Full time working mom

Now that I have been working for 2 weeks after my one year maternity leave, I can share some thoughts as working mom.

1. THEN: I used to take my shower, blow dry my hair, put on some makeup and leave for the office. All these would take half an hour. If I have extra time, I can have a cup of coffee and a slice of toast.
NOW: It takes much longer to prepare (if I have to go to the office).I have to prepare Lucas first. Have to time his feeding time, sleeping/nap time, nappy time. Then, I will have my shower, blow dry my hair and no makeup. I would say I am lucky if all these take an hour, and not forgetting anything behind. (I send Lucas and the nanny to my in-laws's place if I have to go to the office).

2. THEN: It was not a big deal to forget some items from the grocery shopping. Dropping by the supermarket is an easy task.
NOW: Being able to do grocery shopping twice a week is a luxury. By the time I am done with Lucas's grocery (his list goes like this- broccoli, spinach, cauliflower, pumpkin, carrots, mushroom, cheddar cheese, macaroni, sweet potatoes, eggs, apples, strawberry, banana, papaya, grapes, mangoes, fish, chicken, minced meat), I am too tired to think what I should do for my own meals. So, grocery usually means Lucas's food. We will just do take-away or Dominic's parents are kind enough to share with us their home cook meal. Bless them.

3. THEN: I have Lucas the whole day and usually wish he sleeps more so that I have more time to do my own things.
NOW: Officially, I have Lucas an hour before I starts work, an hour during lunch, and an hour and a half after office hour, before he goes to sleep. Now, I treasured his waking hours more, and I understand what it means to have quality time.

Looking back, taking a year off to take care of Lucas was a good decision, and can be better. I raise him the way I wanted it to be. There is no worry if the nanny or day care will change his routine/diet and confuses him. Now, I tell the nanny his routine and still manage to keep an eye (the beauty of working from home). The downside is, Lucas is extra clingy to me. He is like glued to me. Whenever he sees me, he will crawl to me, asking for attention. Hope this will not make him less independent.