I've done this before...sort of...
I've been on maternity leave twice, but it wasn't the same. I knew I was going to go back to work outside of the home eventually.
I was also out of a job for about 6 months around the time my daughter was 18 months old. That wasn't the same either. I was looking for a job and fully intended on going back to work outside the home soon.
This time, it's different. We have been blessed and I am able to stay at home with my two sons while my husband works outside the home. In the six weeks since I had my son and the couple of weeks since my husband has been working, I've learned that there are perks and pitfalls to being a Stay-At-Home Mom.
Perk: I get to spend a lot of time with my sons! It's great to watch them grow and take care of them.
Pitfall: They demand a lot of attention. I get very little “me” time. I'm lucky if I get a shower while my husband's not home. (I got one today! Yes!) Sometimes I'm able to sneak in a nap while they are napping, but that means that I don't get things done around the house. I also get very little time with adults.
Perk: I get to breast feed my son. No pumping!
Pitfall: Since I breast feed my son, I get up with him all night. No rest for the weary.
Perk: I get to sit around in my pajamas all day.
Pitfall: This makes me feel like a slob. I have no excuse really to put on regular clothes. Sometimes, I even forget to brush my teeth in the morning.
Perk: I will have more time to work on my classes for my Master's degree.
Pitfall: Working on my classes will take away another sliver of my “me” time.
So, as you can see, there are pros and cons to being a stay-at-home mom. It's an adjustment period for me. I've worked outside the home since I was 16 years old, with only a 6 month break when I lost my job and was looking for a new one. That's 16 years of working outside the home. I've only been a stay-at-home mom for about 2 and a half weeks. One thing's for sure. I can't wait for Spring! I need to get out of this house every once in a while!
I know what you mean! I am a SAHM, and while I enjoy it, and appreciate that I get to stay home, there are days where I also feel lonely without that adult interaction, and last night, I realized at dinner time that I had totally forgotten to brush my teeth all day! LOL!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear I'm not the only one!
DeleteIt is so hard being a SAHM. I can not imagine how much harder it is with 2. I stayed at home for the first year. I also lived in Pj's & so did my daughter. She was a rough infant & I mean rough. I also breastfed & she ate every 2 hours which was fine by me because that was the only time I was at peace because all she did was cry & she did not sleep. My husband was gone for the first 2 1/2 months for the state police academy. He only was home on Saturday & Sunday. I never showered either.
ReplyDeleteSounds very rough! My husband works long hours, but at least I get to see him at the end of each day. Some days are better than others.
DeletePerk: It does get easier. Sure, easy for me to say! lol! My daughter is a preschooler so she does play by herself (sometimes!) and I do get a bit more free time. And spring can be a life saver. You can go for a walk and see other humans! Adult humans! Yay! :)
ReplyDeleteCan totally relate to this!! I was lucky enough to be a SAHM for the 2 years of my son's life and while it is an amazing blessing to watch him grow and spend time with him, it is also extremely demanding and can seriously drain you. Many people don't understand it isn't always a walk in the park (maybe they think you are home all day just hanging out!) but the reality is you have to constantly supervise, feed, clean, play and raise your child while usually leaving no time for eating or showering. I'm sure it gets easier, but the first few years can be a lot to handle on your own. Fingers-crossed!
ReplyDeleteI love being a stay home mom. It is what works for us now and I am able to have the house run pretty smoothly and with structure. The kids love it and I am very grateful to my hubby for this choice.
ReplyDelete