Celebrating Staying at Home

After reading through the blog recently (and getting some very honest feedback from a good friend), I started noticing that my blogs were sounding a little defeated-- as if I only have complaints and worries as a SAHM-- and I SO don't want to sound like that! It is certainly NOT how I feel. I definitely do have days that are challenging, just like we all do, but I have so many more days and moments spent with my kids that are filled with such joy and wonder and fulfillment-- and I need to write about those days too. Today happened to be one of those days.

Today we had no plans (which can lead to either bliss or disaster for a SAHM), and I had been thinking of taking the girls to the Natural History Museum for a while. A friend was going to meet us, but she couldn't make it, so I almost bagged the idea, until Abby reminded me that she wanted to see the dinosaurs. So we all got dressed, packed a lunch, and drove downtown on a chilly, windy, rainy Thursday. I had no expectations for how the girls would do (Lily hates being in a stroller these days, but is still not trustworthy walking around in a crowd), but we plowed ahead anyway. Sure enough, Lily stayed in her stroller for less than 5 minutes before she screamed to get out, and out she went...and she did great!! The museum was not crowded at all, and she and Abby walked around together squealing with delight while showing me the stuffed alligator, the "tree boat", the "T-Rex with tiny arms", the "fishie" fossils, the planets and stars, and so on. There were no tantrums, no fighting-- just a wonderfully simple day spent together. After having lunch, and walking through again to see our favorite things one more time, we drove home tired and ready for naps. We had such a great time that I even bought an annual family pass (something I am known for doing at every establishment, much to my husband's dismay). I realize that the next time we go might not be quite as smooth as today, but that's ok. I will cherish today as a day I feel privileged and thankful to be a SAHM with two such amazing kids.

-Beth

"Mommy Personalities"

So I am watching Sister Wives (a reality show on TLC about a polygamist family with 4 wives, for those of you who are not reality addicts like myself!), and they were just discussing how some of the moms in the family do better staying at home, and some do better working outside the home. This got me wondering if there really are different "mommy personalities"...?? I have often heard moms (some good friends included) say, "I could never stay at home all day with the kids" or "I could never leave my kids and go to work." But those are strong statements, and I wonder if they are really true?? I can see both sides-- I suppose it does take a certain personality to stay home all day, dealing with tantrums, messes, play dates, and endless trips to the zoo, park, etc. And I suppose it takes a certain personality to successfully juggle a career and family life. But it seems to me that we all have a little bit of each, no?? I think it would be hard to find a SAHM who didn't once think about the freedom and personal satisfaction of having a career; and it would be equally hard to find a working mom who doesn't wonder if she should be at home with her children. But I guess that is the whole reason we started this blog, because when it comes down to it, we believe there is a little of both personalities in each of us.

Definitely a thought-provoking subject brought up on my usually mindless reality TV, so I was inspired to blog about it-- thank you Sister Wives! (haha)

-Beth

Little Reminders

With my son finally over his bug, this week’s business trip went much smoother! My business meetings also went really well. Its times like this that the idea of “I CAN do this” starts to creep back into my mind. I am learning as I go though, not to get too cocky as incidents like last week can and most certainly will happen again. I am typically a “planner” and wish there was a way that I could be better prepared for next time, but I’m not really sure that is even possible.

So, for now I am back on my balance beam – walking that fine line between having a career and being a mom. And today, I am wearing the career hat. I had a great meeting with a client who was very impressed with the work I have done so far and we discussed some important next steps in our project. I’m feeling confident and also excited to keep moving this project along and continue the success.

After the meeting today, I went to dinner – and that’s where it hit me. As I sat at a sidewalk café in San Francisco enjoying the gorgeous weather and my dinner, I saw a woman with a little boy who was probably close to two years old. She was carrying his sippy cup and a “snak trap” cup (btw - great invention if you don’t already have one of these), and they stopped to pet a dog on the sidewalk. The little boy was so excited to pet the dog and was smiling and looking at his mom.

At this moment, I was quickly reminded of my son at home and was suddenly missing him terribly. Now, don’t get me wrong, I always MISS my son when I am traveling, but admittedly it is also nice to enjoy a quiet dinner prepared by a chef and in an environment that doesn’t include a toddler throwing his dinner on the floor. But at this particular moment and seeing this little boy interact with his mom, I suddenly longed to be back at home with my own son. All I could think about was his smile and his little voice telling me a story (even if I can only understand about half of what he is saying!).

It’s these little reminders that keep me in check. I am reminded that he will grow up quickly and I need to enjoy all these moments with him while I can. Although I am not ready to completely walk away from work, I need to remember that it will technically always be there, but this time with my son will not. It’s these little reminders that keep me wondering if perhaps it’s time to think hard about making some changes in my life and my schedule.

- Michelle