On Friday night Stephen, the boys, and I went out to dinner. We were talking about my career as a social worker and joking about how it was seriously on the back burner. As we talked, I realized that my real career was as a Mom/homemaker. I don't know why its taken me two years to realize this, but having been so focused on my career prior to kids and having LOVED the job I left to be a Mom, sometimes it is easy to lose sight of or minimize the importance of my role as Stephen and George's Mom. I realized as we talked that in the close to two years that I had worked in the home (and part time out of the home) I had not had a real day off. So I joked with Steve that I wanted a vacation day. My husband, who really is wonderful (I know it annoys me at times too), agreed and said it was time for me to take a day off and leave the boys. Shortly afterward, he said that if I got a day off then he got to do my year end review! Only if I get to write comments.
That got me to thinking about what I would do on my day off. Go to the movies alone? Lay in bed? Read the newspaper in bed? Hmm, oh the possibilities. As a Mom the things I miss most are having things that are my own, mostly my time. Now my biggest priority is my kids' needs. Having such little guys we are either on the go, or at home sleeping (with me cleaning, doing the laundry, preparing dinner), but of course the two rarely seem to be on the same sleep schedule during the day. So most of all I would just like to have time that's my own without strollers, groceries, dinner, meals, etc. The sad truth is I probably wont take a day unless my husband makes me and even if I did I would probably spend it missing my three boys!
Any suggestions on how I can spend my day alone? Have any of you had a day off? How have you spent your day?
Your day off should certainly include a night out in DC with Tierney and Emily! Tell us when!
ReplyDeleteEdie I can completely relate - I feel sometimes that I am not contributing because at the minute I'm not in a full-time, 9-to-5 job, but you're right - we're in a 24/7 job as Mom's. And it is the most important job. I have to regularly remind myself of that, too. So you're not alone!
ReplyDeleteI think you should spend your day at a spa - or at least go get a massage and a mani/pedi (there is NOTHING like having a little pampering done to make you feel completely refreshed), then follow it with dinner and/or a movie or night on the town with your girlfriends.
Definitely do it - you will feel so much better if you do! And seriously, what a great hubby for offering!
Elizabeth and I went for a night to Philly to see Madonna in concert, that was fun. I've also spent the night at a Spa hotel with Elizabeth (with kids the same age - we were anxious for a night out at the same time), we had a great dinner and drinks, we slept in, had breakfast, went shopping, and of course, enjoyed the Spa with Shiloh who met us for the afternoon. All fun times.... If you need a partner in crime within the next 6 weeks, I'm in.
ReplyDeleteI am work full time so I can't relate the same. Because I work 9-5 I feel like I am not with Chloe enough! I feel guilty going out for date nights (which are usually few and far between). I've honestly never had an entire day just for me. I think you should go to a spa or mani/pedi or somewhere to get pampered, or take a long bubble bath with a glass of wine and a book! You could go shopping in all of the non-stroller friendly stores! You are such an amazing mom - I hope you take this day, you totally deserve it!
ReplyDeleteYOu totally deserve a day off! And the only way to really get the whole day and do no cleaning etc? Get outta town!!!! Take your sis and go somewhere!!!! (I'd go but I you should go with someone who can drink champagne with you!)
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