Monday, March 3, 2008

Hanging out at home

Before Ben was born, I often wondered what my days at home with him would be like. I wasn't sure how I'd fill my time, if I'd be stir crazy, or if the days would drag on. After all, it would just be me sitting in a small house all day staring at an infant...well him and my friends on daytime TV...

Now that I've been home for a few weeks, I (and other mothers I've marveled about this with) can testify that the days do anything but drag on. Since life is now broken down into three-hour cycles, I'm either feeding or cuddling with Ben or cramming a shower, nap, cleaning, work, errands, a walk, or food in while he sleeps. That's a lot to try to do in one-hour increments!

And yes, I said work. My department at UAB has been flexible enough to let me work from home part time. This allows me to extend my maternity leave by as many days/weeks that I put in at home. It was such an answer to prayer for a number of reasons - mostly that I get more time at home with Ben and also that he'll hopefully have a spot in the UAB childcare center by the time I have to go back full-time.

So, for anyone wondering what stay-at-home moms do all day, I now know it's NOT watching soaps! (TLC, and Ellen are a different story...but something's got to entertain me during feedings!) It's helping me become a better time manager, and it's giving me the priceless gift of soaking up as much of Ben as I possibly can. :)

Some excerpts from a typical day below:



4 comments:

Jill said...

Stacey, I love this post. It's both encouraging and frightening to know that staying at home with a newborn will keep me that busy, but like you, I'm sure I'll manage to fill my days taking photos and videos of Bradley. That's just what Moms do, right? :)

Angie Davis said...

right.....I know what you do....you sit on your couch and eat trail mix all day! :)

Yes, who knew that something that sleeps so "much" could keep you so busy?!

Glad to hear that you can work from home some - that's great!

Radnoti Family said...

Stacey your a genius. All this time I have been caught in a routine of feeding Austin in his room in the rocking chair, which can get a little boring. After reading your post I realize oh yeah there is a tv in the other room, why not sit in one of those chairs and be entertained by one of Ellen's lastest dance moves! Brilliant!

Keep the posts coming em, I always learn something!

Unknown said...

I love how Zoe tries to sneak into the camera shot in that last video clip!