And he's off and running!

I came home one day from work last week to see my 10.5 month old walk to me. He's been cruising for a good month using just his finger to support himself as he moves along various household furniture to get where he wants to go, and then one day he just took off. He's still unsteady and has a record of about 10 steps in a row before falling, but I am so proud of my little dude, and let me tell you, he's proud of himself, too. That grin of his goes from ear to ear and he's just so happy and pleased with himself when he walks to where he wants to go... usually into mommy's arms.

He's also a little chatter box nowadays. What does he say? I have no idea, but he thinks the stories he's telling me are just the funniest in the world. If I were narrating his gibberish it probably sounds something like this... "You'll never guess what I did to Marley today. When she least expected it, I snuck up behind her and yanked out a fistful of hair, and then she gave me lots of kisses. Isn't that so funny mommy?" Or something like, "You'll never guess what I did to daddy. When he was changing me, I scooted out from underneath him and peed all over the floor. I am hilarious!" And finally, "I am going to wake you up at least four times tonight mommy. Just be prepared, because I know that the only way you'll come into my room is if I stand up and yell Ma over and over again. I am onto your games and I will win."

Summer time!

I cannot believe how quickly this summer has been flying by. Daddy Day Care has been going pretty well most days, but then there are mornings like today. As I was about to head out the door to go to work Matthew clung to my leg like static-cling and yelled and cried - wailed actually.  It broke my heart.  I'm just thankful he can't talk yet, because if he started yelling "don't go mommy," I don't think I would have made it today.

People say that leaving your child to go to work gets easier, and some days that is true, but then there are days like today and I sit here wondering what life would be like as a stay at home mom. I dream about it actually. I am envious of those who can feed their children every meal of the day, those that can take their children to the park or the zoo any day of the week. Those that can discipline their children when they do something they aren't supposed to do, and pick them up and kiss their boo boos when they fall. Yes, I do that when I get home at 6 p.m. until the time Matthew goes to bed and then wakes up at 2 or 3 a.m. and rock him until he falls asleep. But I feel like I still miss so much.

I am so thankful that Eric gets to stay home with him for weeks and months at a time, and there are days I really regret my choice to go to school for communications instead of teaching. (side note: I would have been a horrible teacher, and I give so much credit to those educators that make a difference in the lives of so many children.) But to stay home during the summer, to take family vacations without checking in at the office, and to get a little extra time with Matthew - ugh a girl can dream!

Now, this post is going to spur comments about how I should quit my job and be a stay at home mom, but it's not that simple my friends. Financially, we just can not do it, and let's face it, if I did stay at home, I'm sure I'd find a way to complain about never having a minute to myself, having to do all the cooking, cleaning and parenting - oh wait, I already complain about that! Life is life no matter which way you lead it. For now, I'll just be envious of the extra time daddy gets with Matthew, and I'll savor the hours and weekends that I do have with my baby boy.