SAHM check-in 9/16

Meghan14

Hey girls!  I hope everyone is having a great week so far.

What were your successes this week?

What was your biggest challenge or struggle this week?

What helped save your sanity?

Topic for the week: (Stolen from someone last week, now I don't remember who, but thanks for the great idea!)  Do you have any long term plans in mind for staying home?  When, if ever, are you planning to return to work?  Will you plan to stay home once LO is in school?

GTKY: Let's talk movies!  Has anyone made it out to a movie?  Is there anything coming out soon you are excited for?  All time favorite?  Worst movie?

Feel free to bring up any other thoughts, feelings, or concerns you are having.  

 

Meghan14

What were your successes this week?

Continuing to use Meet-Up to meet moms.  I learned how to use H's food processor and I made baby food.  The processor is so much less scary than I thought it would be.

What was your biggest challenge or struggle this week?

LO has become very mobile, keeping him from touching things he shouldn't is overwhelming me.  We baby proofed the room he spends most of his time in and it's still not good enough... 

What helped save your sanity?

Knowing a baby jail has been ordered and will be here soon.

Topic for the week: Long term plans/ returning to work.

Ugh, I have no real idea.  There is a position I want involving curriculum and instructional coaching.  The district head of Social Studies asked for me to apply for it on another campus a few years back.  I got a second interview, but didn't end up with the job.  I hear the position will be open on my campus next year, so if it is, I think I'll apply.  I guess I should be getting on a daycare waiting list now just in case?  If that doesn't work out, I'm not sure.  We saved up so I can stay home until LO starts 1st grade if I want.  DH is encouraging this.  It'd make my life so much less stressful, but I'm really struggling with some identity issues.  I have no idea when to go back.  We're pretty sure we're one and done, so really I can go back whenever I feel ready.  (Where as if we were planning another I wouldn't go back in between).   I originally said Aug 2015, now I'm thinking maybe Aug 2016.  I'd love to just find something part time starting soon, but because of childcare it won't really work out. 

Ok, that was a very long ramble to say: I'm going back, I haven't decided when yet.

GTKY: Let's talk movies!  

I haven't been to a movie since LO arrived.  We tried to go when we were visiting my parents, but DH had already seen the only thing I was interested in.  But Netflix is my best friend.  I don't even know what's coming out.  I just put Grand Budapest Hotel on my DVD queue so I'm really excited for that!

All time favorite is probably Shawshank Redemption.

Worst: Phantom Menace.  DH loves Star Wars and I really enjoy the original 3.  But I hate Episode 1.  In fact, I've never watched it without falling asleep and I've tried 3 or 4 times.  I am sure I've seen worse movies, but this one comes to mind first, probably because I've been forced to see it multiple times. 

Feel free to bring up any other thoughts, feelings, or concerns you are having.  

I remembered what I wanted to talk about last week.  Just how hard it is for it to be "Back to School" and it doesn't involve me.  I'm really struggling here.  

 

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rexgirl06

Hooray! I love Tuesdays and reading up on you ladies!

@Meghan14- we tried doing home made baby food but in a blender. What kinds of things do you buy? Are you doing it to save money? If so, how do you shop for foods? We have saved a lot just feeding LO applesauce rather than the other options, same with mashing our own bananas. But the other things we’ve tried have come out about even if not a little extra pricer.

@Madisonpenny I’m so sorry about your freezer being unplugged! We don’t have a huge freezer stash but I can only imagine the horror of throwing out what should have been things that were saving you money or suppose to make your life easier. So glad you got out—and yay for shopping! I got a hair cut recently as well and just to sit and have someone pamper you for a bit feels great.

What were your successes this week?

Making plans. We have playgroup tomorrow, meeting up with a friend on Thursday and Friday my sister is coming for a bit. I’m getting a rec center membership that provides daycare as well so I’m excited to get out of the house a few days a week and work on getting back into shape.

What was your biggest challenge or struggle this week?

Really was bored/frustrated. Feeling feelings I worked hard to not let myself get to me over the summer while seeing my therapist. But we found things to do, got out and I was open to DH about my feelings during the day—which he thinks is most important. I am grateful he’s always checking in with me to make sure I’m doing okay.

What helped save your sanity?

Getting out. We got a treat at the university I used to work at and played at the park near by. It was a good way to kill an hour on a Friday when I’m ready for the weekend/DH to be home.

Topic for the week: (Stolen from someone last week, now I don't remember who, but thanks for the great idea!)  Do you have any long term plans in mind for staying home?  When, if ever, are you planning to return to work?  Will you plan to stay home once LO is in school?

