When I was a kid, if asked the question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" my response was usually: "Famous." Obviously I had very specific goals.
As I was growing up I would think things like, "When I have kids, I'm going to let them do [insert whatever my parents did not let me do here]." Don't get me wrong, my parents were amazing. But you always have ideas of what to do better. Like eat Pop Tarts for breakfast. Even when I was an adult and seriously thought that I didn't want children, I would still think of the things I would say or do if I had them, usually in response to how I saw others raising their kids. I was keeping a running list of how I wanted to parent, even when I didn't want to be one.
So it should have come as no surprise when one day I realized that yes, I really did want to be a mom. And not only that, but a stay-at-home mom. I wanted to watch my child grow right before my eyes, and I didn't want to miss a moment.
I will not apologize for being a SAHM, even if society thinks I should. I've gotten my fair share of hurtful comments, people who think I'm lazy or a freeloader for not providing an income. I could go into the argument that being a mom is a 24/7 job, that even if I don't get a paycheck I am still providing for my family, but that's been done and furthermore it's not my point.
Being a parent is 24/7, whether or not you work outside the home. My husband's job is not any less demanding than mine, and vice versa. We are equal partners in our marriage and in parenthood, no matter who pays the bills.
I am lucky enough to be able to stay home with my child, and that is exactly what I want to do. This is my place; this is where I feel comfortable, fulfilled, and happy. No one has the right to judge me for my choices, for my belief that as long as I am able, my place is in the home. Our society seems to have taken the stance that women are oppressed if they stay home to cook, clean, and care for their children.
I am not oppressed.
I am liberated. I am doing exactly what I feel is right for my family.
Why is this even an issue? Why do women (and the occasional man) feel the need to judge and tear each other down over differing lifestyles and choices? I love my job, as frustrating and tiring as it may be. But I also have a deep respect for the moms and dads who need or want to go to work and then come home to their families. Neither option is easy, but both are admirable and worth celebrating.
I do not deserve to be looked down upon for my choices, nor do I need a pat on the back. I, as all mothers, simply want a network of support from friends, family, and other moms. I want a shoulder to cry on when the poop hits the wall (again) and a hand to hold as my baby reaches another milestone.
How you choose to live your life may not be how I would live mine, but I will support you. I hope that you can offer me the same courtesy. The way I see it, we're all in this together.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
5 Months Old
5 months. It seems so old, even though I know in the grand scheme of things she's still so young. But we've hit so many new milestones that I can just see Emily growing right in front of me.
This month we learned to roll from our back to our belly. Tummy time is no longer a hated exercise, and if you lay Emily down on the floor, she may not be where you put her when you come back.
We also transitioned from our bassinet to our crib (during one eventful morning which also included a bath and an emergency run to the store for bigger diapers). We now like to sleep on our belly in our crib.
We are a big fan of giggles in this house. Baby laughs are one of the greatest sounds on the planet (aside from baby heartbeats on an ultrasound monitor).
We had our first (and second) trip to the zoo this month. The sea lions were fascinating until they came too close...then we had had enough.
We found our thumb and decided we like it much better than any pacifier. Totally fine, considering this means going to sleep is much easier now. Also, everything goes in the mouth.
We are getting so good at reaching and grabbing for things, and we love to explore faces - put the two together and we're pretty good at pulling Mommy's glasses off her face early in the morning.
We love to blow raspberries and just the other day we started to make kissing noises (kind of...make a fish face, then quickly open your mouth and you get the gist of it).
We're all about the babbling, and many mornings I'll wake up to Emily talking to herself in her crib.
We've started to learn that we can interact with the world around us. We have a lion carseat toy that plays different songs when you pull on the handle. Emily has learned that she can make the lion make noise when she pulls on it. She loves it so much she hangs onto it when she's sleeping. So cute.
We also like our ladybug, especially when Mommy puts it outside!
