Even though I had some issues adjusting to this new life at home, I think I'm finally arriving in this new role of stay-at-home-mom, and I absolutely love being able to spend so much time with my family.
Calvin in mid-September |
My conclusion on this first-time experience for me: I will never be a stay-at-home-mom. I love being home right now, but I know that it would never truly fulfill me. I am thankful that legislation here in Germany allows me to take tons of time off to take care of our baby and our family as a whole, but I am also thankful that my job is waiting for me when I return - part-time for now - in March. I am glad that legislation also protects families and give me the right to cut hours (or potentially even stay at home completely) for up to 3 years, which we are definitely taking advantage of, as I will be working part-time only until September 2016!
It's great that Germany is family-friendly and lets you have time at home with your baby. I was stunned recently to discover that America doesn't have that - we do in the UK and I just assumed it would be the same everywhere!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I nominated you for a Liebster award today :)
Awwww, how sweet of you, Jenni!! Yes, it's true that there's nothing like paid maternity leave in the U.S. It's up to 3 months unpaid in larger companies, and after those three months it's either going back at the old hours (unless your employer lets you reduce hours) or quitting your job. I truly enjoy the time home with the little guy right now :-)
DeleteOh my he is too cute!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't he?? He has the most unruly hair you can imagine, and he sometimes makes the sweetest faces in the world :-)
DeleteAwwww he's sooooooo cute!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Pinky! Can't stop looking at him and smelling him. I know I sound like a creepy stalker :-)
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