Mixed emotions, great sleeping habits

Ok, I will be up front and admit this is absolutely selfish for me to be even a little sad about this.

DS has started sleeping 12 hours a night. He usually falls asleep now around 7pm (and wakes around 7am). This is great for him and he's so much better rested and even doing more things (i.e. babbling, etc) since he's had ample time to re-charge his batteries. I am very happy about this because I know how he needs his rest.

Ok, here is the selfish part. 3 days a week I don't get off of work until 7:30pm, so usually I walk in the door around 8pm. Obviously DS is long into slumberland and this makes me a little sad since I spend a large part of the day missing him. Now I go in and just watch him sleep a little and give him a kiss. I don't want to disturb him so I do not linger too long. I still feel a little selfish that I'm a little sad about this.

Does anyone have the same situation (getting home when DC is already asleep for the night)? Does it bother you that you can't see them awake for a little at night? How do you deal? The mornings that I work later I try to spend as much time as possible with him, but he still needs a morning nap after his first bottle. The late days alternate with early days so I don't really get that much quality time in the morning either. Definitely not complaining about the job. I just miss my baby.

Re: Mixed emotions, great sleeping habits

I would be sad too, not selfish!

Re: Mixed emotions, great sleeping habits

First: but even though my situation is different, as you know there are quarterly meetings I have to attend usually away for 2 nights.

I try to just make a lot of time for the girls just before a trip so if you know you won't see him Tuesday night, maybe spend extra time with him on Tuesday morning/Monday night doing something as bonding as possible, which gets easier as they get older b/c you can take him somewhere he'd like and have fun with him that he'll remember at the end of the day. Make the most of your time together and know that you are providing for his future.

Working or not is a very personal choice and I certainly don't want to insult any SAHM's, but to help you feel good about what you are doing try to focus on the advantages he'll have b/c you worked. Not monetary (although I don't think monetary should be belittled - it pays for his good healthy meals, it pays for the roof over his head, your ability to give him medical care without weighing the burden or a second thought even if there's out of pocket or doctor's not taking insurance, it will pay for essential college costs which will be outrageous), but you are a role model to him. So many women can't truly choose to stay home anymore and by the time our babies get older the pressures on families will just probably make it impossible. He will most likely marry a woman who will work when he has kids of his own... show him how great women can be in the workforce and your leadership. May he one day find a woman as wonderful as his hard working professional and loving mommy!

Re: Mixed emotions, great sleeping habits

Thanks!

It's hard now because he's still so little. Today he woke up at 6:30am, had his bottle, played a little and was fussing for nap at 7:45...he's still sleeping now. Although I miss him, if he wants a nap, I give it to him. It will probably get easier when he gets older. I honestly believe if it wasn't for hunger and a wet diaper he would probably sleep non-stop until 8 or 9. He doesn't nap very well at daycare so I think he just takes advantage of the peace and quiet.

I am with you in the fact that I know I am being a good role model. I try to tell him about my day when I see him and plan on participating in "take your child to work" day when he's old enough (they are big with that at my job and take the kids on tours and everything). Maybe one day he will go into a field that focuses on helping people too.

Re: Mixed emotions, great sleeping habits

I'm the opposite--I leave for work at 6:30AM and often miss out on seeing him in the morning before I leave. It does make me sad, but then I can't wait to get home and see his smiling face.

Re: Mixed emotions, great sleeping habits

I can totally understand that. It's not selfish - we all miss our little ones when we have to be away all day.

I'm currently working till only 4:30 (full time would be till 5:00) and I think I need to go back to full time - but I'm sad b/c that is another precious 1/2 hour away from my little man.