I can't believe how much she's grown. Emily was 14 pounds 10 ounces at her weigh-in last week, she's in size 2 diapers, and she's wearing 6 month clothes. While she has stopped consistently sleeping through the night, she does have a pretty coherent schedule throughout the day and breastfeeding has become quick and easy.
This month we learned to roll from our back to our belly. Tummy time is no longer a hated exercise, and if you lay Emily down on the floor, she may not be where you put her when you come back.
We also transitioned from our bassinet to our crib (during one eventful morning which also included a bath and an emergency run to the store for bigger diapers). We now like to sleep on our belly in our crib.
We are a big fan of giggles in this house. Baby laughs are one of the greatest sounds on the planet (aside from baby heartbeats on an ultrasound monitor).
We had our first (and second) trip to the zoo this month. The sea lions were fascinating until they came too close...then we had had enough.
We found our thumb and decided we like it much better than any pacifier. Totally fine, considering this means going to sleep is much easier now. Also, everything goes in the mouth.
We are getting so good at reaching and grabbing for things, and we love to explore faces - put the two together and we're pretty good at pulling Mommy's glasses off her face early in the morning.
We love to blow raspberries and just the other day we started to make kissing noises (kind of...make a fish face, then quickly open your mouth and you get the gist of it).
We're all about the babbling, and many mornings I'll wake up to Emily talking to herself in her crib.
We've started to learn that we can interact with the world around us. We have a lion carseat toy that plays different songs when you pull on the handle. Emily has learned that she can make the lion make noise when she pulls on it. She loves it so much she hangs onto it when she's sleeping. So cute.
We also like our ladybug, especially when Mommy puts it outside!
I can't believe how much she's grown. Emily was 14 pounds 10 ounces at her weigh-in last week, she's in size 2 diapers, and she's wearing 6 month clothes. While she has stopped consistently sleeping through the night, she does have a pretty coherent schedule throughout the day and breastfeeding has become quick and easy.
Emily, your daddy and I love you more than anything in the world, and we can't believe how quickly you're growing up. As much as we want you to stay our sweet little baby, it's so fun seeing you discover all the new things you can do. Happy five month birthday, little one!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Motherhood
You know that feeling you have when you first fall in love with somebody? That head-over-heels, can't-get-enough-of-your-love-babe kind of feeling? Motherhood is like that. Only better. And stronger.
It's so full of love that 2 am feedings are just an excuse to hold her, and you miss them when she starts sleeping through the night.
It's finding strength you never knew you possessed in order to protect and care for this new being.
It's everything you've heard, but to a degree you've never understood.
It's soft breath in your ear, soft skin on your cheek, and a feeling of completeness with the weight of your sleeping baby in your arms.
It's peace.
Happy Mothers' Day.
It's so full of love that 2 am feedings are just an excuse to hold her, and you miss them when she starts sleeping through the night.
It's finding strength you never knew you possessed in order to protect and care for this new being.
It's everything you've heard, but to a degree you've never understood.
It's soft breath in your ear, soft skin on your cheek, and a feeling of completeness with the weight of your sleeping baby in your arms.
It's peace.
Happy Mothers' Day.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
4 Months. Where Has the Time Gone?
Happy 4 month birthday to my little Emily! Now that the colic has subsided, time seems to be flying by. Each new stage is the best one yet, and I just can't wait to have so may new experiences with my little peanut.
In the last month Emily has changed so much.
She holds her head up without any problems (and subsequently loves to be able to look out at her surroundings when we carry her!).
She is starting to giggle and laugh and it is The Cutest Thing Ever.
She is definitely finding her voice. She squeals now, which is super cute when she's happy, but super not cute when she's angry.
The big news is that she rolled over! She rolled from her tummy to her back three times, but has yet to show any inclination to do it again. Still not a big fan of tummy time, this one.
And she's ::thisclose:: to rolling from her back to her front. I walked out of the room for a minute the other day and came back in to find her butt up in the air and her all but rolled over except for that one arm that just wouldn't move out of the way.
