I've gone back to work...

Hence the lack of new blog posts.

Yes, I wish I could have taken more time off. It wasn't impossible. In fact, my program director said she would understand if I did take more time. The trick is, I have to "make up" all the time I miss since I'm in a training program. Emory will let me do 1 month as an "away elective" in Seattle, but no more than that. So if I took off more than 6 weeks (2 vacation + 4 paid medical leave), I'd have to stay here in Atlanta in July and make it up. This would push back my arrival date in Seattle and I'd miss orientation completely. Anesthesiology is pretty tricky because all the residents start together and get oriented on the equipment and safety issues at the very beginning.

Well, those are all the logistics at least, but I'm sure no one wants to hear about them. Fact is, I LOVE medicine and learning and taking care of patients, so part of me was eager to go back (maybe having a baby intern year when I'm not yet jaded by medicine is a good thing?). I felt almost 100% physically recovered by 6 weeks so my body was ready to walk the hospital halls again. I did feel a little sad, though, to know that my protected time off with Sam was over and I'm certain that if/when we have #2 I'll be taking a full 12 weeks off.

Luckily, he gets to hang out with Kyle's mom, Beth, everyday who is about the best child-caregiver you could ever imagine (see how Kyle turned out?). Really, I think it made it emotionally easier to know that he'd be with her all day. I enjoy the bit of freedom I feel in the morning when I leave the house without Sam and can listen to loud music (ok, it's usually npr... who am I kidding?). At first I felt a little guilty about this, but I'm also aware of how important it is for parents to have a sense of balance in their lives, and with their identities. Becoming a physician is important to me and something that I've always wanted to combine with motherhood. Yes, there are compromises on both sides (less time with Sam, less studying), but I just feel so fortunate. In the morning, I feel happy to put on my white coat and in the evening I feel so excited to pick Sam up and drive him home.

All I can say is: so far, so good.

Here's some recent Sam eye candy (7 weeks old):

He's "discovering his hands"

He's generally a mellow baby, but he does have his moments... 

(Note the bib)

He's been drooling a lot more and tracking people with his eyes better.

Naked baby in a towel!