5-12 Musing on Motherhood

A few months after Peanut was born, a good friend of the same age who had married and had her first child within days of mine (both the wedding and the baby) asked how work was going. I had been back at work full time for a few weeks. We chatted for a bit and then she asked when I was quitting. I gave some deep response such as "When the time is right." To which she replied, "Well, don't make it too long." I have often thought about her response.

Fifteen months after Pnut was born, I quit work full-time, and came home. I did start teaching at BYU part-time, but compared to a full time job, with three hours of commuting a day on top of it, it seemed as though I was pretty much home. Being a stay-at-home mom was not just different than working full-time, it was and is, a completely different life.

I remember being so incredibly grateful to be present for the rest of my little boy's "firsts". I had missed his first step, his first laugh, too many firsts. Not anymore! But in between the firsts, there were times when I thought, what do I do with him all day?

I have heard some stay-at-home moms say they are so bored. That I can't even imagine! There is so much to do!! I finally started unpacking boxes that I never got to when we moved in... because I was working, and pregnant, and felt as sick as a dog. Even today, eight months later, I have a ton of projects that will still keep me busy for as long as I want!

Now, I have two sweet ones at home. I still teach part-time, but I am only gone a couple days a week for a few hours. I admit, sometimes I love teaching simply because it reminds me that I used to be good at something. Being a mother is not a class I took in college. Housekeeping, cooking, budgeting (yes I went through an MBA program-- but that is not the same thing!), child development, how to associate with mostly women when I was accustomed to working with mostly men . . . there is a definite learning curve to my new life.

But back to my friend's comment. "Don't make it too long." While I was working full-time, I thought I loved my baby and that I was experiencing motherhood. And I was. But not like this. The longer I am at home with the kids, and the more time I spend with them and get to serve them and love them (and get to be present for both of their 'firsts', the more I love it. I really do.

I always planned on being a mother, one day. Some of my friends yearned to be married and have kids. I was excited to find that wonderful companion, and figured kids just came along with the whole idea-right? But I'll tell you, being single longer than most in a Mormon Mecca, I became really good at being single. I knew how to work the parties, how to date, how to make new friends in a new place every few months, and how to be the professional career woman. And all I heard about was how horrible and challenging everyone's kids were and how hard everyone's marriages were. Not exactly great promotion to try it yourself.

But there was something inside me that felt incomplete, missing. Thank goodness God knew what I needed and wanted better than I did-- doesn't He always?

So now I have a wonderful husband, and I love being married to him. And we have two beautiful, sweet, adventurous boys, and I adore being their mother. I am so blessed.

So in response to my friend's comment, she was right on. I didn't know what I was missing. I didn't have a clue. But now I do.

5-12: Milestones--"Scooching"

Newton is a very progressive little dude. Last week he rolled over. Now we can't keep him on his back. He loves to sleep on his side all curled up.

Today I set Newton down on his back under a little play thing (where he can kick his feet and bat at the toys hanging down). When I looked over a short while later, he wasn't where I had placed him!

Newton had rolled over into a pushup position (nearly) and scooched himself to another part of the floor. Look out! Crawling will not be far behind.

At four months, this baby is on the move!

5-12 Favorite Moments: "Mine"

Today as I started walking away from the Peanut, he called after me, "Mine! Mine!" and reached toward me as hard as he could. I tried to figure out what he wanted, but to everything I mentioned he replied, "No, mine!". Finally it dawned on me, he wanted his brother!

Peanut wanted to hold his brother like he saw mommy and daddy do all the time. So I had Peanut sit on the steps and put the baby on his lap. Peanut wrapped his arms around Newton and grinned for all he was worth.

It was adorable.

5-12 Favorite Moments: Popcorn

Growing up, Popcorn wasn't just a food in my family, it was an event.

I am happy to see the tradition beginning to be passed on. Today Peanut came up to me and asked for "popcorn". What a good boy! After he was sure I understood what he wanted, he went to the drawer where we keep large bowls and pulled out the red one I always use for popcorn.

While the corn was popping, Peanut stood in front of the stove with an excited look on his face, holding the big popcorn bowl in front of him. He was ready!

After the corn was popped, the butter properly melted and applied, with salt added of course, and all the ingredients mixed, we went to the "popcorn place". I don't know how this tradition started, but there is a fun rug in front of our kitchen sink. Whenever I make popcorn, Peanut goes to the rug and pats on it for me to come sit next to him. He always lets me know exactly where the popcorn bowl should be placed. And then we eat!

The children are watching

Today as he was about to leave, Drummer Man announced, "Peanut, it is time to say prayers." The Peanut left the room and Drummer Man and I kept talking. DM went into the other room to grab something and called out to me that I there was something I had to come see. So I went.

Peanut was kneeling down next to the ottoman looking up at us. He was ready for prayer! It was the cutest thing. We decided we better seize the moment and pray right then. Of course, Peanut got up a few times and ran around, but then he came back and joined us again. So fun.

These little ones sure do notice what is happening around them, whether we are intentionally teaching or not!

Newton or Nutella?

And the verdict is....... I know, you haven't even had a chance to guess. But really, the verdict is..... NEWTON!!!! We're having a boy!! We couldn't be more thrilled. January 7 is the official due date. We are half way there! This pregnancy has been much smoother than the last, but has brought it's own set of symptoms. A great one has to do with how very active this child is. He kicks and moves as I type this. We have an active one coming!

I apologize!

I knew it had been a while since I posted, but didn't realize how long until just now! Whooops!!
Sorry. Life has been busy, and blogging fell off of the priority charts. Greatly impacting those priorities is some exciting news. We're expecting!!! Yea!! The Peanut is going to have a sibling. We are lovin' life!