http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenloveskev/4585222879/
So we are a little late with the post this week. Life has just been so busy. I say that every week but we are always just so busy. I get worried that I am not doing enough to prepare for the baby to come. I have stacks of books I want to read but when do I find the time? I am really excited for school to be over so that I can spend my summer reading and relaxing and taking bike rides to the pool. This leads me to what I wanted to talk about for today though. I got an email last week asking what I was doing about school after the baby was born. Well I haven’t yet told all you guys but I will not be going back to teaching after she gets here. June 16th will be my last day at my high school. I have resigned from my position as the Art teacher there. It was a hard decision and one that we didn’t take lightly, but we figured out that since I have to already drive an hour to school since we moved to NY and as a teacher I do not get paid a whole heck of a lot, the ratio between all that and then having to pay someone to watch her was not worth it. It will be an adjustment for sure going from being dinks (haha double income no kids) to 1 income but we are going to make it work. I think the time spent at home with her is well worth the sacrifice for us. Now I know this can’t be the case for everyone and I am not saying this is the right way to do it but for us this is what we want and what will work best for us. I am really excited to stay home but also to be honest a little sacred. I am not much of a home body. I love “home” but for me Kev is home so as long as he is with me then I would much rather be out on adventures with him then sitting on the couch. I am in no ways saying that being a stay at home mom is like sitting on the couch but I am a little worried about the adjustment from going from working to staying home knowing my personality.
I am really excited that I do have this blog though. It surrounds me with community and inspiration and gives me something to do that I really really love. I am excited to be a full time blogger and mom starting in september. The baby is due September 3rd the day before my 28th birthday. Now will I always just stay home? What are my thoughts for the future? I am going to focus on being a mom for a while and figuring that all out because lets face it I really don’t know what the heck I am doing but after that I would really like to focus more on making more stuff for my etsy shop, making artwork, getting more into making wedding invitations (have I ever mentioned that before? I make them all the time for friends and I just love it!) and then starting and finishing up my MFA. I would like to be able to take classes here and there and then maybe one day start to teach art at a college. I am not sure if I will go back to a public high school. You never know though? I am totally open to what the future holds for us. This is a time of great change, there is a lot going on for us and lots of new opportunities presenting themselves. I sang kev a song this morning that I remembered from my childhood (it included actions-hehe) but it is based on Proverbs3:5-6, I think that needs to be our courage as we go thru all these changes and be excited as we move on to this next chapter.
Dear Sweet Baby Girl:
Let me first just say Holy Cow! you have a strong kick. You even made our midwife chuckle on tuesday at the doctors appointment as we were listening to your heart beat. I have been day dreaming a lot about you this week. The weather is getting warmer and all I can picture is going for walks as a family and your dad and me talking about our days and then looking down at you and giggling at how cute you are and how much you have touched our lives. I can’t stop picturing your dad holding you and giving you kisses either. He is going to kiss you a lot you know. Haha. He already kisses are kitties a lot. It is very sweet- he is so endearing with affection and I can’t even imagine how much love he is going to give you. The students at school are all trying to get me to name you after them. It is very cute and they are all excited that you are coming. It will be sad to leave them but I couldn’t be more excited for our new journey with you. I got my very first mother’s day card in the mail from Grammy this week. It was a Mother-to-be mothers day card. It’s still funny to think that I am going to be a mom. Sometimes its a little overwhelming because I don’t feel like I am going to know what to do and I don’t want to screw things up but I hope you will always know that we love you and when we do screw up hope that the love will shine thru and we wont traumatize you to much. hehe
ok, back to day dreaming about going for walks. I have been obsessively searching for a vintage pram on eBay so that we can push you around in style. lol. I just love them and can only imagine how adorable you will look in it as we stroll you around the park. I am going to find the perfect one for you!
Love,
mom
I think you’re going to be a great stay at home mom, because you’re definitely not going to just sit around and watch TV when the baby is sleeping. I’m looking forward to seeing all the cool, creative stuff you’ll be up to!
Hey there! We were looking for a vintage pram too! I found there were a lot of affordable ones on craigslist, so maybe check there too. Good luck with the bambino!!