She is getting super good at grabbing for things she wants, and she's even able to hold onto them. I find it so fun to hand her a new toy/blanket/burp cloth and just watch her as she discovers it and what her hands can do with it.
Here's how she was grabbing things at 3 months...
...and here's where she is now. She can grab with purpose and hang onto items (and she really likes to see herself in the mirror!).
She has discovered her feet. Cue the super adorableness of a baby that grabs her own feet and is fascinated by them.
She follows me/my voice extremely well. I love that she knows who I am and looks for me.
And finally, she wants to sit up so badly. She gets so frustrated when all she can manage is to lift her head and legs into the air (looking like she's doing a mini form of the boat pose in yoga). She is extremely grateful whenever anyone lets her grab their fingers so she can pull herself into a sitting position. (This video also shows her grabbing a bit better than the other one does.)
In the last month Emily has changed so much.
She holds her head up without any problems (and subsequently loves to be able to look out at her surroundings when we carry her!).
She is definitely finding her voice. She squeals now, which is super cute when she's happy, but super not cute when she's angry.
The big news is that she rolled over! She rolled from her tummy to her back three times, but has yet to show any inclination to do it again. Still not a big fan of tummy time, this one.
And she's ::thisclose:: to rolling from her back to her front. I walked out of the room for a minute the other day and came back in to find her butt up in the air and her all but rolled over except for that one arm that just wouldn't move out of the way.
She is getting super good at grabbing for things she wants, and she's even able to hold onto them. I find it so fun to hand her a new toy/blanket/burp cloth and just watch her as she discovers it and what her hands can do with it.
Here's how she was grabbing things at 3 months...
...and here's where she is now. She can grab with purpose and hang onto items (and she really likes to see herself in the mirror!).
She has discovered her feet. Cue the super adorableness of a baby that grabs her own feet and is fascinated by them.
She follows me/my voice extremely well. I love that she knows who I am and looks for me.
And finally, she wants to sit up so badly. She gets so frustrated when all she can manage is to lift her head and legs into the air (looking like she's doing a mini form of the boat pose in yoga). She is extremely grateful whenever anyone lets her grab their fingers so she can pull herself into a sitting position. (This video also shows her grabbing a bit better than the other one does.)
I'm starting to get a sense of her personality and let me tell you, we're going to have our hands full. She is ornery and stubborn (much like each of her parents - I'm afraid she got a double dose) but also snuggly and loving.
Her smiles just melt my heart and I'm so happy and proud to be her mama.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
It's Time to Read-a-Thon!
Here we go! I'll be updating this post throughout the day so check back (scroll down) for updates, and you can also follow me on Twitter.
My main goal for the day is to finish The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, since it's my book club pick for Monday. After that I don't have any specific goals, and I'm going to have to be pretty flexible. This is my first time read-a-thoning with an infant so I don't expect to really be able to get a lot of things done. But that's okay. I really just want to hang out with you guys!
Hour 2 -- Well I had planned on going back to bed after feeding Emily, but she didn't eat as much as I had hoped so I was able to read for about 15 minutes while eating some oatmeal that didn't get cooked all the way through (gross). Now, however, it's back to bed. I'll catch up with you all later!
Minutes read: 15
Pages read: 9
Hour 6 -- We're up and reading! I'm getting so close to the end of The House at Riverton and I can barely stand the suspense. It's a good thing Emily's already eaten, because I don't think I could stand to put off the end any longer.
Listening to: one of Emily's musical toys. On repeat.
Total pages read: 30
Hour 7 -- Done! And Oh. My. God. What a good book! I can't wait to discuss it with my friends at book club. I couldn't wait for Emily to nap before finishing it, so now that I've put her down I think it's time for a shower and maybe check out some of the mini-challenges!
Total pages read: 42
Total number of books finished: 1 (The House at Riverton)
Hour 8 -- Showered up and ready to go (and Emily's still napping!). Since I finished my only goal of this readathon, I'm feeling pretty great. Now I can ease into whatever book(s) I want and have some fun with all the mini-challenges.
