Clocking In

I clocked into work for the first time in 6 weeks last night...

Such a bitterweet moment.

I was equally torn...between the two highlights of my life hanging out at home, and the cute kids I get to care for on my unit. I love what I do, and was excited to see my friends at work again. These reasons made the heartache I felt in leaving my family at home a little easier to swallow.

But I did tear up a bit on my drive in. Couldn't help myself. I cried with the rain, it matched my mood.

Such awful, yet miraculous memories at that place were waiting for me. I had to remind myself to hit the 3rd floor button instead of the 4th floor NICU. Each newborn cry I heard last night tugged at my heartstrings. Each parent I saw cuddling with their child, no matter how big or small, felt like deja vu. I recognized the fatigue I saw in their faces, the concern they felt for their son or daughter, the stress they were trying so well to hide. Little did they know just how close I could relate to their feelings and emotions.

I was also concerned for Roger, crossing my fingers he was getting some decent sleep!

I came home this morning to a wide eyed, smiling baby and a sleepy husband. Love them SO much. I missed them.

Brooklyn didn't do so well in the sleep department - Rog got up three times with her. Poor guy. Hopefully next shift will go better!

And just because she's cute (excuse my bias), some more pics for your enjoyment...

Brooklyn and Nicole, born within a week of each other. We're catching up!

Isn't Nicole adorable? She belongs to my cousin, Joel and his wife, Maranda. Maranda and Roger went to high school together.