Stay At Home Mom

30 + years ago, I was raised by a wonderful stay at home mom. My mom made lunch for me before going to kindergarten. She picked me up from elementary school, and I never rode the bus. I never attended an after school or summer daycare. I was so lucky! In fact, I remember as I got older and my mom started working again part time, I would come home from school and miss that she was not there. I felt lost without her presence in the home. Growing up I liked having my mom at home, but I never really APPRECIATED everything she did.

Today, I am a mother of 2 children, and I am currently home on maternity leave with my 6 week old baby, Gavin. And boy have I realized VERY QUICKLY how much work it is to hold down the fort and stay at home. In fact, I still send my 3 year old to daycare everyday, just so I can manage taking care of Gavin. Between feedings, changes, baths, naps, washing clothes, doing dishes, and cleaning I have just enough time in the day to get a shower and brush my teeth! And somewhere in between all those "chores" I want to find time to interact and play with him!  Now, don't feel sorry for me for all the work that goes into taking care of an infant. Any other mom out there would agree with me and say it's the best job in the world! BUT, IT'S THE HARDEST JOB TOO!

So today I give props to my own mother who made it look easy to take care of 3 growing children. and to all the other moms that stay at home, I send you my appreciation for the work you do! Working a "regular" job is much easier than the job you take on every day at home.

Lastly, to my co-workers who may be reading this and thinking, oh man is she going to come back? Well, the answer is yes! I do enjoy the lack of drama at my house, but I definitely miss adult conversation with some pretty amazing people! Although I LOVE staying at home, the truth is that I'm not sure I'm cut out to be a stay at home mom. So when the end of July arrives with a heavy heart I will return to work missing my children terribly!  Until then, I'm going to get in as much cuddle time as possible with Gavin for we all know kids grow up way too fast!