it's boogie's world and I'm just living in it....

I never really thought I would be a stay-at-home-mom.  It sounded fun and rewarding, but I guess I never really put a lot of thought into it.  When we got pregnant with Boogie, my frame of mind changed. I instantly started feeling that motherly bond and wanting what was best for him. As I moved farther and farther along in my pregnancy, we started to realize that daycare was not an option for us.  I'm a strong believer in the benefits of the socialization and structure it provides, but I've been on the other side. I've worked in infant and toddler rooms, so I know how hard it is for teachers to provide the individual love and attention children need, especially at such a young age.  I also started to remember how many times I was the one to witness other people's children's 'firsts;' first steps, first words. I could not imagine having an almost stranger experience those moments with my son.

As soon as Boogie arrived, the decision was easy.  There was no way I was going back to work full-time; no way I was handing him off every morning. Granted, I loved my job, my co-workers, my residents, but I loved my son sooooo much more.  Plus, I worked for a non-profit and my salary was nothing to write home about....more than 1/2 of it would go to pay for daycare and well, that just didn't seem to make any sense.

We decided I would go back part-time.  We worked out a schedule so that either myself or J would always be home with Boogie while the other was at work. It seemed like this would give us all the best of both worlds. After a few weeks, we were starting to notice that this wasn't the case.  The schedule was confusing to Boogie, I had the same responsibilities I did in my 40-50 hr/week job and expected to complete them in just 12-15hr/week, and it was interfering with J's job. After 20 hours in the car (to and from Chicago) and a long heart-to-heart, we decided that "mom" would be my new job title.  From now till the end of the year I'm working on training and transitioning my responsibilities to others. Then, as of Jan1st, I am employed on a PRN, as needed, basis only.  I will be responsible for teaching a couple classes throughout the year and that's all.

Sure, it will be an adjustment...financially, mentally...but it's what's best for our family.

So far, "mom" is the best job I've ever had and Boogie the greatest boss!! I actually feel a lot busier now than I ever did before. Mainly because I'm now living by someone else's schedule and needs. There is no "me" time. It's all about what he needs now and what he will need next. We're also out and about a lot. We've joined two different playgroups and attend playdates and events about twice a week.  We're also now members of Gymboree! Boogie was definitely the rockstar, teacher's pet at our free trial class.  He had soooo much fun, that I had to keep that experience going for him.  We have found a church we like and I hope we can become involved in the programs and groups they offer as well.

J and I have always shared the household "chores," but now that I'm home...they're all mine!  If you would come see my house right now you'd know that I haven't quite mastered that role just yet......

This has been one of the best decisions we've made so far.  I love my new role.  This opportunity goes by fast and I'm so happy that I'll be able to experience this time with Boogie.  For now, it's Boogie's world and I'm just living in it....

the spoon...

To spoon or not to spoon: that is one of the big 'mommy wars' questions.

Yes, the great debate on when to start solids.  As you may remember from some of my previous posts, I'm not one to join in on the mommy battle.  I know what's best for our familly and my little Boogie and I respect all the other mommies on knowing what's best for their clan.

From the beginning, the plan for Boogie was to exclusively breastfeed(BF) for six months.  In my eyes, for our family, it's what is best; the benefits are just too great to consider anything else. We were lucky that, from the very first try, Boogie took to it like a pro and has continued to stay on his growth track with breast milk alone.

That being said, at Boogie's 4 month check-up, his doctor told us, if we wanted to begin introducing solids, that Boogie might be ready.  Not as a substitue for BF or even a supplement to BF, but just to begin introducing the idea of the spoon. We decided to go ahead and try, starting with rice cereal as recommended by his doctor.  As I suspected, he's definitely not ready for the spoon as a means of nutrition yet, BUT the experience, did make for some pretty cute pictures.....

excited for something new!

 

 

 

 

the spoon!!

what the?

eeewww.....

'huppy' halloween....

Halloween has always been my favorite holiday.  I love the haunted houses, corn mazes, hay rides, pumpkin picking, costumes and general haunting of the holiday.  Since my birthday is just a few days before, my birthday parties growing up always had a 'spooky' theme....costumes, hayrides, bobbing for apples...I really want to continue the tradition and have all of our friends looking forward to our Halloween party, just like when I was growing up.  Last year we decided to have the first annual "Huppy" Halloween party.  It wasn't a total fail, but not a true success either, mostly due to the fact that I was about 6 weeks pregnant, feeling like crap and still keeping the little bug a secret.  This year, with new baby, new role as full-time mommy, family visits, etc....the holiday just kind of snuck up on me and there was no time to plan the second annual "Huppy" Halloween Party.

Still, I think Boogie's first Halloween was a success.....He got to go pumpkin picking and experience a hayride. He had not one...

 

not two...

but THREE special outfits...

And, not to mention, a fabulously adorable costume...

He got to sit around a campfire, handout candy to trick-or-treaters, eat watch everyone else eat chili....He got to experience all those special things I remember from my childhood. 

BUT, when it comes to Halloween for my little Boogie, I plan to make each year bigger and better than the last.  So mark your calendars, plan your costumes, cause I promised in 2011, you won't want to miss our 'Huppy' Halloween....