i) Elaine’s behavior is changing – just when Michelle adjusted to her sleeping, she is now waking up at night

ii) Baby has stopped taking bottles – While at work Michelle feels guilt knowing her baby is at home hungry

iii) More time getting ready in am – 1.5 hrs more

b) Stress being a wife – husband has new job

i) More job responsibilities at work for husband

c) Grad student – thesis hanging over her head

i) Works over 40 hours between office & home

ii) Owes boss over 100 hours due to maternity leave

iii) Little spare time to do things she used to enjoy

d) Recent events – taking baby to doctor – baby cried whole time – wanted mom

i) Had to take rest of day just holding her

ii) Vacation planning – 17 hr drive to grand parents will require many stops

iii) Vacation in June to Hilton Head – flying & know how babies can be very fussy

e) Friends – don’t visit as much

i) Feels isolated – especially with friends who don’t have kids

ii) Friend Kendra & her swap kids at times – but it makes her tired caring for hers & a 10 month old toddler

She also has defined goals to finish her thesis in the next four to six weeks. Completing the thesis is one of her biggest life challenges. This has been a project that has been hanging over her head for a long time. This summer she will be taking two vacations with the new baby. While they will also involve some stressors, she is looking forward to the trips and views them as a time to relax.

Vacation planning has been a recent issue as well. Michelle and her husband are planning on taking the baby on a 17 hour driving trip to see grandparents as well as a plane trip to Hilton Head. While this is viewed as fun time and relaxing, Michelle realizes there will be stress associated with the trips. From having to stop every few hours to feed the baby to past experiences of flying with other children, Michelle seems to be prepared for the stress.

Some topics in this essay:
Hilton Head, Kendra Definite, Michelle’s Graduate, Stressors Mom, II Coping, Friend Kendra, life events, friend kendra, looking forward, daily hassles, †michelle, michelle’s life, student employee, break splitting babysitting, continue life pursue, physical break splitting, stays step-mom, daughter stays, studies daughter, life pursue career, occasional physical break,