Observations of a (New) Stay at Home Mom

With my first two weeks of officially being a SAHM over, I have made some observations. Adopting a scientific view of this stage in my life, I am conducting experiments, doing daily research and (lucky for you all) recording our progress. I'm hypothesizing that much will change over the next year of my most recent "Adventure (Experiment?) in Parenting", so I'm capturing my current thoughts as a "newbie" in order to compare them to where we are a year from now.

Observations:
- I do not, for one minute, wish I was back at my old job.
- Currently, I do not wish I was at any job... other than this SAHM gig.
- My children have become clingy and extra "lovey" to me... like they're afraid this time will end so they have to get their hugs while they can. (On some level, this makes me sad, but I'm not quite sure how to explain why, because I am truly enjoying the extra snuggles.) This clingy-ness also makes all those things that you imagine you would do if you didn't have to work close to impossible (i.e. deep cleaning, blogging, getting a tan). :)
- I am able to go with the flow way more than I give myself credit. This may come from my teaching experience, but I know that if something isn't working or we just aren't in the mood for what I planned, it just isn't gonna happen. And that is okay.
- I am still working on the patience thing. Every yoga practice, I set an intention at the end of class to be more patient... I wonder if I will ever fill up my patience cup. I have observed that I have less patience when I'm distracted. So, I try to engage more and keep the distractions (social media) for naptime.
- Naptime is sacred.
- Getting outside every day is absolutely non-negotiable. The more fresh air and sunshine, the happier we all are (and the longer naptime is... hmm... it doesn't take a PhD in research to see a pattern forming here).
- Money worries me much more than I like to admit. 
- Without the stresses and drama from my old job, I feel lighter, less anxious, more engaged and generally happier.
- I am incredibly aware of just how fortunate I am to be able to do this... and I owe that all to my amazing husband - without him supporting this decision, this excellent adventure would not be possible. I love you Mike!

Pictures from the last month to catch us up:

 

Snail Hunting (YUCKO)

...and this is what happens when you assume they can't crawl out of the bucket. 

It's a Robot. (Notice he initialed his art at the top?)

Andrew had his last day of Soccer and last day of Swim class all in the same week. 

Our first full day together:

My job here is done!

Addison modeling her swim attire:

... and showing her attitude.

With my yogini friend, Carolina's kids... Julia and Sebastian.

Playing with Pyper and our other Sebastian!

 



Heading to the neighbors' (Steve and Abby) one last time before their move.  :(



California Grammy's last night in Mountain House

The first ice cream cone she didn't have to share with her mommy!

Loving the sun and the mud at Lake Del Valle

 

 

Father's Day 2015 -

a trip to Bent Creek Winery and Altamont Brew Works.

 

 

 

It is close to impossible to get both kids smiling and looking at the camera.