A Great Day

A few moments ago, I watched a news report about a 99 year old Black Woman who was going to vote. It was a momentous day for her because not too very long ago, if she were going to vote, they would possibly shoot her for trying. Today, not only is she able to cast her vote, but she is also able to vote for a Black Man for President! It brought tears to my eyes. No matter what your political beliefs are, when you think about the fact that forty or so years ago, black people were not permitted to vote in this country and now a black man could potentially be our next President.... Well, it is awe-inspiring to say the least. It seems as though this was a long time coming and I am proud that the day is here, no matter who wins.

Work vs. Work

This is a conversation that has been going back and forth for far too long, yet never seems to make any ground either way. Working outside the home Moms vs. Stay at home Moms....Can we "have it all" and what does that mean? Personally, I do believe that if you want to "have it all" i.e. have a career and be a mother, you can and should. My hat is off to those women because I have a hard enough time as it is staying at home and raising my family let alone having a full- time-outside- the- home job to juggle, too. It is amazing to me the number of people, mostly WOMEN mind you, who seem to think that my staying home is a luxury, and that I sit around all day with my girlfriends eating chocolate and drinking champagne. That all I do is a bit of laundry, take care of my baby and a few other things and that is it. You would not believe, or maybe you would if you are in this situation also, how many people have suggested that I "get a job".... OK, first of all, I have a job. The most important job anyone will ever have and I am damn good at it too!!! I not only take care of our beautiful baby girl, but I manage our home, including finances, as well. Not an easy task. I also have outside jobs to bring in extra money, which do take time and energy. You might say I have three jobs right now. Now, do not get me wrong... I LOVE staying home. This is what my husband and I decided was best for OUR family and I am thankful for every second of time I get with my daughter. I am just really tired of being criticized for it. I also do not understand it when people constantly insist that I should get away from my daughter more. I am "away" from her twice a week and that is plenty. Also, I did not have a child just so I could escape from her or give her to someone else to raise! It seems as though you can never win, can you? You can't please everyone so why try, yes? If I worked 50 hrs a week out of the home, I would be a bad Mom, in some eyes, and then those who judge would tell me to "cut back on work". If I stay at home, they want me to get a "job". Well, as soon as I post this, I am letting it all go. This is my life, our life, and we'll do what WE want, right? No more apologies, people!! If you don't agree with my choices, fine. You don't have to live my life. Thankfully, it is my life....

My new name...Mommy

I am a relatively "new" Mom. Actually,I really think the term new mom should be saved for women who gave birth or adopted a baby and are in the first three months, but we'll say I'm new. My baby girl is 8.5months old and being a mom is amazing to me. Amazing, daunting, scary, exhausting, thrilling and joyous for the most part. I love it. I really do. I waited quite a long time, by some standards that is, to become a parent. My husband and I wanted to make sure it was the "right time" which is so absurd to me now because there is never a "right time" for parenting. The "right time" usually implies that you are finished partying and having fun and ready to "settle down" as well as financially ready to become a parent, right? I mean, there are other factors of course but those are the big ones that spring to mind at this moment. Well, as any parent can tell you, you are NEVER financially ready for children. I don't care how much money you have, you always need more. That is just how it is, right? We waited until we felt ready and while I am glad we did, I also cannot believe we waited so long. Being a mom comes pretty naturally to me. Probably because I was a nanny for many years and I am very comfortable with babies and older children. That being said, it is VERY different when you have one of your own!! First of all, there are the sleepless nights. I have struggled with insomnia for most of my adult life and now I know why God gave me that particular struggle... to prepare me for being a mom!! I had heard all the stories and read all the books but nothing compares to going through it yourself. It SUCKS!!! It just does. Somehow you manage, though. I have survived and no one has been hurt-yet. There is also the breastfeeding which is very difficult to begin with but if you are able to stick it out, it can be a wonderful experience. Of course, once it is over, say goodbye to your breasts. Without going into too much detail, let's just say they are NOT the same. Bring on the padded bras!! The joys of being a mom are endless. First smiles, giggles, coos, and so many more. Our daughter just started to crawl and pull up on her own. It is so much fun to watch her figure things out for herself! Who knew how exciting it could be to watch her pull up and fall back down on her butt over and over again. I could watch her for hours!! And yes, I am the mom who talks non-stop about my baby. It cannot be helped. I try to find interesting things to talk about but there just isn't anything else as interesting to me as my daughter's new teeth. Other friend-parents can relate, but I know my friends who don't have children are bored witless. I'm sorry, sort of. I'm really proud of my baby and her accomplishments!! While it may bore some, it is wonderful to me. I'm her biggest fan! What all of this boils down to is that being a mother is a huge responsibility with many, many rewards. It can be a challenge, but look at the payoff. Is there anything better? To me the answer is, no. This is it...

First Blog

This is my first blog on my new site and I am very excited! Right now, I am just testing it out but there will be much more said in the future. I appreciate comments, although if you have something nasty to say just for the sake of being nasty, save it. Have a wonderful day and check back soon!!! xoxo