SAHM - need advice

JLKillion

Next Friday is my last day of work - I've resigned so that I can stay at home with DD.  I know my first order of business will be getting a routine (soft schedule) for DD, who is almost 9 months old. I've been reading Ferber and want to start that pretty quickly. I also want to make sure we have some kind of morning exercise. We just moved to Pflugerville, so I'm not sure what all there is to do up here (I am very familiar with Austin but I think the drive will be too far for most things).

What advice do you have for me? What do you wish you would've known? I'm a little nervous because my career has always been my identity.

rssnlvr

I love walking around Lake Pflugerville. It's a 5k trail and very pretty. It can get a little windy as the day goes on, so I usually tried to go earlier rather than later.

Congrats and good luck!

Fa1ryG0dm0ther

I'm in Pf, too.  I walk with the kids every morning.  If it's a good morning, we will even go walk around Lake Pf.  Old Settler's Park in RR isn't that far away either, and it's HUGE with plenty to do.

Get involved in some play groups - both for the socialization of DD and for your own sanity.

Set aside some time for yourself EVERY week, and make sure that your DH knows and understands how important that time is.  It could mean you get to take a bubble bath and read a book, go out with your girlfriends, crafting, or even go to the grocery store by yourself if you love to cook.

Find ways to continue to challenge yourself intellectually.  If you love logic problems, sudoku, reading, whatever, do it daily. 

Don't be afraid to ask for ideas or help when you need to.  It's a huge adjustment, and I was always very career driven.  I wouldn't change being home with mine while they're little for anything.  I have rough days, but in the end, I love that I get to see them grow, learn, and experience new things.

carlinlp

My advice would be to get up and get dressed every day. Or at least most. I'm always more productive if I'm not in my pj's.

fjaril

I lived in round rock and spent a majority of my time in austin I don't know your kiddo though

 I would find the local library and see if they have story time and go there. you'll meet other mom!

Little Austinite is a phenomenal resource! They have a directory section that is sorted by categories (even has a playgroup one now) They have a calendar of events also.

Getting dressed is a great thing. It'll make you feel better.

I don't know where you live exactly, but walking your neighborhood or a near by park would be great. There are also a ton of stroller striders or other mommy exercise  groups that involve the baby.

Good luck, don't get discouraged and enjoy!

erincutts

For me it was just realizing that this is what I am supposed to be doing. So simple but yet it was such an eye opener for me. When I came to that conclusion, I put all else aside and it was so freeing. I don't worry about what I used to do or what I will do when the day comes that I can go back to work. I just live now. 

 We are in Round Rock and all the parks around here are great and are close to pville. I also love Pfluger Park in Pflugerville. 

I think it's so important to get out.by.yourself. I didn't do this for the longest time and I wish I had started earlier. Also, have people over. Find couples with children that are in your area and have them over for dinner. I would find a moms group or someway to meet friends. I have met a lot of friends from my kiddos preschool and also through our church group. What has been the best for me is to find friends that I don't feel like I have to 'impress' that they can come over on a whim and I don't care if my kids are running around naked and my house is a disaster. 

If you need any recs for parks or other kiddo things to do in the area, you are welcome to email me at erin at purewonderphotography dot com and I'll give you a big ole list  

bluestreet

OP, you've already gotten really great advice (all of which I've dutifully noted for myself). I'm about to be in a similar position. I already have 2 kids, and I've worked the whole time and hugely identified as a working mom. I'm very nervous about making the transition.

One thing that has gotten me excited/inspired is reading mom blogs. I like to see pictures and read descriptions that cast a fun light on what might otherwise be seen as a totally banal routine. My personal favorite is "nat the fat rat", along with other Mormon mom blogs. Even though I totally cannot relate to Mormonism, I appreciate that the women seem to really embrace and value what they're doing (as pointed out by pp).  But Babble has a top 50 mom blogs every year, and there are lots to look through. GL!

ETA: I also love a lot of the blogs I find in the siggys of posters here on the board!

userdeleted

I do Stroller Strides three mornings per week. I love it - it's a great workout and I've made lots of friends too.

I would also look into joining a playgroup. Some of my best mom friends I met through the playgroup we've been going to since Leo was 6 weeks old. It's really great to get a chance to sit and relax while your kids play, and have adults to talk to. Sometimes it's the highlight of my week, lol! 

Between Stroller Strides, playgroup and running errands we have something going on almost every morning. It's nice to have a reason to get dressed and out of the house, plus it tires the kids out so they nap well. Afternoons tend to be more low key which is nice for all of us.

Noisemaker

I agree with what a lot of the pps have said.  Get out of the house and find adult interaction, through playgroups, stroller strides, library storytime, the kids' museum, whatever fits you best. 

I went back to work full time after my first, and have been home for the last year or so since my second was born.  The biggest obstacle for me with the switch has been loneliness.  It doesn't help that we just moved to Austin 6 months ago and I didn't know a soul here.  But even if I'd stayed where I was, my network and identity had been largely based on work, and being home is a whole new ballgame.  Overall I love being home, love the time I get with my kids, and have been thrilled with my decision.  But I definitely have to make an effort to find outlets for both me and the kids! 

Congrats on your decision.  I think you'll love it.  :-)

NJinAustin

thanks for this post and your answers. I'm a teacher, will be a "SAHM" for a few months while on summer vacation and really needed these tips as well.