SAHM - Check In

So I've officially been at home for a little more than two months or so.  While I'm still freelancing for several publications, I spend the majority of my day chasing Avery around.

And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Here are ten 11 things I've learned/experienced along the way in no particular order ...

1.  Never fold clothes when Avery is awake.
2.  Aldi really is the cheapest place to shop.  I just went for the first time this week and spent about $35 less than what I do at Meijer or Walmart. And their one off-brand brownie mix was the best I've ever had.
3. Each time Avery breaks into her rapid fire giggle, my heart melts.
4. The childcare at the Y is awesome. Not that I'm spending 2 hours on the treadmill, but it's nice to know they'll watch her for that long if I'm ever feeling crazy.
5.  Avery still fits perfectly over my large tummy. Love the thought of rocking both my babies at once.
6.  Girlfriend and "mama" time is important.
7. Avery must be sitting in the bathroom sink for me to successfully put pigtails in her hair.
8. It doesn't matter how many times you read Baby Farm Animals. Avery wants to read it again.
9. Getting things done through the week really does free up more time on the weekends for family and fun outings.
10. There is nothing sweeter then hearing Avery's version of "E-I-E-I-0" or "1, 2, 3"  Her two and three are perfect but she always skips one.
11. Avery lives to dance. Sometimes she won't even need music.  She'll just break into moves on her own.

She's 16 months now and so much fun ....

When I told people my plans of staying home or even when I answer the question, "what do you do?" now, I typically get one of two responses. People who say something like, "oh, I could never do that" and look at me like I'm crazy. And then those who say, "oh it's so nice you get to do that." 

And so far .. I think it's been a good mix of both. I love our alone time together. As another SAHM told me once, YOU get to show them the meaning of sharing with others, introduce them to new things while you point to airplanes and birds in the park, and be the one they run to when they fall down. All that has been amazing. But sure there are times when Chad gets home, and I'm immediately out the door to see girlfriends, go to church group or even get some alone time sitting in a pedicure chair. Breaks are essential. If not, I think you will (or at least me) go a little crazy. I feel that time is so needed to stay effective and purposeful at home.  Before leaving my full-time job, I limited this time to "must dos" because I felt like my time with Avery was so scarce to begin with.

So to have that balance now has really been nice.

Here are a few photos of our recent adventures ...

 

 

Do chickens really look like this? In Williamsville apparently they do.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We're headed to TN this weekend to see some family since it will be too close to baby brother's arrival time around Christmas.  Another mama/daughter road trip.  Except this time I'm pregnant and we're headed even further south. 

 

LOTS of animal crackers will be packed. I agree with the motto that when traveling with kids, you need to let things slide. :)

 

 

Until next time ...