For many years, I've worked two jobs - a full time 9-5 career, while also bartending in my "spare time." I always did it with the mindset that if I'm capable of doing it, why not? It's great extra money and has helped us to pay off our debt and save some money for the baby. It's also allowed us to splurge on ourselves every now and then when we otherwise wouldn't.
But as this belly grew, I hate to admit that bartending became increasingly difficult. I tried to keep up, but I started moving slower and some of the tasks that I've been doing for years (clearing plates, bending over to wash glasses, squatting to search the beer cooler) started to take its toll! By the time my shift was over, I felt like I had run a marathon, then been hit by a truck.
So, I decided to start my bartending maternity leave at 34 weeks. I want to rest up for the big day, and I also want time at home to organize the nursery and the baby's stuff, and get my house in tip-top shape for the arrival of our son. I still have 4 more weeks at the office, but it will be nice to have my weekends open to get as much done as I can.
I can't believe our baby boy will be here in just 6 weeks (or sooner, as everyone keeps telling me that it's common to go into labor at 38 weeks!). I'm looking forward to getting ready for his arrival on the weekends, and sneaking in some naps in as well.
Dad is also working hard on finishing up the nursery. He and his mom have been at it for months now and it's really coming together! He's in the garage at this very moment working on building by hand a piece of furniture to hold our son's toys and books. He's such a good daddy already.
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| last day on the job - 34 weeks and ready for maternity leave part I! |
