1st week back to work!

After 4 months off I have headed back to the daily grind of working full time. I have to say its been a little easier then I expected despite the fact that I feel like I am running on fumes all day long. A typical day start by waking up at 6am to get to work by 6:30am. I go in early and brian does the morning shift with Blake. I leave work at 4pm and head downtown to get Blake from daycare. Surprisingly it has been pretty smooth the first couple of days =) Having a baby is a lot harder then I have ever expected, but it is very rewarding. I realized quickly that I love to work. I know that sounds strange but staying at home all day was a blessing for the short while I did it but for longevity I really enjoy going to work.
Here is my analysis of stay at home mom vs. the working mom:

1. When you are home all day you have very little if any adult interaction. It left me feeling a little crazy

2. You can't just pick up and go get coffee like you can at work, babies need constant interaction, stimulation and overlooking

3. At home my mornings started a little later and I did get to hang out in sweats all day without having to worry about how I look or what I am wearing (this ends up back firing though b/c you have very little incentive groom! ha)

4. Now a working women days of the week actually have meaning. Staying at home it doesn't matter if it's Saturday or Wednesday!

Either way, brian and I were lucky enough that we could afford the decision for me to stay home for 4 months. Unlike in the private sector the Federal Government does not give maternity leave. Therefore, most of my leave was leave without pay but it was definitely worth it. Blake is truly one of the best things that has ever happened to me.
Brian and I have been so lucky to have such amazing friends here in DC. With most of our friends not married they all have adjusted well to our new life and have been very accommodating.
I do not know what tomorrow brings but I do know one thing - I am a very lucky girl =)

Graduation

Erin and I did it!
We walked and graduated Sunday May 9, 2010 and received our MBA. I couldn't have done the whole process with a better friend.

It still feels very surreal. Wanting my MBA is something I always dreamed of but it always felt like a dream. Yesterday I stood proud that my dream became a reality. I will be posting my speech soon for you all to see.

Thanks for all your support and there is no way I could have gotten through without Brian. You truly are my rock in life and I love you.

Denver 2010

It's time for our annual friends getaway to Silverthorne, CO!

This year: Me, Brian, Jay, Steve, Sarah, Steve, Erin and Brian are heading off to ski, snowboard and of course jacuzzi in the hot (cold) spot of silverthorne, co.
Every year this trip is a blast and I can't wait to jet off

New year and new name

2010 is going to be a whole new year for me, I recently got married and am talking on a new name and a new start as Lauren Concklin.
After going on my honeymoon, I realized that I was continuously writing status updates so I figured why not start blooging. This way down the road my children and read all about their mommy and daddy. hahaha

No, seriously I thought it would be fun to do

I want to thank all of my family and friends for helping me start this new life with Brian.
The wedding was everything I always imagined. My bridesmaids: Lauren, Erin, Kristen, Ginny, Melissa, Laura and Jen -thank you for supporting me and helping me.
Derito you too were amazing.

I cant wait to start on this journey!
~Lauren