The Nelson Family :)

My family and I went to the zoo today. It was a beautiful day, so we decided we better get to the zoo before the weather turned too chilly. This was Emma's first trip to the zoo, and she handled it really well.

This was a wonderful end to the weekend. This is my family I love. Hope everyone has a great week!

Back to Work

Well, the day has come. Tomorrow I am officially off maternity leave, and I have to go back to work. Nothing like going back to work on a Sunday.

I have never been more excited and sad at the same time. I am more than ready to get back to a routine and see my co-workers again. Also, I really enjoy my job, and I have missed it.

However, I enjoyed these last 12 weeks so much with Emma, and I cannot imagine not being able to hang out with her every day anymore. It makes me sad to think about the moments I will miss with her. I may miss some of her firsts, such as rolling over. I will miss more smiles and giggles than I care to think about.

On the positive side of things, daycare is good for children. It gives them structure, socialization and speech skills, and builds their immunity.

Part of me wishes I could be a stay-at-home mom, but I know that for my own sanity, I need to work outside the home. And the money is sort of necessary as well.

Luckily, when I am working tomorrow, John will be home all day with Emma. So I know she will be in very good hands, and will love spending the day with her daddy. It's on Monday when we drop her off at daycare for the first time that the tears will start.

I know a lot of mothers go through this, and they get over it. And I know I will adjust to daycare, and our new routine. I think there will always be a part of me that feels guilty that I don't get to be the one to see all of her firsts, or share in all of her moments, or see every single adorable smile.

It helps to know that by working and having a career, it helps me provide for my family and be a better mother. So anyway, these next couple days will be tough, but we will get through it as a family. A family I love with all my heart :)

I am going to miss this face so much when I am at work...

Emma picture dump

I can't help but love this little munchkin. She is growing so fast! I go back to work in a week from today, so I am trying to savor every moment with her. :D

Pictures

Here are some photos from my parent's 30th Anniversary Party a couple weeks ago. Sorry for the delay. Enjoy!

Had to show off the John Deere tractors of course!

Emma enjoyed her first trip to Minnesota

The new shed

All of the granddaughters (and great-grandaughters) on the Kiecker side.

Four generations!

Jenna meeting Emma

Of course my dad had to sing with the band

Happy 30th Anniversary!!