My youngest is nearing 15 months old, she is such a happy, sweet, and lovable baby.  I am incredibly thankful for her each and every day.  As with the rest of you, I work full time outside the home – but I have to say, there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t wish I could stay at home with her.  In today’s world, it is sometimes impossible for both parents not to work and our situation isn’t any different.  I have to say, I have a successful career – I am pleased with where I work and am grateful for the management team I have that offer me the flexibility to take my daughter to all her necessary appointments, among other things.  But the fact remains, I would love to be a stay at home mom.  There isn’t a day that goes by that I miss being there when she wakes up in the morning – to see her smiling face.  Of course she is very well cared for while I am at work but I cannot help but want to be the one that is caring for her.  Am I being selfish?  Of course I am!

I couldn’t count the number of times after returning from maternity leave that I heard that it gets easier as time passes.  I’ve been back to work for nearly 13 months, and I have yet to find a day that is easier.  I accept the days and that there is a need to care for my family by returning to work, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. 

Does anyone else struggle?  How do you make it through the day?  Weeks?  Months?