september 1st

September 1st: My first day back at work. Children waiting for big yellow school buses. The beginning of the month that will usher in autumn.

And it was nearly 100 degrees. Huh.

I always think of back-to-school time as when fall begins, but clearly we're still in the midst of summer. I've been running in hot weather all summer, but the past two days have been too much. I've taken my workout inside to the elliptical twice now. Not ideal. Tomorrow I'll run outside no matter what.

Going back to work today meant leaving my tiny Pepita all day long. It was completely fine, but there was a brief moment before I left this morning when I just didn't want to leave her. It's not easy to be away from these chubby cheeks,

and chunky monkey legs for an entire day.

But, Celia doesn't mind at all. She loves daycare and spent the day with her little friends jumping in a bouncy house, playing in sand, and running through the sprinkler. In fact, she usually doesn't want to leave when I come to pick her up. It feels great to know that she's happy as can be when I'm at work. She also slept on a sleeping bag/mat for her nap today, like the big kids do, instead of in a crib! I can't believe it! She's getting so big. This even makes me wonder if she'll be able to transition to a bed at home on the early side, if she's already used to being out of a crib at daycare. I can't even imagine how cute she must look sleeping on her little mat. It's so exciting when she does new grown-up things, but also makes me feel a little anxious and sad. My baby is growing up already. Oh great, now I'm all teary-eyed...

One more day of work tomorrow before five days off! That should give me plenty of time to pretend vacation's not ending after all.