Jon turns 30 and goes flying high!

For Jon's 30th birthday, I wanted to do something big for him.  I mean, you only turn 30 once.  However, we have a brand new kid -- he's great but can be unpredictable and we are "trying" to watch our budget.  So how could I treat Jon to a wonderful 30th birthday weekend AND watch our pockets?  Umm, Chattanooga of course! Maybe not the destination most people think of when planning a 30th party, but they don't know what they are missing!

We developed a secret love affair with Chattanooga a few years back when Jon and friends entered a triathalon there.  The whole town came out to support the racers and we had an awesome time watching the double A baseball team, The Lookouts, get into a collasal brawl with the other team.  It was a place that we enjoyed pre-baby so maybe it would be good again with Calvin.  Rolling the dice here but I thought it would work.

I rented a house on Lookout Mountain and it turned out to have AMAZING views of the valley.  One entire wall of the house was made of windows so you could have the view all day.  At night you can see the little twinkly lights of the small towns in the valley.  It was perfect for us.

For gifts, I went all out.  Jon's big gift was flying up to 4,000 feet in a hang glider at the hang gliding school right next to the cabin.  They have 2 options -- you can jump off the cliff or you can be towed behind an ultralight and then released to glide back down.  Jon's present was the latter -- I wasn't going to pressure him to jump off any cliffs on his birthday! Jon's other big birthday present was a weekend with his guy friends in Chicago.  I figured they could give him the pub-crawling, shenanigan-filled 30th blowout that I couldn't provide.  Fortunately both presents worked out well! Jon discovered a love for hang gliding (once he got over his fear of death) and discovered in Chicago that good friends make for fun times.

We did end up going to the Chattanooga Lookouts Baseball game and we weren't disappointed -- some random couple gave us their extra box seats (awesome!) and it was "Used Car Giveaway" night where they gave away a used car after each inning.  Unfortunately we didn't win a new car but we had so much fun getting into the "small" town community atmosphere that Chattanooga provides.

Calvin relaxing at the cabin

View from our deck

Darby enjoying the sun and cool breeze

Calvin is not impressed with the drop off

And he's off!

Thanks to Koch's Bakery in Chattanooga for making his cake!

Grammy Dwyer comes to visit while I go back to work

So, my dreaded return to work was made easier by a few things:
1. My mother came into town to watch Calvin and help with the transition and
2. I'm working Tues-Thursday for the first month back.

Thank you to my Mom and to my job for being so accommodating.  It has made the transition back not only feasible but much MUCH less painful than if I had to do daycare AND go back full time.  My mom has done an excellent job of LOVING the pants off of Calvin.  His smiles get brighter when she is around and he has so much fun playing with her.  It's awesome to have someone love him as much as we do and know that he is getting that one on one attention he deserves.  She has also been sending me pictures and videos which I LOVE.  It keeps me going throughout the day and I don't feel like I'm missing out too much.  I still miss his squeals and giggles but her videos have helped capture some of them.

The first day back was overwhelming and balancing the pumping to keep my supply up, addressing emails, catch up with co-workers and figure out what my new job is, I haven't had too much time to think about being away from my baby.  I didn't cry at all during my first day back which was a huge success for me.  In fact I didn't wear any eye make up because I feared raccoon eyes would result in some mid-day crying fits.  I got home before 5 and nursed Calvin immediately and he played "shy" with me and would hide under my arm.  Within 5 minutes I felt restored and as if I could completely let my work day go.

One thing that I have learned is that work-life balance is key.  I used to show up to the office early and leave late.  Now I spend at much time at home as possible and hurry back as soon as the clock hits 4:30pm.  Things are still sorting themselves out at work but so far so good.  Everyone has been very welcoming and helpful.  They also coo over the pictures of Calvin on my desk and oblige me when I show them his latest picture on my phone.

Taken on my first day back at work -- so happy!

3 moms in one picture!

Calvin enjoying some people watching on Peachtree