Thursday, February 10, 2011

STAY, sit, roll over

Becoming a stay at home Mom really has felt like a career change for me.  On Ben's first day of work, we joked that I was also starting my first day at a new career.  Sure, I'd been a mother for a little over 3 months, but during my maternity leave I usually had my mom or Ben around to help out; then there was some time back at work.

Now that we are all settled in Oshkosh and Ben leaves the house each morning in his suit and tie (I love it!) not to return until the late afternoon, now is when I actually feel like the career of motherhood has started.

Doing the dishes and laundry doesn't feel like a chore anymore -- one more thing to do on my long list of tasks.  Sure, there are days I wish a magic fairy would come and clean them up for me, but for the most part I'm starting to enjoy "keeping house."  On really rough days Ben is my magic fairy, and that helps me make it through to the weekend.    

I remember my college creative non-fiction writing course.  As with most English classes, I was a dominate personality in the room.  After grading our first set of essays, the teacher handed me back my "A" paper and simply said "I'd never had guessed you were a Sister Missionary."

"Why not?"  I inquired.

"You just don't strike me as the type to conform.  To the rules and the stereotypes I guess.  Your personality just didn't strike me as the type."

I took that as a huge compliment, and I knew that was exactly how she intended it.

Conforming to the rules, stereotypes, and demands of stay-at-home-mommyhood is a funny thing to me.  I'm sure it would surprise people (my mother included) to hear me say I enjoy my hours spent in the kitchen, cooking and cleaning.  But the joys of a stay at home mom are one that even the strongest of personalities can fall in love with.

6 comments:

Riki Lee said...

I love this post.

Claudia said...

Dear Lizzie,
You made my day. I have not laughed so hard for months!
I can just picture you running around in your curlers and bobby pins with a handkerchief in your hair, your 1950's dress and apron, a feather duster in one hand, pushing the vacuum with the other and a paste on smile on your face -- the next June Cleaver! I certainly hope you have the paper and Ben's slippers ready each night when he comes home.
Honey, I love you and am happy you are enjoying some conformity in your life. We both know it will not last forever, so savor the moment!!!
Love,
Pa

Claudia said...

Picture this. Your mother is sitting on the couch watching the news. Your father is at the computer laughing hysterically. Through the giggles he was able to read me your post and yes we both got quite the chuckle! My dear little Miss Suzie homemaker where are the actual photos of you in the kitchen cooking and cleaning? This is truly a kodak moment don't you think?! You did post a photo of homemakers from the past. Which one represents you? Too bad I threw away the book "The Art of Homemaking". You could have added that to your reading list. Though there was a reason I chucked it I am sure. Thanks for the post, thanks for taking good care of my baby for me! Love you Suzie! Mom

Claudia said...

Susie the Homemaker: YES.
Molly Mormon: Absolutely NOT.
Keep your identify my dear!
Love, Pa

P.S. I loved your "calling" story. That is classic. Enjoy the CTRs!!!
XOXOXOXOX

Unknown said...

I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying being a stay-at-home-mom. I hope I like it too. My last day of work is next Wednesday! I'm a little nervous about such a big change, becoming a mom and changing careers :) I hear it's a pretty good gig and rewarding even if the pay isn't so great.

Jodi Rae said...

Absolutely :). I like to consider myself a Maggie Mormon....not so Mollyish. Makes me feel better about not being able to do everything...like you may feel expected to do sometimes. Love your inspiration, and being a stay at home mommy is definitely a career! You make me laugh, and inspire me Liz!

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