Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Life as a stay at home parent

So a few people in blogger land as well as a few people in the "real"world have been asking me about life as a stay at home dad. I have to tell you that it is absolutely the hardest thing I have ever done! There are days when I feel like I may absolutely lose my mind... AND I would make the decision all over again to stay at home for the next year or more with our daughter. Luckily, that is an option for us.

For those of you thinking about it, or getting ready to take the leap I say do it! Don't let people scare you, yes you are going to be exhausted, yes it will seem like the walls are caving in, and yes you will at some point possibly think about jumping off the roof. And then your baby will smile at you, your son or daughter will be in a new person's arm and as long as he/she can see YOU they know they are safe and it will all be worth it.

The hardest part for me is to keep in mind that things are not going to look perfect in the house. Well first of all we're redoing the house, but even beyond that babies spit up/pee/drool/poop/puke on everything. Not to mention that it is hard to get dishes done when Zoey needs something every 2 minutes.

Tony is so amazing at making sure that he kicks me out of the house sometimes too. This is super important and I strongly suggest getting out of the house eevery day with the baby if you can. And absolutely take time for yourself when you can.

So, is it as hard as people say? Probably more so, but it is also the best thing you will ever do. I swear. There are days when I sort of miss the chaos of trying to save the world, but then my baby giggles at me, or does something for the first time and I know that I would rather be nowhere else.

GOOD LUCK! You're going to be great!

11 comments:

  1. Wow I can't wait for my time. I am so glad your happy. Thanks for the great post.

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  2. Great post. While you're in the midst of being a stay at home parent to a little one/ones, things can feel overwhelming and you wonder if you're lifestyle has forever changed. It seems like forever, but before you know it, your children are bigger and need you less and less which allows more time for you. It really does go fast. You're experiencing moments that won't last forever. Be in the moment and enjoy these precious years. <3

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  3. Eight months was the tipping point for us. I did not consider staying home hard but it was a little isolating. The hard part for us was finding good care when we decided to return to our offices. Mind you, we are huge control freaks. We went the nanny route at first but that was a hot mess! Looking back nursey school was the best thing for our son. This is expecially true being he is an only child. He needed the socialization part that a group setting provides. Give it time and you will know what is right for your little one. For now... enjoy every minute with her because it's over in a blink of an eye!

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  4. I think you should take that time out to blog more pictures!

    We have great friends "The Robs" who adopted their newborn daughter Mirabel at the same time as Zoey was born. They're in Seattle too, which is where H1 is from. Small world. Wish we were on the west coast.

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  5. I have to say that, while my years as a nanny did a lot to prepare my patience and understanding for dealing with children, it did nothing to prepare me for the realities of being a SAHP. I'm not a social person by nature, so that part doesn't get to me too much, but the part where there are always things that need doing and little people that need me constantly; it's hard freakin' work!

    But, oh, how I love them. I took my 3 year old out to lunch today, and as we were leaving she told me, "That was a nice date, Mommy. Thank you for sharing it with me." Not only was I overwhelmed with love, but also with pride at the thoughtful, polite girl we're raising. We did that. Being a parent is awesome.

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  6. I need to have Bill read this because he is gonna be the stay-at-home dad. I hope to be just as amazing as Tony as the come-home-at-five--o-clock dad! Thanks for sharing...

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    1. Oh Doug, I have no doubt you will both be AMAZING!

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  7. Thanks for posting. I'm equal parts nervous and excited. Sounds like you're getting it all under control!

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  8. Thanks for your post. I'm just celebrating my first week off work. Our baby isn't due for a couple weeks yet. I'm trying to balance out time/nesting and feel a bit nervous about missing the outside world. Looking forward to that little giggle that makes it all better.

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  9. I just came across your blog through another blog. Your little girl is adorable :) My partner and I have 10-month old twin girls. I'm currently home with them and completely agree that it is the hardest thing I've ever done (but the most rewarding as well). There are some days (like today, unfortunately!) when I feel like I'm going to lose my mind. I agree that getting out is the saving grace. We are out every single day, walking, going to play groups or classes or having coffee with friends.

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  10. I've been catching up on your blog and your little girl is absolutely adorable. Love this post. I delivered my surro baby 4 weeks ago today and I often wonder how his daddies are handling everything. They haven't been in touch as much as I would like but I keep trying to remind myself that they are probably just really busy with the new baby.

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