Time for a change

Two weeks from today I will officially be a stay at home mom.  Yes, you read that right.  I officially gave my notice and am leaving my full-time job to be a full-time mom.  I have to be honest, I am not a huge fan of the term, "stay at home mom."  It just sounds so dated and not at all true to that role.  I am not sure what I would call it though.  SAHMs, what do you {we!} prefer to be called??

 

And if I'm really being honest {which I always try to be!}, I have to say, I'm a little nervous.  Actually, a lot nervous.  Don't get me wrong.  I am beyond thrilled for this extra time with the little man before the baby comes and ecstatic to be there for every little moment with the both of them come August.  I guess I'm just a little scared of losing my identity.  Gosh, how's that for revealing?  Is that selfish of me to say?  Again, please hear me loud and clear in saying I am oh so very grateful to be in a position to get to stay home {thank you to my hardworking hubs!}.  It's just that if you know me, you know I'm a worker.  I was always the one growing up that had three jobs each summer.  I've never not worked {forgive my double negative}.  I enjoy working and have always been very career-driven.  I was never the one to set out hoping to get married and have kids and stay home.  Yes, I wanted all that one day, but I always dreamed of my success first. 

Little did I know that "success" I was dreaming of would not come from being a wannabe Katie Couric or having a high paid job.  It seems the older I get, and more mature in my faith I am, I quickly recognize it's not about me.

I define success now by my relationship with the Lord, my marriage, my parenting and my relationship with others.  This is what truly matters.

 

I wholeheartedly believe that God has blessed me with this opportunity to be a mom and this is my season and my time to focus on that.

 

I do have to share that the most interesting thing I've found throughout preparing to leave my job for play dates and sippy cups is the reaction from various people.  Remember that scene from Sex and the City when all the girls are at brunch and Charlotte shares with them she is quitting her job at the gallery...

Let's just say I've received some similar reactions.  And oddly enough, I find myself feeling as though I have to justify my decision to these people.  I totally go into Charlotte mode rattling off all the things other than being a mom to George {as if that won't keep me fully occupied!} that I plan on doing to stay busy.  You should hear me going on and on about Junior League and church volunteer opportunities.  Luckily I have yet to claim I'm on the board for the pediatric children's wing at the hospital.  We've all seen the episode, yes?  The point is regardless of what anyone else thinks, whether they are thrilled for me {and there are plenty...didn't mean to discount all my supportive friends and family} or confused by my desire to want to stay home, it doesn't matter.  I am doing what I know is best for my family and me.  And you know what, {nerves and anxiety aside} I really am excited.  This is a new season for me, and I cannot wait to see what is in store.

 

One piece of advice I'm taking with me is from a friend's mom who shared it with her as she was preparing for the same transition.  She told her simply, "Stay interesting."  And that's just what I plan on doing.  Plus, who knows what may come from my time at home.  A new dream, a new venture or a new opportunity I have yet to even imagine.

But you know what, even if it is just dirty diapers and big messes, I'm okay with that.  Because being a mom to my little man and this babe on the way is truly better than any dream I ever could have imagined for myself.  I am so ready to just soak up each and every moment {even the poopy ones!}.

So, all you SAHMs out there...

Did you experience any of this?

Any advice?

Words of wisdom?