That’s a tough decision to make! Not sure what I will do if/when I have a baby and come to that crossroad. Sounds like you put a lot of thought and consideration into it. It’ll be a great adventure!
I hope you share pics of the vintage pram you find!
Jen, I wanted a vintage pram so badly but never found one. I did see recently that people do find them on craigslist from time to time and even at Goodwills – maybe even ebay! I LOVE prams and hope you find one. I will say that I’ve been an at home mom now for 5 years and probably the biggest thing I miss is the opportunity to get gussied up LOL! Second to that is the chance to have a set schedule every day – not everyone likes that but I enjoyed it. Finally, of course the adult social interaction is sometimes missed but I’ve got that now in the form of friends, groups I’m in, the YMCA, church, etc. It was an adjustment for me. For some reason, maybe because I love clothes and fashion, the fact that I could no longer put on heels and dresses every day continues to be a bummer BUT it makes me enjoy things like church and going out for dinner even more. Back when I had to dress up every day, I always looked at the Moms at church and wondered why they were so dressed up – now I know!
It is an adjustment period but full of so many fun firsts! Best of luck to you!
Jen i totally understand and I’m so so excited for you! After being so focused on my career before kids (and having a very financially lucrative job) I know what a big decision staying at home can be. I know there are a lot of people who can’t make staying home full time work financial, but I think if you can it’s really the most wonderful blessing. I honestly think you are just going to love being a full time mom. There are so many amazing things I would have missed in my daughters life if I hadn’t been at home. And I really want to encourage you that not being a mom who sits in front of the TV all day is more about the person, than the job. I’ve been a full time mom now for almost 2 years, and I never laze about, there is always something keeping me very very busy, and I think that’s because I’m the kind of person who likes to work hard. So I honestly think that you’ll be okay!
Yay for you Jen!! xoxo
I have to say I find it a real blessing to be able to be a Full Time Mom….I think I would miss my daughter too much if I ever went back to work. Yes I can go insane staying at home at time..but the key is to have a hobby…and you obviously have lots of those! Although now I seem to have no time to do any sewing (my biggest hobby) because my daughter is now into everything…I’ve had to find things that I can do while I’m in the same room as her when she’s awake (sewing only while she’s asleep because my sewing area is not kid friendly).
You are looking absolutly amazing…and I LOVE that top you are wearing!!
Im a stay at home mom of a six week old and two year old (boys, Rocky and Roman). It can be the most stressful and mundane job at times, but truly is constantly rewarding. They grow up sooo fast and change everyday it seems, extra income and getting out pale in comparison to being the one who shapes who your child will become, you will never regret it!!
Oh wow, you’re really starting to show – but it looks good on you! Great top too.
I’m surprised to read that you’re not going back in September, but I can totally understand your reasons. You just always sound so passionate about teaching art, I hope you get to do this someday again (starting with your daughter!). I remember my mom made paintings for our bedrooms which were really good. She did some very accurate Disney ones, when I asked her where she got the inspiration she said ‘oh, just copied them from a picture in the tv guide’ :D.
Happy mothers’ day Jen!
It sounds like you guys have a great plan for you. You have to stop worring about “not knowing what to do” There is a learning curve with having kids. You’ll have plenty of time to learn what to do and what works for others might not work for you. Just take each phase one at a time and it will be so much easier than you think. I guess what I am saying is you don’t have to know everything there is to know before she comes home. You’ll be all prepared and then she gets here and you’re like “now what!?” And there will be times when you call up your mom or your best girl friend 😉 crying that everything is falling apart and you just don’t know what to do. But that’s why you gotta surround yourself with people you trust and can confide in.
Staying at home with your kids doesn’t mean you have to sit on the couch all day. There are some days that might be like that. When Anthony was a baby I always made sure that atleast every other day I made sure I was dressed, hair did and all and that we went somewhere! Even if it was just for a drive. Sometimes I would go to the starbucks on the other side of town (even though there was one right by my house) just to drive, listen to music and think. And you’ll make friends with moms that stay home and you can have play dates (more for you than for her when they’re little). I like going on dates with the baby. You will be so surprised what good company your daughter will become for you. The other day Anth turned to me and said, “it’s funny how he’s like your best friend isn’t it!” And i was like, yeah… he really does make for good company. And he always has.
