11.07.2010

Big Changes

When Kevin and I were dating, I told him that I wasn't so sure I wanted children... yup, I didn't think I wanted any kids. He in turn said that he knew he wanted kids one day. We left it at that and didn't talk much more about it until after we got married. Then, the tables turned... my biological clock started ticking like crazy and I wanted babies! However, Kevin wasn't so sure.

Fast forward a few years (including a really hard year of struggling with infertility issues) and little Lea joined our family. :)

I always knew that I wanted to be a "stay-at-home mommy" but I didn't know if it would ever be possible. I was fortunate enough to have my mom stay at home with me and I always knew that I wanted my children to have the same experiences. Obviously, there are pros and cons for every situation... one of which being finances, so when little Lea was just over three months old, I returned to work part-time.

On the outside, it seemed as though I had the best of both worlds. I was home with Lea all day Friday through Sunday and worked about five to six hours a day Monday through Thursday. But, on the inside I was not happy. Every morning was a huge internal struggle for me...I felt so incredibly guilty leaving my baby (even though I was leaving her with my own mother and mother-in-law... that helped lots!), something inside me just didn't feel right.

After almost eleven months of long, procrastinating breakfasts with Lea, we have decided that it's time for me to stay home!!! I am beyond excited about this new adventure. It's been a long time coming and something I have always dreamed about. My last day working will be November 23rd, the day before Thanksgiving. Now, I won't lie... I am a little nervous, too. It will be strange not having somewhere to go each day, no deadlines and no time sheets. I know it will take some time to get used to it. I have no doubts that Lea and I will make a great team, though.

I've already started to get play dates and activities on the calendar for us. I think it will be important to keep a little busy. Luckily, we live in a great area with lots of children around. There's fun things to do at the local cultural center and even a nice play ground two blocks down from our house. I'm determined not to let the cold weather keep us in... we'll just have to bundle up!

Here's some adorable pictures of Lea testing out her winter wear...


I just got Lea some new hats and dug out some more of her winter clothes so I'll have plenty more "bundled up" pictures to come. :)

8 comments:

  1. That *is* a big change! Congrats on making the best decision for you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So happy for you! It will take adjusting, but you will love it. When I wasn't working we stayed busy too- lots of play dates, activities, etc. I think it's so great when a parent can stay home with their child(ren), they grow up so fast.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congrats! I'm sure that's a big relief for you!

    Keat will likely only go to preschool 3 days a week when we move back. I will still be working (from home) but maybe we can do some lunchtime play dates!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Congrats Jess! Being able to stay home is such a wonderful experience, I'm so happy your family was able to work things out so you could do this. Being busy really is the key. We have not a lot of options in my area and oh boy we get bored. Most of our days are spent reading books and making messes, then cleaning them up! You will truly love this new time in your life.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hooray! This is wonderful news and a very exciting time for you and your family!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congrats!!! I am so happy for you and Kevin. I don't always get a chance to comment but “I read your “Frito’s Kinda Life” blog often and I’m in awe of how fast little Lea is growing! DJ is going to be 9mos (this month) so I know how it feels when you leave for work only to come home to find that she’s doing something "new". Stay home with her and enjoy every waking moment!!! Love you! Tameka G.

    ReplyDelete
  7. That is so exciting! I know SCI will be sad to have you leave, though. Good luck with the transition. It can be difficult to shift gears to being all-Mommy all the time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So excited for you. It's sad that being at home these days is a luxury.

    I still remember the the moment when I decided to stay home. My son could say "Mo" for Elmo, "Ook" for Book, "Da" for Dad and "Ba" for Bottle...but no "mama" or "ma" or anything even like it.

    I still remember the moment that I got to see him experience his first time up the stairs. I was so proud. It was me that was there an I had earned it :)

    Hardest thing you'll ever do. You'll day dream about working some days, but heck you get to go to the zoo and snuggle.

    ReplyDelete

Have something to say? Let me hear it!