by Jennifer Wiegert

I'm having a meltdown a minute.  The fist sign was the extreme moodiness.  The second sign was the sleeplessness and restlessness.  The third sign (and this is a big one) was baking and EATING almost a FULL tray of brownies.  (They did taste good, but I felt pretty bad about it!)  Initially I didn't see all the signs and put it together.  Today I went to work to pick up some things and I was literally shaking.  These CAN'T be good reactions to going back to work! 

In less than 3 weeks I have to return to work.  I'm looking forward to the money and I love my job!  I'm COMPLETLY freaking out about leaving Babyface.  I don't know how moms do it.  Especially the mom's who have to go back to work after 12 weeks.  I've had 7 months and I don't know if it's enough.  I never pictured myself facing this dilemma as I've always maintained the idea that I'm working girl and not a stay-at-home-mom.

Will Babyface resent me for working?  Will she miss me as much as I'll miss her?  Will I resent Husband?  Will I be a better teacher now that I'm a parent?  Am I off the career track?  Have I lost my pace?  Will I miss out on developmental milestones?  Will I resent the person who witnesses them before me?  Can I balance work and a baby?  Is there room and patience enough in my life for both?  When I go back to work will I be more like I was before the baby?  Will I like or recognize that person?  Should this be so hard?

Jennifer

My name is Jennifer Wiegert.  First and foremost, I am mother to Julia, age 2 1/2 and JoeJoe, age 11 months.  I’ve been married to my college sweetheart, Joseph for five years.  Currently, I have been a stay-at-home mom for the past year.  This position will come to an end when I return to teaching in December.  Since I have been home, I created a class for toddlers called Lil’ Tots.  It’s a class that creates a fun educational experience for toddlers through reading, crafts, and movement activities.  In my spare time (when I can find some) I enjoy photography and writing.  I even tried (unsuccessfully) to have a children’s book published. 

I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY College at Buffalo.  I earned my Master’s Degree through an on-line program at Lesley University in Technology in Education.  By trade, I am an elementary school teacher.  I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher and figured it was what I was meant to do because it came so naturally.  That is, until I had children and I realized that they are the reason for my being.  I absolutely love being a mom and it is my greatest achievement!