What it is REALLY like to be a SAHM- 1 year later

So my anniversary of becoming a full time stay at home mom, came and went. Hard to believe it has been that long since I turned in my work keys.

We've had....

Surgeries

Hospital stays

Another pregnancy

The winter and sickness season from He**

Potty training

Gone down to a one car family

First carnival rides

First kisses

Stitches

Birthdays

I am sure there are more things, but my brain capacity is on a limited basis these days....

So in a brief and nutshell sort of way, one of the best ways to describe what any given day can look like:

Hubby is home sick, so even though you have him home, he isn't really home. The kids still think its a day off, so any usual routine is challenged. Your 2 yr old decides that any out of reach contraband item is worth a fight for and drags out any item he can climb in order to get to it. Your 3 yr old keeps asking what show is on next, despite telling her multiple times the answer. You haven't even reached snack time, and they are already demanding what breakfast cereal they will consume the following morning.

After lunch has been thrown to the natives, you try and inform daddy in the nicest way you can that you never get a full day to get over being sick without child watch responsibilities. The clock has run out and you are going to clock out and take advantage of having the car and no kids in it.

But the sometimes tricky thing about leaving, is getting out the door. PJ pants have been stripped for jeans and a top that isn't stained up, purse, keys and phone in hand...check check check!

Wait....where are my shoes? (starts a search and rescue for said shoes)

Then you find them in a spot that you would never have taken them to. But it is on the other side of the general living space and you must brave your life and step through a minefield of toys, dry cereal, legos and other things you don't want ruined. Once you've reached the prize of your shoes, you have to navigate back to the front door after the path you just took has already been altered by the natives.

You shut the front door, walk to the car and let out a deep sigh in the drivers seat.

Whew....I made it.
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With all we've gone through in this last year, some of the hardest things experienced has been working the hardest job and not seeing a tangible paycheck to show for it. You are providing an invaluable service to your family, but your service does not produce a resource to help pay the bills or general staples.

It is HARD to balance one's life whether or not you work outside the home or not. Neither way is any easier and comes with different sets of challenges. I don't regret the decision from working outside the home, but I do look forward to the start of the school years in the future and being more self sufficient in self care :)