I don’t really think we are on the “one and done” track but I can definitely say we won’t be adding to the family until LO is at least 2 or 3. Parenthood has just been a lot harder for us than we anticipated. Originally we talked about 4, capping 5. Now maybe 3 if #2 ever comes around and is an angel. I have a hard time seeing myself never working again, but I also want to be there for my kids. So eventually I’d like to do a part-time job when LO (&co possibly) are older. DH is okay with me volunteering or even working part time even if the money I make only covers child care. It’s something we plan to take on a month-to-month basis as I just became a SAHM last month. My plan is to stay at home with LO until his first birthday, then assess if I want to get out and volunteer or find a small job. (Sorry….that was long. I’ll be more concise in my other answers)

GTKY: Let's talk movies!  Has anyone made it out to a movie?  Is there anything coming out soon you are excited for?  All time favorite?  Worst movie?

We haven’t seen a movie together since baby. The last one we saw was the weekend before I unexpectedly was induced- Lego movie. It’s totally going under the tree this year.

I told DH I want to see the Giver….hasn’t happened yet but maybe soon. Now that MIL doesn’t watch the baby NEARLY as much, we don’t feel bad asking for date night babysitting.

All time favorite: Hitch. Saw it 2 weekends in a row when DH and I were dating. He kissed me in the theater. a few times during that movie. Still one I can watch over and over.

Worst: Prince of Persia…..I’m a pretty easy going movie person. It’s hard to go wrong but that movie was just awful.  

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Meghan14

@Madisonpenny : 1st ((HUGS)) as you continue to deal with everything.  Ugh! about the freezer, sounds like an excellent way to make a difficult time more stressful.   A shopping trip sounds nice.  I used to hate shopping too, but now I would take any reason to have alone time.  Plus my wardrobe could use some updating.  A deep cleaning of the house sounds great, wanna come do mine?  Good luck and I am sorry you are feeling behind on this project.  What type of business would you open?  

@maveroo : I glad you had help on the trip.  Guardians was the movie I wanted to see that DH saw without me.  (To be fair to him he's only seen 2 movies since LO arrived so I can't complain too much.)  I can't wait to see it on DVD.  I love A Few Good Men too.  (LO is crying, will finish you later)

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Meghan14

@Mevaroo (continued).  Please remind me what you do for your parents.  I find that you know ANY French pretty impressive.

@rexgirl06 : I'm not sure really what our motivation is.  DH really likes as much as possible of what we eat to be homemade (or restaurant made) as opposed to packaged.  I was hoping it would save some money and it was originally going to be H's project so I figured it why not.  I had bought the Gerber naturals and found the homemade to be slightly cheaper.  I noticed it tasted MUCH better though.  We'll see if this is still true after being frozen and defrosted. As we experiment more I think making my own will allow us to add some herbs/spices that may not be commercially available.  (I'll have to re-check the list of ok ones first though.)

So far I just bought frozen green beans and processed them with a little formula.  I bought fresh zucchini and squash.  These did not need any added liquid.  We've mashed our own bananas and avocado and done a little BLW as well. Next i think I'll do beets, sweet potatoes (possibly with and without chicken) and organic apples. 

I'm not sure why I felt so good about doing it myself, but I did.  Maybe because I'm not a kitchen person so I felt like it was a big accomplishment.  

The rec center membership sounds awesome!  And all your upcoming plans sound nice.  ((HUGS)) to you and your H sounds sweet for checking on you. I am sorry you guys are finding parenthood to be more difficult than expected.  I am right there with you on wanting to do part-time/ volunteering.   

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rexgirl06

BMBrinson said:

@rexgirl06‌ I want to see the Giver! I loved that book...I never realized it was series!

I've read the other books. Highly recommend them!  

shellbell3845

Hey, @Meghan14, thanks for running this again, and big (((hugs))) to you. 

What were your successes this week? Made it through my first full week in our new routine. Indulged myself a little with some reading time during some of LO's naps -- can't be all work all the time. 

What was your biggest challenge or struggle this week? Had another MOTN meltdown. I also struggled with getting back into my new routine. My Wednesday and Thursday evening job (church music) -- I have no prep time actually built in to my work schedule. It's all at home. Pre-LO, I just showed up early and got my stuff done. Now I need to do it at home, and it's hard to carve out that time. Also we had a big MIL issue. That zapped a ton of my time and so many feels. She's been so nasty to me (us) and then acts like she hasn't done anything wrong. 

Gah...this makes me sound like it was one challenge after another. It wasn't. It was a good week, guise. I promise. 

What helped save your sanity? Having my parents here for the weekend! They're so encouraging and helpful. They make me feel like I'm doing okay, and I love seeing them with LO.

Topic for the week: (Stolen from someone last week, now I don't remember who, but thanks for the great idea!)  Do you have any long term plans in mind for staying home?  When, if ever, are you planning to return to work?  Will you plan to stay home once LO is in school?

