Working Mom

Going back to work after Mia was born was probably one of the scariest things I have ever done. Questions filled my mind... What if she refuses to eat from a bottle? What if she cries the whole time? What if she doesn't get held enough? Will I be able to pump enough breast milk? How will I get my work done when I need to pump 3 times a day? Will my husband help out as much as he says he will? When will I clean my house? Will I ever have time to work out? Will she like her teachers better than me? and worst of all... Will she forget who I am?

These were very emotional questions that Joe and I discussed in great detail before and after my first week back at work. As a woman, I needed to verbalize my fears even if there wasn't a direct answer. As a man, Joe wanted to solve every fear, question and problem that I had while being very confused at the same time.

After working for only a couple of days, Joe asked, "Do you want to quit?" The extra money is definitely nice but not critical. We live a very comfortable life with both of us working (even when paying for Mia's "school" each month. The extra money would be missed but we would be fine. As I thought, prayed and cried, I realized, No...I don't want to quit.

God blessed me with the gift of teaching and I think I can handle being a working mom. Teaching fills me up and helps me to be in a good place for my family. I love picking Mia up from school and spending quality time together when I get home. She is so happy in the evenings during our time together. Out of 365 days a year, I work 170ish. As of now, I think I have the best of both worlds.

The most difficult part about being a working mom, is judgement. It seems that majority of people are black and white regarding the stay at home mom vs. working mom debate. I realize whatever decision is made, someone has something negative to say about it. I don't feel that there is a right way or a wrong way. I think and hope I will love being a stay at home mom someday but for now, we are doing great! Please don't look at my with pity, feel sorry for me or tell me it won't last forever. I have an amazing job, an extraordinary husband and the most beautiful baby in the world (I know i'm biased). I must say...LIFE IS GOOD!

Thanks for letting me get that off my chest!

Love,

Kellie