Modern Day Mom. Or Not.

Well, I had a two week trial at being the mom who does to does it all: Makes her husband's lunch, makes breakfast, feeds her children, gets ready for work, catches the bus, works, goes home to happy children, plays, makes dinner, eats with the family, bathes her kids, puts them to bed, does the laundry, does the dishes, makes her husband happy by doting and going to bed with a mask and cucumbers, ready for the next day.

Okay, okay, I'm exagerating.

Let me back up a moment:

When it was time for me to return to work after Maternity Leave (which in Canada is a blessed year), I told them no, I would not be returning full-time. But that was hard for me. I was at my job for more than 4 years and I really liked it there; it was hard for me to cut those ties. I was also searching for a way that I could stay home and make some money, so we came to an agreement that should they ever need any extra service they needed to outsource - give me a call.

Well call they did! One of the executive assisstants was going to be out of the office so they asked if I would step in for a couple weeks. Well, the stars were aligned because Miles' mom, Maureen, had just arrived to stay for a while. After talking with her, and she being willing to play Super Grandma, I said "Yes! I'll do it!"

This also came at great moment in time because I was desperately searching for a change of pace and a two week road trip with me and the boys was high up on the list of possibilities and as much as I want to see my friends in far off places, making money trumps spending it and it provided the change of pace I was looking for.

Well, after just one week, let me tell you what I learned about myself and my family:

1. A change of pace only needs to be a couple of days to recharge my batteries.

2. It's much nicer to use the time during the day to keep on top of tidying the house rather than when I get home after already working a full day.

3. I miss my boys terribly and am sad when I think about all that I'm missing throughout the day.

4. I understand now why it's so nice for Miles to come home to clean house and dinner ready to go. It offers such a relaxing peaceful atmosphere, which is what your home is for after spending the day out in the world.

This experience of being away from my home and going into the office day in and day out, if only for a week or two, has reaffirmed to me that I am doing the best thing for me and my family in this moment by staying at home and taking care of the children and running the house.

I don't know how mothers who work a full time job then go home and put in another full shift do it. I have gained a respect for those who do, but I am glad that my husband and I both agree that me being at home is best for us.

So kudos to you modern day moms out there doing it all; I'll stay at home blissfully dawning my apron in all the glory of the 50's housewife.



The Babies Ain't Babies No More

Well here we are, a year has past and what a wonderful year it was, too. I'm just gunna take a minute here and brag about my life - mostly because I can, but I also want people to know that all the horror stories going around about birth and babies and feeding and diapers and twins and - well you get where I'm going with this- it's not always so horrible.

Everything about my life has become so much richer because of Austin and Lincoln: my marriage, my family, my sense of fulfillment, everything.

Although I didn't want my babies to come early, or to have a c-section, and I certainly didn't want my babies away from me in the NICU, there are definite benefits that came from these and I know it helped me ease into motherhood gracefully.

The boys have been wonderful sleepers - I honestly can't remember any more than a handful of times they didn't want to sleep for their naps or at night. When they did wake at night to eat, they would always go right back to sleep.

They've been excellent eaters. Nursing on a schedule, eating full meals until their tummies burst and they're only allergic to milk, but very mildly at that.

They're so happy. They're only upset if they need a diaper change, are ridiculously tired, or are fighting over a toy, and all these are easily addressed.

With all these pros, I'm ready to have babies again right away. Give me twins, or TRIPLETS! We can do it :)

If there's anything I have to say is hard, it's - well - seriously, I'm thinking. Oh! Well, it's not hard, just an annoyance. The amount of stuff I have to pack around is crazy!!! I don't know what I would do without my minivan. If we go out for a night with friends and bring the boys it's: 2 booster seats, 2 playpens, 2 sleepers, 8 diapers, food, blankets, toys. I'm sure I'm missing something in there...

All my blessings aren't without gratitude, however. I have to give credit and thanks to all those who have donated or loaned baby clothes and gear and furniture, those who have ever babysat and given us food and gifts. And especially a big thank you to my husband, Miles, for all of his support and encouragement. My life is truly blessed because of all the support out there.

Okay, so maybe a little more than a minute to brag, but now I'll share their birthday party!!

I wanted to have it outside (hurray for summer birthdays!) and it had been so hot out we went to Prairie Winds Park because they have a wading pool. I found a nice shaded spot and family and friends showed up to celebrate.

My talented sister did the mini cupcakes and the giant cake for the boys - so delicious! You should check out her blog and order some.  www.sweettoothcc.blogspot.ca

The boys didn't really know what to do with this big huge blue lump in front of them but it was still neat to watch them figure it out. Later on they dug into the cupcakes pretty well.

Austin, Lincoln: I love being your mom, you two are the best anyone could hope for. And I promise to still love you when you keep me up late and drive me crazy :)

Love, Mom