Mid-Month reflection (5/15)

GRACE:

On parenting —Parenting is time-intensive and difficult (even though we both love spending time with Willa). It is taking a toll on our work lives and psyches. Some level of this is expected, but we should consider and access our resources so as to allow for all three of us to thrive.

On New Orleans —it is too hot for an infant already at this time of year. And definitely too hot for me (and I dislike air conditioning). It is easy to feel stuck in the house. Not great for morale.

On childcare — We need it. We have found that neither of us can expect is able to work while on Willa watch duty. There are people (namely Lissa and Stacy) who would like to spend time with Willa and who actually help us. Neither of those people are in New Orleans, so we don’t have help here unless we pay for it. (And if we want to hand Willa off to people we pay.) I would rather have her with family, but that requires being where family is. June through August will be a trial run with childcare aided by Lissa.

On Pilot Month —things that may influence above reflection:

Grace’s physical state. It is difficult for her to carry much or move especially when breastfeeding 5-6 hrs a day (negative logistical worth heavy emphasis) or get exercise (negative factor: mental health).

Work —Blake is currently working part-time, making him much more available for childcare than he will be starting in June. If things are difficult now, it seems likely they will get harder after his partial paternity leave.

TAKE AWAY: We need to decide our approach to childcare, which I believe has to include more caregivers than just us two.