Thursdays and Fridays with Natalie

When I was pregnant with Natalie, I had a hard time deciding what I would do career-wise once she was born. I knew that there was absolutely no way I could continue working 54+ hour weeks during tax season (January through mid-April) because even normal 40 hour weeks seemed unappealing if there was going to be a baby at home to rock. But I also didn't like the idea of quitting my job because, despite the long hours, I had a great job - fun coworkers, varied experiences, advancement opportunities, nice benefits, and flexibility. I had just started to really make friends and excel at work, and on top of that, I had just become licensed as a CPA. Quitting when everything was starting to go so well didn't feel right.

I decided that working three days a week would be just about perfect, but I was pretty sure that my boss wasn't going to go for it. I knew of a few women at work who worked reduced schedules, but they had been there a lot longer than I had, and their schedules weren't nearly as reduced as the schedule I was hoping to work. Some worked 40 hours a week all year instead of working more during tax season, and some got off at 3:30 instead of 5:00 or 6:00. None were being stay-at-home moms for half of the week like I was hoping to do. Much to my surprise, my boss agreed to my proposed schedule. His only concern was that he wanted to make sure I continued to develop my career and advance even though I'd be working less. Fine by me! I had no intention of becoming stagnant in my career, and I was happy to hear that he felt the same way.

So here it is a Thursday during tax season, and I'm rocking my baby. I work Mondays through Wednesdays, and I stay home with Natalie on Thursdays and Fridays. Natalie plays with Aunt Lacy and Cousin Mary while I'm at work. Here they are having a tea party.

This work arrangement is working really well for us so far. I feel like I get the best of both worlds. Of course I miss Natalie while I'm at work, but it makes our time together that much more fun. Thursdays and Fridays ("girls' days") are absolutely my favorite weekdays, so when I saw this onesie at Target, I had to buy it.

 

Maybe I'll get a matching pink t-shirt that says "I <3 girls' days with Natalie." Too much?