August 2, 2010

A dreaded day for me, the day I returned to work.

I have always, always, always wanted to stay at home with my children, at least while they were young. Unfortunately, with Richie's job loss and some medical bills, it was necessary that I return to work.

Honestly, it was not as difficult as I thought it would be. The anticipation was worse than the actual day. My mom watched Isaac the first week back, and I knew he was in good hands. We didn't have students the first few days so I went home for lunch and got to see my baby to break up my day.

One of the most embarrassing things ever happened to me on my second day back at work. All of the faculty in the school district had to meet at the high school for a guest speaker and then a talk by the superintendent. My dad teaches at the high school so I'd planned to use his room to pump.

At the break, I went to his room and set up my pump. This was my first time pumping outside of my house (I think it was my 3rd time ever to pump). I went to the corner of the room and got everything ready. Unfortunately I had to half face the door, but I'd locked it so I didn't worry too much.

I had started pumping when, suddenly, I heard someone at the door. I knew it was locked so I didn't panic. That is until Mike, one of the IT guys, burst through the door. I immediately said (or maybe shouted, I was a little freaked), "Can you please come back!?" He then asked what I was doing. I was wearing a dress with the top down so I couldn't pull anything over myself. I repeated to please come back and he asked again what I was doing. So I said, "I'm pumping milk to feed my baby NOW CAN YOU PLEASE COME BACK!" At which point it clicked, he said "OOOhhh" and left the room.

I was pretty mortified but was able to shake it off. I went and found my female assistant principal and told her what had happened. Mike found me a little later and was completely embarrassed and apologized profusely.

Other than that, my return to work was mostly uneventful. I made sure to make a sign for my classroom door that said "DO NOT DISTURB" and everyone knew I was pumping so I never had any (more) interruptions.

I do feel very fortunate to love what I do, so my days go by quickly. My sixth graders keep me plenty occupied and often laughing, for which I am most thankful. I also have made some close relationships with co-workers who have become amazingly supportive. In addition, either my mom, Richie or the best sitter ever, Rachel, watch Isaac. Without all these things I don't know how I'd do it.