Up next: Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson
Eating: leftover pizza
Drinking: copious amounts of Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade
Listening to: sweet, sweet silence
Total number of pages read: 42
Total number of books finished: 1
Mini-challenges completed: 3
Hour 11 -- Back from a walk with the babe and dog, and I spent some time catching up on Twitter and some more mini-challenges. I'm loving this laid-back read-a-thon. Now if Emily goes down for another nap, I could get some more reading done...
Currently reading: Between, Georgia (and loving it!)
Total number of pages read: 56
Total number of books finished: 1
Mini-challenges completed: 5
Hour 14 -- Well, I haven't done much reading since my last update. I have, however, gotten some other things done that needed doing, so I'm still feeling like I accomplished something. And really, my goal has already been met, so it doesn't really matter that I haven't read much more. And hey, Emily even got a bath! I'm going to try to read a bit more once the little one goes to bed, but she's still wide awake so we'll see how it goes.
Total number of pages read: 56
Total number of books finished: 1
Mini-challenges completed: 6
Hour 15 -- Well, guys, that's it for me. The husband's home, the baby's asleep, and it's time for a glass of wine. I'll be cheering the rest of you on but for me, it's bed time. :-)
Total number of pages read: 60
Total number of books finished: 1
Mini-challenges completed: 6
My main goal for the day is to finish The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, since it's my book club pick for Monday. After that I don't have any specific goals, and I'm going to have to be pretty flexible. This is my first time read-a-thoning with an infant so I don't expect to really be able to get a lot of things done. But that's okay. I really just want to hang out with you guys!
Hour 2 -- Well I had planned on going back to bed after feeding Emily, but she didn't eat as much as I had hoped so I was able to read for about 15 minutes while eating some oatmeal that didn't get cooked all the way through (gross). Now, however, it's back to bed. I'll catch up with you all later!
Minutes read: 15
Pages read: 9
Hour 6 -- We're up and reading! I'm getting so close to the end of The House at Riverton and I can barely stand the suspense. It's a good thing Emily's already eaten, because I don't think I could stand to put off the end any longer.
Listening to: one of Emily's musical toys. On repeat.
Total pages read: 30
Hour 7 -- Done! And Oh. My. God. What a good book! I can't wait to discuss it with my friends at book club. I couldn't wait for Emily to nap before finishing it, so now that I've put her down I think it's time for a shower and maybe check out some of the mini-challenges!
Total pages read: 42
Total number of books finished: 1 (The House at Riverton)
Hour 8 -- Showered up and ready to go (and Emily's still napping!). Since I finished my only goal of this readathon, I'm feeling pretty great. Now I can ease into whatever book(s) I want and have some fun with all the mini-challenges.
Up next: Between, Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson
Eating: leftover pizza
Drinking: copious amounts of Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade
Listening to: sweet, sweet silence
Total number of pages read: 42
Total number of books finished: 1
Mini-challenges completed: 3
Hour 11 -- Back from a walk with the babe and dog, and I spent some time catching up on Twitter and some more mini-challenges. I'm loving this laid-back read-a-thon. Now if Emily goes down for another nap, I could get some more reading done...
Currently reading: Between, Georgia (and loving it!)
Total number of pages read: 56
Total number of books finished: 1
Mini-challenges completed: 5
Hour 14 -- Well, I haven't done much reading since my last update. I have, however, gotten some other things done that needed doing, so I'm still feeling like I accomplished something. And really, my goal has already been met, so it doesn't really matter that I haven't read much more. And hey, Emily even got a bath! I'm going to try to read a bit more once the little one goes to bed, but she's still wide awake so we'll see how it goes.
Total number of pages read: 56
Total number of books finished: 1
Mini-challenges completed: 6
Hour 15 -- Well, guys, that's it for me. The husband's home, the baby's asleep, and it's time for a glass of wine. I'll be cheering the rest of you on but for me, it's bed time. :-)
Total number of pages read: 60
Total number of books finished: 1
Mini-challenges completed: 6
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)