You are going to be such an amazing Mom – well you already are!
looking great, mama! congrats on your decision to stay home…i completely understand how hard it is to make that decision, but gotta say that once i did, it freed me up so much and now i’m even more excited for the twins to arrive!!! xo
Pregnancy suits you so well!
I left the work force and school scene after I gave birth to my first child. It was such a hard choice but not one I regret one bit.
I’m so glad you chose to keep your pregnancy updates on your blog! I love reading about it.
good for you jen!! i think that is absolutely wonderful what you’ve decided to do! i think it will be so good for you to be home with your baby girl (ps: thought of any names yet? or are you going to keep them secret like all the other baby bloggers out there? haha!! i love hearing baby name ideas…) anyway, it will be good for you…and also great that you will be able to have more time (hopefully!) to work on YOUR art instead of teaching it and making things that you enjoy for your shop! you have an amazing life (from what i read here on your blog) one that i hope to resemble one day…you’re very blessed!
xo
looking fabulous as always parents-to-be! xoxox
I can’t believe that you have to make such a big decision so soon… I think we are really spoiled in Canada to have the year mat leave.
Anyways, I’m sure it will all work out. I think the trust is the hardest part, knowing that no matter what God will provide.
Looking great! I think it’s a good decision you made. When I have children, I’d like to do anything to stay home with them when they’re young. I grew up in daycare, and I hated it, so that’s my reasoning. Good thing you’re so fortunate to be able to do so!
i just wanted to say that watching you as you plan for the new addition to your family is making me so excited for the day I finally start my own! your going to be a wonderful mother and I can’t wait to see all the adventures you and your little one get into!
I think I want you make my wedding invitations whenever the time arrives 🙂 Haha! I am bummed you will no longer be a fellow teacher but this totally seems like the right decision for you both!! And I am selfishly happy you will be blogging more 🙂 I am glad you really thought out this decision and are doing the best thing for your new family!
Those photos are so lovely and so is that top!
I’m sure that it can’t have been an easy decision to make. I know that I was glad that my mom stayed home until we were in school, and that since my dad was a teacher we all had a lot of family time together in the summer. I think it made for a more interesting and stimulating childhood than I would have had if I’d been put in daycare.
I think that’s great that you’re able to stay home with the baby. I think you are such a creative person and you have so much to discover. You will definitely have the time to balance being a mom & focus on what inspires you. Honestly, 22 year old me thought I would NEVER be a stay at home mom. I always thought having a career was so much better. But now that I’m 29 my husband & I have discussed our financial situation if I were to have a baby. The consensus is that I will also be able to stay home. My view has changed and I just imagine how much more rewarding it is to shape a little life than work for a company that will succeed regardless of my working there.
Happy 1st Mothers Day little Moma 😀
You look amazing!
I can’t wait to meet baby who I know will be as awesome as you and Kev!!!! 😀
That is great that you’ll be a stay at home mom!
My mom stopped teaching when I was born and I’m so glad that she did. She’s always been there for my siblings and myself when we needed her.
🙂
becoming a mom changed my life. it was very wonderful and very difficult to have it change so much. just remember it goes by so very fast whenever you feel like you are missing out on your old life, and to enjoy your baby while she is a baby. my first kid is three and i am blown away he isn’t a baby anymore. my youngest is 7 months and it’s blown me away that he already crawls and is trying to stand.
it’s okay to mourn the loss of the childless freedom you had. don’t ever feel guilty about it. just like someday you will mourn the loss of your life as a mom of young kids when they grow up. life is crazy!
i think you look so beautiful and you are your husband are so clearly excited and devoted to your baby.
i am also a doula, and i wanted to recommend you read “ina may’s guide to childbirth” and “birthing from within” . they are wonderful books, and helped me so much.
also the documentary “the business of being born” is great..
oh! and i bet you’d love the book “the creative family” by amanda blake soule.
Hi, Jen. I haven’t been able to comment as much lately, but I wanted to let you know that I love your pregnancy series and you are looking so beautiful as a momma to be!
i love these posts that you do. it’s so fun and beautiful to watch your belly grow.