As my baby boy is quickly approaching his 12 week mark, I can't help but think that this would be about the time I would be going back to work on a "typical" maternity leave. I was lucky enough to take off about 16 weeks with Kenley, and I went back after our Spring Break that year. As I've said before, I am LOVING being at home with the kids, and I am so greatful that I am able to have this time with them. We really have spent very few days "at home" and I think I can count on one hand the times that we have actually stayed home the entire day without going anywhere. I know it might not be as easy once the winter comes, but even though it is not always easy to leave the house with both kids, I try my best to have something to do every day. Many of those out and about days might only consist of running a few quick errands, taking the kids somewhere to play for a while, or grocery shopping, but it gets us out and gives us something to do on days we don't have any plans.
I've read a few blogs and articles recently about being a stay at home mom vs. working, and I always find them interesting. People like to argue which one is "easier" or "harder," and I don't want to take sides, but at least feel like I can make a judgement for myself now that I have experienced both. I can say that I have not even had one half of a second where I missed working. (Well, other than the obvious of receiving a paycheck) Even the times when both kids have been crying hysterically, or when it has taken us way to long to get out the door, or even the night that I barely got any sleep because both kids were on rotation for waking up at all hours of the night.
I feel overwhelmed at even the thought of going back to work at some point. Other than the biggest perk of spending my time with the kids, it is so nice to be able to do all the errands, cleaning, shopping, doctor appointments, etc during the day and not have to cram that into the nights and weekends. I think that was the hardest part of working even with just one child was getting all of that done too because after working all day I hated giving up more time away from Kenley to do all of those necessary, but time-consuming things. I also don't feel bad about having a little "me" time every once and a while. Ray and I have already had 2 date nights, and we have a wedding coming up in another week. It's not as hard leaving the kids for a few hours, or a night when I know I will be with them all week. I know we are SO lucky to have parents that love to spend time with our kids and allow us to have those times to ourselves.
I am so excited that next week I get to attend Kenley's Halloween party at pre-school and help out. It's going to be really fun to get to know her teachers and classmates since I only see them for a minute or two when I drop off/pick up. This is one of the things I know I would be missing out on if I was working. Today Kenley helped make chocolate covered pretzels for her class, and she was naming all her friends they were for. Tomorrow I am taking the kids to Ray's office for their annual Halloween party. I know Kenley will have a blast, and it will be fun to have Ray's co-workers meet Charlie for the first time.
My first 5k is is weekend, and I'm really excited and a little nervous about it. I'm proud of myself that I've been running at least 5 times a week, and I've worked my way up to those 3 miles. I've made good progress considering at the end of my pregnancy it was difficult to even walk to the park a few blocks away! My mom is doing this 5k too, and I know she has been working hard to get ready for it too. The hardest part will be the hills since it takes place in my hometown of Hickory Hills, and I know there are a few steeps ones we will have to run up. My main goal is just to run the whole thing without stopping, but I would like to finish in under 40 minutes.
Halloween pictures to come soon! I really hope I can get a good one of the kids together in their costumes!
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