Work Status

When I interviewed at my current company 5 years ago, I was up front about wanting kids one day. I said I could guarantee him 2 years even tho I didn't have to by law. We even talked about one day I could possibly work from home. About a year ago I approached him about going down to 4 days a week. I knew it wasn't the best time professionally, but I was getting very overwhelmed with work, and we had been trying to pregnant. My stress level was insane. I decided to make the decision based upon what was good for me physically. The deduction in hours has not effected my work, in fact I get a lot more done in 4 days than I did in 5.
Since I'm a planner I began the discussions with H (boss) a few months ago. I don't want to work 4 days a week in the office after the baby comes. Do I still want to work.....yes. The income will help, and I'm not so sure I can stay home 5 days a week. I have a wonderful mother in-law who has offered to babysit. So child care is something I don't have to worry about. We had made some progress in our discussion's, but negotiations have stopped. Granted we've been busy, and he tends to wait till the last minute to decide anything. I'm not like that. I need to know where we stand. I don't want to be going into labor worrying about things I shouldn't. H says I ask for the world, which is true. Like I explained to him, he taught me to ask for everything, then negotiate from there. I'm willing to compromise. I just don't want to be taken advantage of. It's hard when you work for a family business. Lines can easily be crossed. He's not only a boss to me, but a person I respect and look up to for examples. I have to remember that business is business, doesn't matter if your friends. This is what I want from him:
6-8 weeks paid maternity leave
2 days in the office 1 day I work from home
I get to keep all my current perks (can't really go into detail)
2 weeks paid vacation
3 sick days a year ( I will offer if I'm sick one of my office days, I'll work another day that week)

I realize I probably won't walk away with all of these things, but it's my starting point. I have an edge since I know how he operates business wise. I give a lot of myself to H and his company. He knows I'm worth it. I'm even willing to agree to another 2 years with him. Knowing me I'll stay forever because of my dedication.

So my goal for next week is to start negotiating again. I need the sense of understanding, security, between us and my job. Before you know it 3 months will pass and I'll be in the delivery room.

I'll keep you posted.