Dear Mommy

The SAHM v. WM debate is something that strikes a chord with me, especially as I transition back into my WM role.  Being a teacher, I have the opportunity to see both sides (for the most part).  And if our kids were able to, I believe this is what they would say to us...


Dear Mommy,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for being a Stay At Home Mom.  I know it's not easy doing this job everyday.  You make sacrifices all of the time so that you can be home with us.  You look at the cute clothes at the mall and think about how nice it would be to go shopping for yourself, because we all know you haven't replaced your wardrobe in years.  You clip coupons and bargain shop as much as possible because it's tough being on one income.  You wake up early to pack lunch for your husband, not because you have to, but because you appreciate how hard he works for our family.  You look at your working mom friends and sometimes think about how nice it would be to go out for drinks with your coworkers.  You constantly worry that you aren't doing enough for your kids.  You worry that they aren't socialized enough, or that they spend too much time at home.  But Mom, don't worry.  You are doing AWESOME.  We love you.

Dear Mommy,

I just wanted to say THANK YOU for being a Working Mom.  I know it's not easy doing this job everyday.  You make sacrifices all of the time so that you can help provide for our family.  You drive to work with tears in your eyes because you miss us.  You think about us all day long and wonder what we are doing.  I know that is hard, Mom.  You come home from work and quickly start on cooking dinner, doing laundry, taking the dog out, all while giving us hugs and kisses.  You clean and do chores while we sleep so that you can enjoy spending time with us when we are awake.  I know it's hard to look at your stay at home mom friends who take their children to the park or museum while you work.  When we get sick, you feel guilty that we were exposed to daycare germs.  You constantly worry that you aren't spending enough time with us, or that you are missing out on precious moments.  But Mom, don't worry.  You are doing AWESOME.  We love you.

One thing after another...

Over the past three weeks, I have found myself uttering the words of my blog title over and over.  From a pessimistic point of view, my life has been an absolute train wreck as of late.  It was a few days before Morgan's birthday party that I got sick with what I am now guessing was a severe sinus infection.  I did not go to the doctor like I should have, and a few days later got my very first adult ear infection.  Got on some meds, and within a couple of days I was okay.  Then just as I was feeling better, the left ear became infected.  This one, however, did not want to clear up.  I went to Patient First twice, the second time smashing my finger in the car door and almost breaking it.  Morgan also caught the stomach bug in here somewhere, but it is becoming a blur.  After no relief I wound up in the Emergency Room, where I was told I had "Mastoiditis" (infection on the bone behind your ear).  I went to the ENT twice, and the ER again.  The third trip to the ENT was the final straw.  He decided to admit me.  Imagine how much fun it was to explain to family, friends, coworkers, nurses, etc. that you are in the hospital for a freakin ear infection.  I felt like such an idiot.  Obviously, intelligence has nothing to do with being able to fight an infection, but that did not help me feel better about spending THREE FULL DAYS in the hospital for something seemingly minor (don't get me wrong though, the pain was EXCRUCIATING).  The ENT was very concerned that if I did not receive IV antibiotics that the infection could spread through the mastoid bone, or even turn into meningitis.  Not cool.  So the hospitalization was very necessary, and I was glad to finally get some answers and relief.  The ENT gave me a tube (mind you Morgan had hers done back in February), and cleaned out the infection.  I have been home since Thursday and I think it's safe to say that I am feeling MUCH better.  After picking Morgan up from school on Friday, I noticed her left ear was draining nasty crud, and she complained of her ear hurting.  I wish I was kidding.  We are using ear drops on her and praying that it will heal and give her some relief.

From an optimistic point of view I have been incredibly lucky these past few weeks.  I have had the support of family and friends to get me through a very difficult time.  I have had coworkers covering for me at work and asking how I've been doing.  I never got meningitis. I have great health insurance (no thanks to Obama). My mom miraculously caught the stomach bug from Morgan right before she was supposed to leave for Colorado.  I know this sounds bad, but stay with me.  She was supposed to go on a business trip with my dad for TWO WHOLE WEEKS.  The stomach bug kept her from getting on the plane that morning and was the reason why she was able to be by my side through my entire ordeal. What an amazing mother she is.  My husband jumped right into his "Mr. Mom" role and did a fantastic job (the house was spotless when I came home on Thursday).  And although Morgan obviously has an ear infection, the tubes are allowing the infection to drain and she is eating and sleeping well.  I am going to stick with my optimistic point of view.  God is good.

Two years later...

Today is February 17, 2014 and I think back to two years ago (which seems like yesterday), and remember the excitement and anticipation I felt awaiting the arrival of our sweet Morgan.  You'll recall I looked something like this...

This picture was actually taken just a few days before she was born, but you get the point, super preggo. And just seeing those stretchy jeans makes me long for pregnancy all over again.  I digress.  The point here is that I cannot believe that this was two whole years ago.  We now have a walking, talking, sassy little girl (not a baby), running around our house.  When just a year ago she looked like this...

This picture was actually taken EXACTLY one year ago.  These were the days when I could dress her in anything and put cute little bows in her hair.  Nowadays everything is "too tight" and bows are ripped off in fits of rage.  She certainly has an opinion about her attire, and all I can think about is how this will play out 10 years from now.  Lord help me!

And here is my sweet girl today...

 

Okay as her mother I understand that there is a slight bias associated with my opinion, but...Isn't she the most beautiful thing you have ever seen?  We often have people tell us (family, friends, and strangers) that Brad will need to get a shotgun for when she gets older.  He quickly reassures them that he already has one. 

Needless to say, I am one proud Momma.  Morgan, or "Honey" as she lovingly calls herself, is such an amazing blessing to our family.  I won't pretend that parenting has been rainbows and butterflies.  With the many illnesses, temper tantrums, sleepless nights, early mornings, and all the rough patches that we hit daily, I sometimes feel like I am going to lose my mind.  Being a mom is HARD.  But with any challenging job comes plentiful and abundant rewards.  As I began typing this blog post, I heard Morgan shouting from her room, "Night Night!  LOVE YOU!"  And that will never get old <3


Photo Credit:
Lucy Rae Photography