As I get closer to this baby coming, I'm starting to get nervous about a few things (naturally!). One thing that has been on my mind lately has been the major change it is going to be to be a stay-at-home mom. I have worked full-time for the past 6 years, and went to school full-time for my whole life before that, so this will definitely be a big change for me. I guess it being summer and my job already being over, I can see how easy it might be to let yourself get a little lost. I've always had to work hard to stay busy during summer vacation so I don't get bored out of my mind. Luckily, Rob has had many summer breaks right along with me and we've been able to do some amazing traveling and spend a lot of our free time together. Unfortunately, this summer has been pretty busy for him so far (can't wait for his week off next week...and Congratulations to Rob for finishing his 3rd year of med school this week! One more to go, baby!). So I have had to entertain myself during the days. As you can see from my previous post, I am keeping myself busy with things for this baby. I have also kept myself busy cleaning the house, running errands and doing other "house-wife" type stuff. The problem is, that I really don't find any joy in this "house-wife" type stuff. So here is my big worry for when the baby comes....
How can I keep my sanity while taking care of this baby (the fun part) and keeping up with the house chores?
I don't want to become one of those people who's entire being and life revolves around being a mom. Don't get me wrong here...I know how important it is to be a mom and I'm very excited about that. And I also know that I will love being a mom. I just don't want to lose who I am as a person in the process. I know I have good qualities to offer the world other than just motherhood. Even before this baby comes I am trying to make sure I keep myself going, because I'm noticing how easy it is to use excuses, ie "I'm pregnant, so its okay if I sit around and do nothing, my body needs the rest." This is what I have come up with so far to keep my sanity:
1. Work out...I really hate doing this, but at least it keeps me active and moving. I know it helps mentally too, so I'm trying really hard to stick with it.
2. Shower, do my hair and makeup everyday. Even if I don't plan on leaving the house. I always feel better if I know I look and smell better.
3. Plan out things to do each day that I will look forward to. Today's plan was to go grocery shopping. Sounds kinds dull, but it got me out of the house, so I went with it enthusiastically.
4. Have non-baby projects to work on. Right now my non-baby project is working on making a cookbook that I have been trying to do for years now. The only problem is that the book-making software I'm using right now is not working so great, so it's causing quite a bit of frustration. Other things I plan to work on are organizing Rob's photography, finally making Rob's web site, learning how to take photos with the studio equipment myself, and digitizing old photos (I see a pattern here....)
5. Read a book. I just started this book called The Book Thief. I haven't really gotten into it very far yet, but it seems like it will be interesting. I'll let you know how it was when I finish it.
But I still want some more ideas for staying sane. I think it will be a lot harder once this little one gets here, so I want to have a plan now. So here is where I open it up to all you stay-at-home moms for help! What do you do to keep your sanity? How do you make sure you still have time and energy for yourself and your hubby?