Well, FAHM mom here. I work two days a week and two evenings a week. Honestly? That's about all I ever see myself doing, unless something changes for us financially. I like having some days at home, and I think I'll like that even when my kids are in school. We are planning another, but not for a few years. My job decision is also based on the need in my field -- it sucks. It's incredibly hard to find a FT job, and I don't see it getting any easier anytime soon. 

If I was a real SAHM, I would probably definitely be planning some kind of return to work, at least PT. 

GTKY: Let's talk movies!  Has anyone made it out to a movie?  Is there anything coming out soon you are excited for?  All time favorite?  Worst movie?

I'm getting antsy to go see a movie. I want the movie, the alone time, the popcorn, and a giant icee! I don't even know what's coming out though. I almost went to see the 100 Foot Journey but ended up doing something else. 

I love cheesy chick flicks. I think I've seen The Holiday about 400 times. It's my go-to movie on a rainy day.

I don't know about a least fav. 

Feel free to bring up any other thoughts, feelings, or concerns you are having.

I do not always love having a mobile LO. I love that he is so interactive, but sometimes mama needs to check her email (the bump....) or pee and it's so freaking hard!

narcissticbeaut

What were your successes this week?

making it out alive. and getting LO on a much better sleep schedule and in his crib! (for the most part) YAY

What was your biggest challenge or struggle this week?

teething. and sleep training. i feel so defeated. but LO is falling asleep within 10mins now and not CIO as much so i guess thats great. I'm just tired. and trying to fit school in.

What helped save your sanity?

Play Dates!! I got to go to a friends on Saturday and she has 3 LOs and the two older ones just LOVED charly and couldn't stop playing with him. it was so great to see too since now he's crawling and sitting up he's able to interact with the older kids. he loved it.

Topic for the week: (Stolen from someone last week, now I don't remember who, but thanks for the great idea!)  Do you have any long term plans in mind for staying home?  When, if ever, are you planning to return to work?  Will you plan to stay home once LO is in school?

Ill find out in two weeks if i have to go back to work or not. I'm really sad. Im hoping things work out and i won't have to. My goal is to not have to go before he's a year. Id like that, but ill stay home longer if possible. I will eventually return to work though, i love working. and i miss social interaction a lot. 

GTKY: Let's talk movies!  Has anyone made it out to a movie?  Is there anything coming out soon you are excited for?  All time favorite?  Worst movie?

Oh i miss movies. we used to go every tuesday to the movies. And we haven't gone since the day before i had Charly. Theres so many movies I've missed!! Im hoping to go to the movies soon, but its doubtful. But as long as come Feb I get to go to the midnight opening of 50 Shades of Grey, ill be good  And Also CANNOT WAIT for the new star wars movies!!! I'm REALLY hoping they're better than the last attempts made by george lucas. ill be at the midnight showings dressed up thats for sure

Meghan14

@BMBrison : Good luck as things continue to move forward with the house.  Good job surviving the week, and if I haven't said it before I am super impressed with you ladies who are going to school while taking care of LOs.  I am also really into Disney movies.  

@paulheath : I am glad you got to spend time with your dad.  Was he help with LO while your husband was away?  Our baby jail arrived yesterday and LO love it.  It has toys on one side that he seems to enjoy.  Now I can go to the restroom (or take a quick bump break) without freaking out.  He really likes when I get in with him. What did you make last night?  I am sorry that you are struggling.  I hope you are able to figure out everything related to your house, the move, jobs. 

@Shellbell3845 : When I taught PT for a year, I had no planning time either.  It's tough to make the time at home.   I hope the adjustment goes a bit more smoothly this week.  I am sorry about MIL.  (HUGS)  Your parents sound awesome!  Mobile LO? Have I mentioned my love of babyjail enough yet?

@sjelwood : Good job getting out of the house and keeping things together.  I'm sorry yesterday was a shit show.  A new mom friend and I were just discussing some of the points you brought up.  She's planning/hoping to have 3 kids. Did it look better to a potential employer to go back between kids, but then she'd be job hopping a lot, but she won't have a huge employment gap.  Or to just take the one big gap so she didn't look flaky. She worked HR and didn't know which would be better. Ugh, it's hard.  Good luck with the decision.  And thank you for bringing up a very important question.   Ha- DH and I were just discussing our love for Tommy Boy this weekend.

Madelyn0713

Blah. This week has been brutal. DH is working around the clock so the few minutes I see him each day he's insanely exhausted and crabby. I'm over it. I can't even really get past that to think of any successes or anything.

Topic: I plan to stay home long term. Definitely while we are in Utah. If we move and something perfect comes along I would consider it.

