Before I became a mother, I was a teacher. I taught 5th grade for two years and 3rd grade for a year. During that third year of teaching, I learned that I was expecting my first baby. After much thought, I decided that I would stop teaching to stay home with my little one. On December 1, 2007, I became a mom. In the early morning hours soon after he was born, I was holding my boy in my arms, in awe that he was mine, and I felt the responsibility settle in that I now had to raise a person. It was humbling, exhilarating and a little bit scary. I had a few weeks of help from my wonderful husband and mother and then it was just me - all alone in New York City, I should add You would think that one little baby wouldn’t be too much of a challenge, but my world was rocked. I was grateful to be at home with my baby, but I wasn’t sure how to do things with a baby and I really wasn’t sure what to do with my time. After a few months of just getting by, I reflected back to when I had a “job” job. I planned out my lessons, prepared for each day, put some thought into what would help my students and studied how to be a better teacher. My purpose then was to teach the curriculum and help each child advance to the next grade. My purpose now was in essence the same -- to teach my son, well, everything! Being a mom was my “job”; my baby was more than just a cute little accessory.
I began to prepare for each day by making a plan. In those early years, my plan consisted of going on walks, visiting pet stores, nap times, baking cookies and playing playdough (it did not include getting up early). Even though I didn’t have much to do besides keeping a human alive, it helped me feel more in control when I knew what I was doing every day. Today, I don’t have to be as creative to fill my time as my kids are getting older and have school, sports and other things that keep us busy. But, the way I approach motherhood hasn’t changed. Treating motherhood as a real job gives me a sense of purpose. I am not “just a mom.” I am a MOM! It is my job. It is a job that I love because I work hard at loving it. I love it so much that I want you to love it too. Join with me as I share real thoughts as well as practical ways we can enjoy our job and thrive as mothers a little more.
