7.17.2007

The New Stay at Home Mom

The top ten things I've learned since becoming a stay-at-home mom:

10. it is impossible to do anything before the contacts go into the eyes in the morning
9. peanut butter, jelly, and apple juice must always be on the grocery list no matter how often you shop
8. there is less time during the week for laundry than i anticipated
7. theme songs for any nick jr show that's on in the morning after 8am (and probably any recurring songs within the show like backpack, rescue pack, or many of the backyardigans melodies)
6. babysitters during the day at least once a week are of utmost importance
5. going to the swimming pool everyday will not turn your kids permanently into prunes
4. daughters require way more maintenance than sons (at the Sears' at least)
3. my hair will not come out no matter how much i pull on it during the day
2. videos aren't going to ruin my children - in fact, some of them are VERY educational!
and
1.
engineering is much easier than being a stay-at-home mom

6 comments:

Tara Smith said...

I TOTALLY agree with #1. It is by far the hardest job I have ever had! I also agree with #2. Alyssa would much rather have Mickey Mouse and Little Einsteins talking and singing to her than me!!!!

Megan said...

I'm glad you're surviving! There are moments that I wish I could leave for an hour or two, but most of the time being home is a great joy. I know you're kids are loving having you all to themselves! Also, the more stay-at-home friends you get the better it'll be! I sometimes feel guilty about videos/tv & then I think I'm pregnant & have a 2 1/2 year old who doesn't nap! It only seems fair to put her in front of the tube for a little while everyday!

Elizabeth said...

I love it!!!! I need Chris to read #1. But really he does seem to appreciate me staying at home.

Michelle said...

laundry is the hardest thing for me to keep up with. now that elliot is older, perhaps it'll get better. i almost want to wear the same thing all week, just not to have to wash it! :)

i think we ALL struggle with how much tv our kids watch. but it's a necessary evil (for our sanity).

mezzogirl1974 said...

I totally struggle with the TV thing, too. It was so much easier to monitor with only one. #2 doesn't really like it. But both kids are outdoors from 8:30-12noon, then naps, then back outside off and on until Jon comes home. But they watch a lot prior to 8:30 b/c they would rather be outside, but I tell them our neighbors are still sleeping, as they should be:)

With the laundry, I am spoiled my husband does a ton of it. Infact, at the moment he is cleaning the carpets for me......so, I can't complain.

Totally agree with the mommy-ing being harder than working FT. I used to work a FT job and teach about 35 students on top of that a week. I only work about 15 hours a week now, and boy it is harder. I envy my friends here with family and free babysitting....so not fair.....babysitting is a luxury around our household.

Keep having fun!!!!

3boysmom said...

Its so nice to know that other moms struggle with the tv guilt, the never ending laundry, and how about the fact that most of what I do, I redo the next day, or even the same day. Anyone, anyone?
I'm glad you are enjoying it for the most part. There may be moments you think you regret the decision, but in the long run you won't. That's why I work outside the home for 10 hours, grant it, its with other people's kids, but its a break from mine!