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“Working mom” has change of heart, job
Just more than a year ago, my husband and I learned our family would be expanding to a grand total of five.
We took into serious consideration how our lives would change, and how our two sons would be affected by this new family addition.
We came to the conclusion that it would be best for baby, and the boys, if Mommy stayed home for a while - and by a “while,” I don’t mean an extended maternity leave.
My new full-time office is my home.
Likewise, my new office wardrobe consists of fashionable knit pants and shirts with matching fuzzy slippers.
I always wanted a family, but never saw myself as a stay-at-home-mom. My priorities shifted with the birth of each child.
Being a mom isn’t exactly a new job for me, but my promotion to a mom of three is a challenging position.
There were a lot of things to adjust to. A new baby and a new routine were only the beginning. It amazes me though just how much I was missing out on.
When my sons were born, I went back to work after a few weeks. Time flew by and they grew so quickly. Some of Noah’s “firsts” were at the babysitter’s house.
With my daughter though, while time is hardly standing still, it seems like she has been here forever. I saw her first smile and remember (unfortunately) when she had her first fever.
The downfall? She’s addicted to Mommy. I have learned to do some amazing things (like make a pb&j sandwich) using just one hand and balancing a 16 lb. baby on my hip.
Try as he might, my husband just can’t make Baby happy for long. She’s a momma’s girl, but I am sure that will quickly change.
Small things have more meaning now, too. The highlight of my week is when I have to leave the house to buy diapers.
“Why don’t you buy two packages?” my husband asks me.
“Because then I won’t have a reason to go anywhere next week!”
OK, that’s a lie, but winter makes me lazy. Right now diaper-errands motivate me.
I have the best of both worlds - mothering and recording it weekly - and am truly blessed.
Maybe one day I’ll return to the daily grind I prepared for in college, but for now being there when Nicholas reaches daily milestones like dressing himself, albeit sometimes like a clown, it is worth the wait.
Email this contributing writer at Motherhoodcolumn@yahoo.com.
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Comments
By MinnetonkaNice
January 26, 2010 11:01 AM | Link to this
I like the sound of the wardrobe change. I believe people work better when they’re comfortable. Who knows maybe Casual Friday will progress to an occasional Pajama Party at offices. (Can’t you just picture them in stripes now?) Why should kids have all the fun? Happy with you!
By love that girl
January 26, 2010 10:58 AM | Link to this
Good for you and baby. I was fortunate enough to not work when my children were small. After 1st grade I went back to work. No regrets. Best thing for mom & baby. Of course, we were broke, just like now. What’s the difference. Knowing your child is safe, warm and loved. Peace to all
By Mr. Mom
January 26, 2010 10:03 AM | Link to this
I thought it was salt of the earth and wind in your hair.
By Grandma
January 26, 2010 9:44 AM | Link to this
Good for you. I wish more mothers would feel the same as you. I know how hard it would be to live on one income when you are accustom to two, but if you are living wisely you aren’t counting on both incomes in the first place & living within your means. One never knows when illness or death will strike so we must always be prepared. My husband & I worked like this. I went back after the second child part-time & worked evenings so he cared for the children. When the third child came along there were times when I had to use a babysitter but only for a short while. Mostly I worked evenings & he was with them. We did this for several years until they were in school. No one & no situation is perfect but working together on issues makes life workable.
By Joe Tellup
January 26, 2010 9:02 AM | Link to this
Yeah, now your what I call a real woman, just like my wife, spice of the earth and power of the wind. Good for you.