Though I have been back to school for nearly two weeks, tomorrow is my official first day with the students. As such, my year-long maternity leave is over. Some of you may wonder how I can possibly leave my little lovie in the care of someone else besides myself. I wondered the same thing many times, and then a small but real miracle occurred. Jen offered to do what I simply cannot do right now: be home with Zoey. Jen is everything I want to be - beautiful, kind, and patient, not to mention a nurse and not afraid of bugs. She'll be good for Zoey.
Zoey clearly does not get enough attention with the Seguines...
...nor does she have a good time.
In all seriousness, this is the most difficult thing I have had to do thus far in my life. Will even more difficult situations arise over the years? Most certainly. And surviving this will only make me stronger.
So, Zoey, have fun and be safe. I will think about you each second we're not together and look forward to 4:00 each day when I can see you. Oh, I will most likely continue to sneak in your room at night and watch you sleep, too. It's okay to miss me a tiny bit (though I don't think you will) and to look forward to the weekends (goodness knows I do). I love you more than life itself.
