me. A LOT. You love to give and care for others. 

And you are also sensitive and emotional, and stubborn. Just like me.

You are getting SO big. You are turning 3 and starting preschool this month.

I can't believe how much time has passed, but I also can't remember my life before you were in it.

I wanted to take a moment and remember you when you were still my teeny little baby, just as your sister is now. 

No matter how big you get, you'll always be my little peanut head. 

I love you Monkey. 

I love our little family.