So I have been fortunate to have been able to take off of work since my son Max was born. As he approaches his first birthday in a few weeks, I will be returning back to work full time. On paper, I have all of my ducks in a row. We hired a great nanny who Max seems to adore, we hired a housekeeper to keep up with the cleaning, and while everything seems ready to go for me to return to work, I am a wreck. As I started adding up the amount of time I would be at work, I realized that I will be gone more than I'm home. Will Max forget that I am his mommy, and go to his nanny for comfort? Will he resent me for the amount time I'm gone? Then again 75% of mothers work full time. And what about all of the other things I have grown accustomed to doing while I am off, like running errands in the middle of the day, or going to the gym when my husband gets home from work, and god forbid a mani/pedi or spray tan, I can't fee like hell and look like hell! How do I fit it all in? I'm tired enough as it is at the end of the day taking care of a baby and a household, will I be able to manage it all? Can I be supermommy? I guess I'm just venting because honestly I think my husband and mother are sick of hearing me bitch about this. But if someone is reading this who works, has a kid, and does it all, I would love any advice. -Betsy

Me: So, are you a smoker?

Nanny: Oh no, I don't smoke cigarettes, but I do smoke marijuana

Me: Oh, really?!?

Nanny: Well, only at night because I have stomach issues, but it's ok, my doctor prescribed it.

****Note to any future nannies of the world- Don't tell your future employer that you do drugs, even if you do keep it a SECRET!!!****

I appreciate her honesty and I know quite a few people who regularly hit up the Ganj but I just don't know if it is something I would divulge five minutes into meeting somebody, call me square.

So the search continues...

This entry is gonna be very mom-centric. As a teacher I often write plans for a substitute if I am out of the classroom. I used this skill to create a daily schedule for anybody besides myself who is watching my child. My son is on a pretty regimented schedule, so I know when he is up in the morning, goes to bed at night, and all of the goings on in between. For us it works. There are some families that feel it is better for the child to let him decide the schedule and just roll with it. For anyone who as ever met me, rolling with it really ain't my thang. What works for you? Do you have a written schedule for your child's caregiver beside yourself or am I just nuts? I would love some feedback if anyone ever happens to read this.

Take Care,

Betsy

So for those of you who read this blog (my uncle, cousins, and brother) I'm back. I'm sure you all missed me dearly. The last time I blogged I was all amped up about blogging, and I was going to have this fabulous website that was witty and fun. And in typical Betsy style I got caught up in other things and the next thing you know it's 5 months later. Lately though, I realized that I need to have a little more follow through in life, (as I am so often gently reminded by my husband) so here I am. My goal is to blog at least once a week and maybe throw a picture up once in a while. Not that there is anyone reading this, but just in case, let me know what you like to read about in blogs. I would like to focus mine on the whole balancing act of being a mom, a friend, a daughter, a good wife. I also love trying new exercise and diet trends (if you only new how much $$$ I have spent on personal trainers, gym memberships, weight watchers, Jenny Craig, exercise DVD's, etc). Its hard managing everything life throws at us, and soon I will be back to work full time. We shall see how it goes. Talk to you soon! -Betsy

I love my husband very much, but sometimes we don't always agree on everything : ) The princess in me wanted to pack the baby, two dogs, and ourselves and cozy up at a hotel, but he was confident that the power would be on soon and it would be a waste. It was a very cold night! We awoke at six the next morning to no power, and did I mention that our roof had been leaking for two days. Awesome. Jeremy began to get ready for work in the dark as I attempted to feed Max, it was quite a scene (did I mention I hadn't showered since Tuesday). The roofers got to the house at seven and Max and I grabbed some toys and headed to grandma's.

I spent the day calling the power company hearing the automated message that the power wouldn't be back till 2pm, then it was 4pm, then 8pm. Once again, Jeremy was confident that the power would be back and we would be fine. The mama bear in me wasn't having it this time, so I told him he could sleep in the cold house, but we were staying put. He soon came to his senses, and we had a slumber party at the grandparents. (I got my shower there on Thursday in case you were worried).

Spending the night at your parent's house when you are married with child is very interesting. When you haven't lived at home for over ten years, it was oddly comforting to cozy up in the bed you slept in for so many years, and knowing that your mommy was just down the hall. I decided it would be a great opportunity to rummage through my old room. So while Jeremy showered I went through some drawers, and by the time he came out I was wearing a pair of basketball shorts from high school, and a Bart Simpson sleep shirt. It was quite a site. 

Thankfully Friday morning the power came back on, and we came home to clean up the mess. All in all it was a little stressful but no too harrowing. What I found though is how much your mindset changes when you have a little one. Its not about me anymore, and thats ok.

So, here we go! This is the life of a formerly adorable (hehe), full time employed, single lady, who is now a newly married stay at home mom, who sadly, isn't so adorable anymore. This blog is for all of you new mommies out there struggling with keeping your own identity and trying to balance hubby/baby/friends, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love my life and my little one, but as one of the first of my friends to have a baby, life has gotten a bit isolating. No more Friday night cocktail hours, or water cooler gossip for me. Its all about Handy Manny and joining playgroups. 

My little guy is just about six months old, and he is the love of my life (besides my husband of course). I have decided to take a year long leave of absence from my job to spend with Max. It's funny though, he keeps me so busy I don't know how I am going to be able to go back to work at all. To all those full time mommies, you have my utmost respect because I don't know how you do it! Anywho, as he gets older, our days have gotten much more predictable and by the grace of God he is sleeping through the night. So, now that I am getting some rest (but I don't think that anyone sleeps the same once they have a baby) I am ready to rock, and share my thoughts.

So, if for some reason you happen upon this blog, talk to me!

Betsy