Ok, guys, for those of you having problems understanding what maternity leave means...here's what it means to me.
Today is the first day I've been online in well over a week. So all those urgent emails? I haven't been getting them. That's right. I haven't been online. I thought I explained all this? :) I'm on maternity leave.
Ok, maternity leave isn't a mini-vacation. It really isn't. It's me getting used to taking care of a brand new baby - all over again. Cause my youngest (before this one) is almost 6. So nope, I can't get online and chat, play, and take care of everybody. I *really* wish I could, but I can't. That's why I have a help desk and 2 folks taking care of incoming tickets. So if you're emailing me directly it could be - literally - a week or more before you hear from me. I'm not ignoring you. Ok, I am. But not on purpose. I'm nursing a new baby (breastfeeding) who is hungry all the time. Which means he poops a lot - which means I'm also changing diapers a lot. Which means he doesn't sleep much. Cause nursing babies want to eat more often. We've all also got doctor's appointments and appointments with the health folks who come to check out our home and appointments with the folks who want to make sure I'm not abusing my kids because I'm bipolar.
His dad works, full time, and his brothers still need care too (laundry, cooking, breaking up fights, homework, doctor's appointments.)
It all makes for one exhausted momma. So when he *is* napping, and his dad is at work, and his brothers are at school - I'm most likely napping with him. Or catching up on dishes, laundry, or whatever. Or someone is visiting. You'd think they'd handle some of the laundry while they're here but they don't. Which is why I'm so frantic about the dishes. People are always dropping by and calling (which wakes up the baby that I *just* got to sleep).
So for all those who think maternity leave means I should still answer their emails within an hour - I got news for ya honey - ya need to be thrilled if I get to it this month. Seriously.
I just thought about it and this blog post sounds sortof...well... upset. I'm not really upset, just exhausted and surprised out my skin that women - who have children so must sortof remember this time period - can honestly be so downright nasty and rude and completely not comprehend the concept that I've already explained. I'm on maternity leave. He's 3 weeks old for heaven's sake. Most women take at *least* 6 weeks. I'd sortof like to do that myself.
Ok, I'm stepping off the soap box - his nap will probably end in about 30 seconds anyway :)
I'll be happier soon, I hope :) I really do miss my online friends with all my heart and plan to be online more as soon as possible. But for right now, I'm being a mom. On maternity leave.
