Dabbling in SAHMing

So, this past week, my husband was out of town on a business trip so I took the week off work to spend more time with J. It made sense because a) I needed a break from work, b) I had been on a business trip the week before for 3 nights and felt I needed to spend more time with J., c) getting ready in the mornings when my husband is out of town is really tough, especially when we are on a 4-day (10-hour work day) work week, and d) I wanted to see what it would be like to be a Stay-at-Home-Mom.

The Good:

- Getting to spend more time with J., I really got to know more about him. Like that he thinks that bugs are gross and will say "booger" before he sticks his finger up his nose.

- We spent much of the week outside, which is where he is in his element. He had a blast (see pics below) playing with his water table, on his new slide (both were birthday presents from respective grandparents), sandbox, with bubbles, and in the pool.

- We tried new things, like fingerpainting, which he loved.

- We both caught up on much-needed sleep!

The Bad:

- Trying to stay on a routine is tough, especially when he refused to nap.

- There were times when we would have to stop what we were doing (even if I'd broke my back setting something up) because he wouldn't listen to me. Examples include running down to the fence by himself when the grass is too high and snakes might be down there when I'd tell him no, and standing on chairs when I'd tell him to stop.

- It's hard to take a break when a child demands your attention all of the time.

The Ugly:

- When J. gets angry, if I am holding him, he will slap me in the face. That's right. I said in the face. Yesterday, he slapped me so hard that it stung for a few minutes after. If I am not holding him, he will throw a full-on tantrum, which I am usually able to just ignore. When he pulls the slapping business, he gets time in the corner, which usually ends in tears, an apology, and a kiss.

All in all, it hasn't been the worst, but I don't think I will give up my day job just yet. I could happily become a SAHM in the event that I could still utilize reinforcements when necessary to keep me sane, such as my babysitter, mom, and MIL, but I have to give it to you women out there who do it with multiple kids, day in and day out with no extra help. God love you!