Yesterday was a busy day of juggling the demands of the working mother. There was the dance festival with parents and grandparents toting folding chairs, strollers, cameras and camcorders to the field to whistle, yell, and otherwise embarrass their school age children. While my 4 year old swung on the monkey bars, I recorded for posterity a jubilant 11 year old cowgirl and an under-enthused surfing 9 year old boy.
It was then off to work where I peeled a clinging child from my leg and went to my office where I handed out a lot of tissues, chocolate, words of encouragement and graduation options. After a few hours, my 4 year old and I ran home to make ciabatta bread and greet the kids when they came home from school. I then went back to work to count credits, packets, offer tissues, condolences or congratulations before coming home in time for tucking in children.
I don't complain about my fragmented existence. I don't believe mine is much different than others' juggling acts. In fact, I feel incredibly lucky that I have a career that I enjoy so much and I take pride in the fact that I am helping to take care of my family. Truth is, we could probably make it on my husband's income. I work because it feels right for our family and things have just worked out so well over the years with my schedule and parenting. It hasn't been easy but it has worked out.
Today we had a day off. I pretended to be a stay-at-home-mom. I sent the older kids to school and my 4 year old and I played with Play Do, talked, and he dressed up like a cowboy with a red neckerchief and black fedora. We don't have a cowboy hat. I took a break to take a shower and came out to discover him making a sandwich. He saw me and told me that, "This cowboy sure gets hungry!"
We went to the library where we snuggled on the oversized bean bag chair and read book after book. We picked out things to check out and I took him to the potty where he exclaimed, "Oh my heck! This is the girl's bathroom!"
On our way home we stopped to see my sister's chicks and visit with Grandma and Papa. It was an awesome day of doing things revolving around my baby who has quickly grown into a little boy.
I've felt good about my decision to work, for the most part, but today I was jealous of the stay-at-home-mom.
It was then off to work where I peeled a clinging child from my leg and went to my office where I handed out a lot of tissues, chocolate, words of encouragement and graduation options. After a few hours, my 4 year old and I ran home to make ciabatta bread and greet the kids when they came home from school. I then went back to work to count credits, packets, offer tissues, condolences or congratulations before coming home in time for tucking in children.
I don't complain about my fragmented existence. I don't believe mine is much different than others' juggling acts. In fact, I feel incredibly lucky that I have a career that I enjoy so much and I take pride in the fact that I am helping to take care of my family. Truth is, we could probably make it on my husband's income. I work because it feels right for our family and things have just worked out so well over the years with my schedule and parenting. It hasn't been easy but it has worked out.
Today we had a day off. I pretended to be a stay-at-home-mom. I sent the older kids to school and my 4 year old and I played with Play Do, talked, and he dressed up like a cowboy with a red neckerchief and black fedora. We don't have a cowboy hat. I took a break to take a shower and came out to discover him making a sandwich. He saw me and told me that, "This cowboy sure gets hungry!"
We went to the library where we snuggled on the oversized bean bag chair and read book after book. We picked out things to check out and I took him to the potty where he exclaimed, "Oh my heck! This is the girl's bathroom!"
On our way home we stopped to see my sister's chicks and visit with Grandma and Papa. It was an awesome day of doing things revolving around my baby who has quickly grown into a little boy.
I've felt good about my decision to work, for the most part, but today I was jealous of the stay-at-home-mom.
Jealous?? I'll trade you for a day!! I'll take one and you can have 5! Tonight is almost over and I have a POUNDING headache, and yet I get to do it all over again! (but really there is not other place I'd like to be, well maybe the spa)!!! : )
ReplyDeleteI like this, Nancy. I love being a SAHM, but we do need to do what feels right for our family.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I meant to add, I'm glad it feels good for you, and that work isn't something you dread or feel like you have no choice about.
ReplyDeleteIn your case SAHM definately stands for Super Awesome Hot Mama!
ReplyDelete