Paternity leave ending soon and I'm not ready
Going back to work in 2 weeks and honestly I'm spiraling a bit. Been home with my daughter for 3 months and I feel like I've just gotten to know her. She's smiling, recognizing me, I was there for all her firsts. How am I supposed to go back to sitting in meetings and pretending to care about quarterly reports when my baby is growing up without me?
And like... I'm also dreading the daycare calls. My boss already implied the first few weeks back are gonna be crazy. What if she gets sick? What if she cries when I drop her off?
Why do I have to choose between being a good provider and being a present dad? This system sucks.
The smiling and recognizing you thing is huge. BUT - this happens again and again. You'll have these bonding moments at like 6 months, 2 years, 5 years. It doesn't end just because you're working. Plus she'll have those moments with the sitter/daycare too which... I know sounds weird but it's actually good for them