Full-Time Parent

Full-time parent. That is what I have decided to call myself. Stay-at-home mom sounds a bit dated and I always hate saying it when people ask what I do for work. So, I just decided that I will now start saying that I am a full-time parent (or mom, or maybe stay-at-home parent, scratch that last one).

Paul laughed at me today because I told him that one thing I am looking forward to this pregnancy is not having to worry about going back to work. He laughed because I am "looking forward to not having to worry about something." But, if you know me then you know that I tend to worry about stuff, lots of stuff. I try to hide that I worry about Stuff (stuff with a capital letter) because it does seem ridiculous sometimes. So, when I realize that I won't have to worry about something I get pretty excited about it.

I also realized that while I was working full-time I thought that I was one of the only few moms that had to work. I came across blog after blog of moms not working and thought I was in the minority. Now that I am a full-time parent I realize I am more in the minority now. Most of the women I know personally, and through other means, are full or part-time working moms. I now know how lucky I am that Paul made it possible for me to stay at home with Ella, and how lucky I will be that I will not have to worry about going back to work after this pregnancy.

Yes, we made a lot of sacrifices money-wise. Worth it though, I must say. We have been lucky enough that we can even make those type of sacrifices. Looking back I realize how much spending money I had when working full-time, but I also realize that I spent it on stuff I did not need, I never saved it, it was gone by the time the next paycheck rolled around. Now, with our limited budget for the most part I don't miss having that extra money. Besides I have many other things in my life that I get to enjoy which very much outweighs having extra spending money. Money doesn't buy happiness, I am proof right here.