Long Vacation

I was looking back on my previous posts from one year ago and I realized that it was a year ago that I went on maternity leave. This was my time to prepare for the baby. (Although I didn't expect to have SO much time off before the baby since Brendan does things on his own timing, hm, a lot like his mother!)

So here I am, one year later, going on a break! In California, a new parent (mom or dad) gets an additional 6 weeks of Paid Family Leave, or "Baby Bonding". It is not full pay, but disability pay, but it is nice to have the opportunity to bond with your new baby. These 6 weeks have to be taken within the first year of the baby's life. Since Brendan is now 11 months old, I figured I had better take my leave, or I would loose it.

The past few weeks have been really crazy at work as my boss and I completed our University Catalog for the president. Trying to be proactive and get it out sooner than the past two years, we set a goal for ourselves. Then we called the president to make sure that he would be available to approve the catalog on that date. Silly us, the president then moved our goal date up on us, so needless to say, I have been a little stressed lately. Luckily, we hit our goal and I was able to get everything off my desk before leaving! Whew, what I relief!

Unfortunately, I am not taking the full 6 weeks (or 12 weeks if you take the 6 weeks of non pay). I know it sounds silly, but I just couldn't be away from my job for that long! Instead I am taking a nice 3 week break. I am so excited for this time off and excited to spend this time with Brendan now that he is even more responsive, interactive and WALKING! I have quite a full 3 weeks ahead of me! Next week is our Family time to spend some real quality time together! I'll keep you posted as I experience it!

I really needed this break!