GTKY: I haven't watched a movie in a theatre in like a year...I am excited about Gone Girl, though. And I plan to watch The Other Woman on demand when DH is OOT next week.

shellbell3845

@Madelyn0713‌ I was just thinking about you last night because I hadn't seen you around. (((Hugs))) mama. Sounds like you need them, and I wish we lived closer so I could bring you some cupcakes and comic relief.

Madelyn0713

Thanks @shellbell3845‌ I appreciate it. I've been lurking some but I've been pretty busy (and exhausted) and just haven't had a whole lot to contribute.

Meghan14

@JoyBaby5 : I'm glad you were able to enjoy your trip.  Helping DH with his businesses sounds like it would be a needed contribution as well as something that would allow you flexibility with LO.  I only saw Up once and I cried through a disturbing portion of it.  In fact, I'm tearing up right now.  I vowed that even though it was so sweet I would never watch it again. 

@narcassiticbeaut : Sorry about teething and sleep training ((HUGS)).  Yay for playdates!

@Jessasuarus2008 :  Sorry you are struggling a bit this week and about the cholesterol levels.  

@Madelyn0730 :  (((HUGS)))  Please remember we are here for you.

courtls22

What were your successes this week?  I just started staying home last Thursday.  I’m taking care of my cousin’s son Monday-Friday.  He is 3.5 months older than my LO (7 months old).  I’m officially 5 days in and have the boys napping together once during the day which has helped a ton.  It only lasts about 30 minutes but I run around like a mad woman getting things put together and myself lunch.  We’ve also eaten at home for every meal since Sunday which is a pretty big deal for us albeit small for others.

 

What was your biggest challenge or struggle this week? I’m definitely trying to get some type of schedule organized for the boys.  I feel like all I’m doing is cleaning the high chair because they end up using it a total of 6 times a day.  City-wide garage sales are coming up and I will be on the outlook for a cheap high chair to help with this problem.  When one is eating, the other is trying to attack the high chair for food so I think it would help in that aspect too.

What helped save your sanity? My DH has been a great help with things around the house (he always is) but it’s been extra nice for this transition period. 

 

Topic for the week: (Stolen from someone last week, now I don't remember who, but thanks for the great idea!)  Do you have any long term plans in mind for staying home?  When, if ever, are you planning to return to work?  Will you plan to stay home once LO is in school? I was just thinking about this.  We think we want 2 children, a 3^rd will be a discussion once we see how life with 2 plays out.  Once they are both in school, I plan to go back to work.  I will probably actually go back to school for awhile and then back to work.

 

GTKY: Let's talk movies!  Has anyone made it out to a movie?  Is there anything coming out soon you are excited for?  All time favorite?  Worst movie? I haven’t been to the movies since LO.  We had some HBO or  Starz channels last weekend for free and watched quite a few once LO went to bed which was nice.  My all time favorite movie is probably Little Miss Sunshine.  I wouldn’t necessarily say it was the worst but I have to admit I don’t really get the Anchorman thing.

I’m sorry for the novel, I apparently had a lot to say about my new scenario!

 

BB0214

What were your successes this week?

I didn't really feel successful this week. But LO continues to do well. She's on her routine.

What was your biggest challenge or struggle this week?
Dealing with my ILs. My MIL doesn't listen and she parades LO around like her accessory without any regard for LO's needs or her schedule.

What helped save your sanity?
Pumpkin beer. It's been rough. I've been going to therapy too, which has helped.

Topic for the week: (Stolen from someone last week, now I don't remember who, but thanks for the great idea!) Do you have any long term plans in mind for staying home? When, if ever, are you planning to return to work? Will you plan to stay home once LO is in school?

I am working my own business. I'll most likely be part time permanently until LO and any other kids we have are in school.

GTKY: Let's talk movies! Has anyone made it out to a movie? Is there anything coming out soon you are excited for? All time favorite? Worst movie?

We saw 22 Jumpstreet a few months ago. It was ok. Not as funny as 21 Jumpstreet. I really want to see The Giver. Not sure if there's anything coming out soon that would be worth a movie date.
My favorite movie of all time is When Harry Met Sally.
Any movie with Dwayne The Rock Johnson is bad.

Feel free to bring up any other thoughts, feelings, or concerns you are having.

Meghan14

@courtls22 :  Keep us posted on handling 2 babies.  I've been thinking of seeing if a friend would like to trade off sometime (I have both kids Tues, she has both Thurs or whatever).  But with them both still needing multiple naps a day this seems hard.  So I'm very interested in how this is working.  I think you are right that a 2nd high chair would make a big difference.   I really liked Little Miss Sunshine too!

@BB0214 :  I am sorry you are having problems dealing with MIL.  I'd like to say I'm surprised that she doesn't understand the need for a schedule, but my mother struggles with that whole concept too. Not so much with the parading around through, that would add extra annoyance to the situation.  If I made a top 5 favorites list When Harry Met Sally would definitely be on it.