Long before having a child of my own, I always thought that being a stay-at-home-mom would be a walk in the park compared to teaching. After all, it has always looked so easy when I've watched others do it! I used to think that it couldn't possibly be that hard to take care of a baby, clean and maintain a home, tend to the laundry, and prepare dinner all while dressed like you just stepped out of the pages of J.Crew. Needless to say, I'm singing a different tune these days.
In the beginning, it seemed that being a stay-at-home-mom was an impossible mission. Although one I gladly accepted, I wasn't sure how to go about getting anything done during the day while simultaneously caring for Gillian. With household chores piling up and an ever increasing need to resume some level of normalcy in my life, it was time to take a cue from Nike and Just Do It. After all, I needed to start earning my keep.
In the past few weeks I've grown more comfortable with the idea that Gillian does not have to be held 24/7. Thanks in part to wonderful baby gifts like her swing, bouncy seat, and baby bjorn taking care of household chores has gotten easier. The baby bjorn is especially helpful. Although having a nearly eleven pound baby strapped to my chest took some getting used to, this carrier leaves my hands totally free---a must for completing most tasks. While Gillian napped in the bjorn this past Friday I was able to start and finish several loads of laundry, pick up, dust, vacuum, mop, unload and reload the dishwasher, print photos, and pack for our weekend jaunt to Pensacola.
Running errands has actually become a highlight in my day. Missteps and faux pas are the norm for me, and the first time Gillian and I ventured out with Gammie was no different. On a trip to Pier 1, onlookers were undoubtedly entertained as they watched me struggle with the stroller. After tinkering with the stroller for what seemed like an eternity and kicking myself for not listening to Bret as he explained how the darn thing worked, I finally figured out how to open and set it up. No longer something I dread, errands get us out of the house and allow me the chance to have a conversation with someone that is actually able to talk back. The ego boost that I get from people frequently commenting on our lovely Gillian Grace is just an added bonus!
Far from being SuperMom, I can only claim to be a work in progress. With each day full of new challenges, all I can do is give it my best shot!
View from the top---Here's Gillian chillin' in the baby bjorn.
Go me, I'm baking muffins!
Sad, only because I haven't done it before now, dish duty has been added to my repertoire.
Laundry---What's a day without a few thousand loads?
With no Publix in Mobile, we look forward to our weekly Publix run to Pensacola or Fairhope.
1 comments:
You're doing a great job, mom!
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