Precious Time

There are many things about Chris's job that we're thankful for. Let's face it, there are some great perks and the travel opportunities for our family are right up our alley. But today, as I pushed Ceiba in a swing at the park, soaking in the sunshine and a refreshing cool day, I was greatful. Greatful for the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom at an important time in her life.

About two months before Ceiba came home, the company I was working for decided to close our small office after a buyout. At the time, it seemed catastrophic, as we were supposed to begin working from home, but then lost our jobs. In reality, it was perfect timing. I got the chance to "nest" prior to Ceiba's arrival and was able to be home with her right away and during a busy time while Chris was in the police academy. Though it didn't work out forever, the 5 months I was home full-time with her was absolutely priceless.

Which is how I feel these days. It may not be forever that I am home with her, for financial reasons or honestly because I do miss and enjoy working outside the home and bringing home a paycheck. It's a big change to not monetarily contribute, though I know my being home is a contribution to our family. Chris even joked the other day how he hasn't been in the grocery store since we moved out here in March. He said he missed it a little, so the following night we all went to the grocery store after dinner, just for old times' sake. But the laundry, bills, grocery, dinner prep time (even new recipes every week) I'm able to do during the day really makes for more quality family time. Sometimes that is a dip in the pool or walk to the park. And sometimes it's just early pj's and a movie with all of us in a sea of pillows and covers on our bed. But it's "us" time, and it's relaxing, and it's rewarding.

I was the youngest of  4 girls and got the luxury of extra time with my mom at home while my sisters were in school. Memories of sitting on the kitchen counter helping crack eggs for a recipe, feeding animals on the farm or kneeling on the brick patio pulling weeds with my mom will be a part of me forever. I want those special kinds of memories for our kid(s).

Am I the world's most patient parent?... no. Do I always come up with the most creative things to do?... not always. Am I calm, cool and collected?.... ah, nope. Seriously, you must not know the real me!

But we do crack eggs. And we do have art time...with paints...across the entire coffee table covered in paper. And we do water flowers together. And we do even nap together, just on the days with thunder when there's no other way to get her to nap. And we do have a million hugs a day. And we do smile and giggle... a lot.

And we do squeal and smile when Papa walks in the door, having missed him all day long. And we do REALLY thank him for letting us enjoy this precious time that'll only happen once upon a child.