I am a Stay at Home Mom!

Wes and I had a plan. And, everything was working out perfectly!! Before Olivia was born I was a Financial Coordinator at the University. We had found the perfect person to job-share with me when I returned to work after Maternity Leave. I would only work 2-3 days a week. The job was great, the office was wonderful, and they were totally on board, and setting everything up for me upon my return on November 1.

At the end of September I began to really weigh the pros and cons. Some of the pros: keeping my foot in the door, keeping my skills updated, having balance in my life, having extra income,  being around adults. Some of the cons: leaving Olivia, giving her inconsistency,  trying to find someone I trust to take care of her, the long commute, missing out on what she learns that day, the expensive daily parking, I am her mother, it is my job to teach her and nurture her.

As I thought about it, I just did not feel good about going back (even part-time). So, my choice was clear! Olivia needs me a lot more than the University does! I am so grateful that Wes supports me to do this.

Yesterday I would have been back to work, but was so happy that I got to be home. I woke up in the morning to a sick girl (again) and was so grateful that I did't have to hand her over to someone else to take care of. I held her extra long today, and cuddled with her more than usual (not a lot of playing, as she was sick and not in the mood to play). I got to be home with her, and was saved from guilt of "calling in" to work so I could stay home and take care of Olivia (on my first day back).

Anyone who has spoken to me recently knows the struggle I am having with Olivia and how picky she is being with food. I give her countless options for each meal, and all to often she just picks up the food (from my hand or the plate) and one by one throws everything on the floor. Her sippy-cup hitting the hard-wood floor is as irritating to me as nails on a chalk board! However, today was different. I thought about how annoying that behavior may be, but I was grateful that I was home to witness it and hear it! Yesterday, I enjoyed those struggles and hearing that noise.  ...my little angel....

I want to know exactly what she is exposed to all day, I want to be there for her always. I want to be there when she wakes up in the morning and when she goes to bed. I want to be there to play with her, dance with her, and sing with her.

Recently, I was speaking to some other mothers who had gone back to work full-time. They were telling me that in the morning they get their baby up and immediately stick them in the car with a bottle to take them to the babysitter for the day. Then, they don't get home until 6:15, and put their baby to bed at 7:00 or 7:30.   That made me feel awful. I would be heartbroken to only be able to see Olivia for 1-2 hours per day! I understand that some mothers just have to work, and may not have a choice to stay home. Wes and I have definitely  made sacrifices to make this work, but in the end it's all worth it.

Being a mother is not a glamourous job, but it is the most important. I LOVE what I do! (although, it is seriously hard and I am never really done for the day). I can always go out and find a "job" if I need to. A job can wait, Olivia can't.  I am her mother.

"The greatest work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own home".
Harold B. Lee

 




















i think these pictures are just so cute! I broke off a banana chunk for Olivia to eat. She whimpered and I could tell she did not want it. I thought to myself "she probably wants to eat with whole". So, I gave her the banana with the peel still on. Sure enough, that's exactly what she wanted!...(I wish I got a better angle of the first picture so you can see just HOW excited she is!) After all, she is a big girl now! ;)