I've been doing some reflecting lately, and realized that had I been back in Georgia and going back to work (which would have been likely), my maternity leave would be over and I would be missing out on the majority of Liam's day. It brought tears to my eyes to think about not being with him and how lucky I am to have this opportunity. Most of my friends back home went back to work after having babies, and I have witnessed first-hand how hard that was for them. Before becoming a teacher I always said I wanted to stay at home with my kids until they were school-age, but when I started teaching my ideas about that changed a little. I LOVED my job -- I love my students, my teacher friends, my principal, and all the wonderful families I got to be a part of each year. So after working for a few years, I thought I would go back to work after having a baby.
I couldn't imagine not doing what I love every day.
But then I got pregnant.
And each week my love for this little baby grew and grew, and even before he was born I couldn't bear the thought of going back to work. We luckily were given this chance to move to the Netherlands and I didn't have to choose. There have of course been huge sacrifices, most of which revolve around grandparents. But the fact that I get to wake up each day and know that Liam gets to spend the day with his mom is priceless. I wouldn't trade this time for anything. It is a luxury I have every intention of taking advantage of for as long as possible.
So I still get to do what I love every day, but what I love has changed a little. It still involves kids (just mostly centered around one, little, chubby, drooling one), lots of patience, and trying to be the best
teacher mom I can be. Still teaching, but being a mom first.
So my thankful thing today is that I get to be a SAHM. Not all moms want to do it, not all moms can, even when they want to . . . I'm just grateful that we're in a position where I want to be at home with Liam and it is totally possible. #soblessed
And now here are some outtakes from his 13 week pictures . . . this kid seriously cracks me up!
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| I can make bubbles! |
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| I'm such a ham! |
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| You did what?? |
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| I found my thumb! |
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| Mom? Are you being serious right now? |
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| Whatchu talkin' bout? |
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| Look at those baby blues . . . |
Best job in the world . . .
~Jessi
I love this post. I often wonder what it would have been like had I had the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom, but I was blessed to have my mom (also a former teacher) who could watch my kids...and then I wonder how my kid's relationship with their Grandma would be different had they not spent that time with her. Everything works out just as it should I suppose. Enjoy every minute. Time flies by much too quickly.
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