I have a history of being decision challenged. I simply don't like to make decisions. I think it is moreso that I do not want to make the wrong decision! Anyway, planning this maternity leave is so much harder than the ones previous. When I worked in North Dakota, I had taken out a short term disability insurance policy. It was the greatest decision I made. I carried it onto Massachusetts and kept it for both Claire and Mya's birth. Basically, I was paid a chunk of money (not quite my salary) throughout my maternity leave of 10 weeks. Summer came after that 10 week leave, so I stayed home with Mya until she was nearly 4 months old. I cancelled the policy after having Mya, knowing that we'd hold off awhile until we tried for another baby. I am missing that policy now! I have limited paid vacation days available to me. I can borrow 10 days from next year, but we are thinking Chris will likely deploy again next fall, which will mean any illness or sick days will be on me. I hate to overburden myself by borrowing from a bank, so to speak. Anyway, I am torn. Right now I am waffling between taking 6-8 weeks and 10. I love the idea of staying home from March until August, but I am pretty certain this will not happen for a few reasons. 1. My job does not have a substitute while I am out, so basically, my list of students who need testing builds and builds until I return. It could make for a very stressful return in the fall. 2. My Mom has graciously offered to come out and babysit whenever I need her. I can't thank her enough for that offer. Childcare is extremely difficult to get here. We waited 1.5 years for Mya to finally get a spot at the CDC. I am highly considering getting a nanny, but again, I am hesitant to make that decision too! Oiy. I have issues! Anyway, I know our kiddo will be in great hands under my Mom's care, which makes my decision a bit easier. 3. I would theoretically return to work for a month, then I'd be off again for the entire summer.
Onto more exciting news...Chris and I finally took out the calendar and outlined our trips that we'd like to take for the next year.
1. Budapest, Hungary
2. Rome, Italy
3. Baltic Cruise (Norway, Russia, Sweden, etc.)
4. Dublin, Ireland
5. Prague, Czech Republic
We will also do several day trips around Germany.
Onto more exciting news...Chris and I finally took out the calendar and outlined our trips that we'd like to take for the next year.
1. Budapest, Hungary
2. Rome, Italy
3. Baltic Cruise (Norway, Russia, Sweden, etc.)
4. Dublin, Ireland
5. Prague, Czech Republic
We will also do several day trips around Germany.
Comments