Say it ain’t so! Summer is over for me! We hit the ground running on Monday with summer band. As I think back on this summer, not only was this the first summer as a Mom, but because I am a teacher, I was a stay at home Mom! That being said, I don’t know a single teacher that has never done at least some type of “work” during the summer. It’s a great time to get organized and actually sit down and think. Anyway, these are some things that I learned this summer!
- It’s OK to put your child in daycare during time off from work.
Everybody needs a time to recharge and rest! For you, that may mean time away from your children. My son, Ewan, was in daycare three days a week. I would drop him off in the morning after having a leisurely breakfast time with him then, go back home and SLEEP. I can take care of my child better when my body is taken care of both physically and emotionally.
2. I am not a stay at home Mom.
Maybe it’s because of the postpartum depression, maybe not, but I know that being a stay at home Mom is not the right fit for me. And you know what? That’s perfectly OK! I used to feel guilty about not wanting to spend every waking moment of everyday with Ewan. The more I talked with other moms the more I realized there are other people out there like me! I love my son and I love my job as a band director! I truly believe that what my school kiddos are learning will shape them into contributing members of society in a positive way. I think that being a working mom has made me appreciate the time I do have with Ewan more. You may have found out that you are a stay at home mom!
3. Just when you think you have your baby figured out, it will change.
Babies are constantly changing for the good and the bad. Good if they are going through a bad phase because it won’t last long. Bad if things are running like a well oiled machine because it will soon change! It’s been a stuggle for me, but I’ve been learning to just go with flow. Ewan is normally a super happy baby, but the last couple days have been challenging! One of his upper teeth is cutting and I think it’s just really bothering him. Motherhood is the most challenging, but rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
4. Swim lessons are really hard to remember.
Ok, this is a silly one, but it’s so true! Ewan as been taking swim lessons at Aqua-Tots. I believe it is really important that he learns to swim, especially because his Monga and Pa have a pool. The other day Ewan was sitting in his high chair playing and I was in the kitchen when my phone reminded me Ewan had a lesson in 20 minutes. Let’s just say we let that week slide.
5. Don’t forget to spend time with your significant other.
We know that’s not an easy sell for most people. But you have to realize that children need to know that their parents love not only them, but each other. Their sense of security grows as they see parents loving each other. To put your marriage on hold for 18 years – or even one year – while you raise children is not only detrimental to your marriage, but it is also devastating to your children.
My husband, Beau, and I have had to really work on this one. Life gets so busy and it’s easy to focus all the attention on the baby and forget to invest in our marriages. Beau and I have literally had to schedule dinner at 7:30 on our Google calendar because we got in the habit of fixing our own foods (because of our unique dietary needs) and eating separately. Attending church and bible study has become more of a priority because we have the opportunity to drop Ewan off at the church nursery and spend time with each other while we invest in our lives spiritually.
Have you had any “aha” moments this summer? I would love to hear about them!
My Beloved 
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