Proud to be a Stay-At-Home Mom

I vacillated for months before leaving work whether I would truly be happy going from a full-time career to being a stay-at-home mom. The first couple of weeks were definitely a hard transition but I attribute that mostly to my never-ending morning sickness. Now, since that has resolved and I feel like a real contributing member of society, things are much better.

It is definitely more work staying at home than working 40 hours a week. Both are a lot of work, but being home is a different kind of stress and work. I have cleaned up more poop (not in diapers) the past month and more kitchen messes than ever before. I have lost my temper more times than I care to mention. I have put Carter in so many time-outs that I'm wondering if it is even an effective method of discipline anymore. I have been responsible for every meal Carter eats 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I am his main source of entertainment during daddy's working hours. I have had less free time since being at home than I did when I was working. I have used more bribery techniques that I ever thought I would have. As frustrating as some days are, the good definiely outweighs the bad.

For every pile of poop I have cleaned, there have been more times when Carter is really making an effort to potty train and gets so excited when he is successful. To watch him grow is such a blessing and privelege. For every kitchen mess to clean, there are many more moments of gratitude that we do have food on the table and that Carter is finally slowly starting to try new foods. Even though I have lost my temper several times, most of the days are filled with laughter. Although I am sacrificing most of my free time, it is so worth it to be able to spend my time with Carter. He amazes me every day. He is incredibly bright and has the most unbelieveable memory of any child I have ever encountered. He has a wonderful imagination and has really started trying to assert his independence. He loves playing and interacting with other children of all ages. And there is nothing sweeter than when he crawls up in my lap, looks into my eyes and says "I luh you mommy".

I am truly thankful for the opportunity God has given me to be a stay-at-home mom. I also can't write a post about this without saying how truly grateful I am to my amazing husband too because I could not have this opportunity if it weren't for him. He has provided such a good life for us and works hard everyday so that I can stay home. I consider it a blessing and privilege to be married to him and have children with him. I truly couldn't ask for more. I am blessed beyond measure.