Staying at Home

While I've been home for a month now I've learned what it's like to be a stay-at-home mom. I agree it's a lot of work and I admire the stay-at-home moms, but on the other hand, I can actually throw in a couple loads of laundry, wash the floors, vacuum, dust, get some errands done etc. almost daily without having to (or feeling like I have) neglecting my kids. The difference with working full-time is that I only get to a lot of the cleaning once a week and my errands don't get done.

Right now this is what my day consists of:

• 6 - 6:30 waking up and getting in the shower before the kids wake up and Mike goes to work.
• 7 - 8:00 My time for breakfast and watching the news.
• 8:30-11:30 - This is the most hectic time at my house. Kids wake up need to be fed and dressed. I might try to venture out once in awhile during this time to get out of the house - we go to play group, go to the mall, get groceries, go visit a friend, etc. If at home and in between A.J's feedings I try to spend some time with Josie keeping her occupied for a couple hours. We play on the deck (if it's nice out), read books, play dolls, color and other crafts, play with her Little Peoples, etc. While I nurse A.J., I read to Josie, play puzzles, or do flash cards with her. That way I can keep an eye on her.
• 11:30 - lunch time.
  
• 12:00-1:30 - Play ouside again if it's nice out. On rainy days we like to watch a movie - Josie's current favorite - Charlotte's Web. br />
• 1:30 - 4 - nap time. Both kids right now nap around this time. I try to get some housework done, catch some z's, e-mail, read a magazine, work out, etc. A.J. usually needs a feeding once or twice during this time in which I catch a t.v. show. Usually something on TLC or my new favorite-Jeopardy!
  
• 4:00 - OUTSIDE - YEA! If it's nice out, we go outside again. I put A.J. in my Baby Bjorn carrier or his car seat. Josie attempts to ride her little tricycle (doesn't do real well yet), swings, slides, plays in her sand box, or just wanders around the yard with her rake and shovel cleaning up the yard. We eventually go for a long walk/stroller ride before daddy gets home.

We have some sort of schedule at least so it hasn't been too bad. Althought I will admit it's not always this structured, we do have some off days and right now it's all about A.J's schedule. I enjoy being at home with my kids, but unfortunately, I need to go to work - their future is important to me. I don't think it's bad for either side - staying home with your kids or your kids going to day care. I've seen the outcome of both and they both seem to be good outcomes. We feel very lucky to have a great day care provider, too, so that helps!

Because I haven't had the chance to return your phone calls or your e-mails answering the question "How are things going?", here is my response to all of it.