Homework

As of November 19, I officially became a stay-at-home mom. My supervisors and co-workers were very understanding and supportive, which has made the transition that much easier. But as I sit here with still-wet baby pee pee on my pant leg (literally, but why change again?), I realize, not for the first time, that "mommyhood" has not been as easy as I once thought it might be. I expected a challenge and I'd heard that being a full-time mom is "the hardest job in the world," but it has been more challenging than I envisioned. Rewarding, yes. But hard! Even so, I am immensely thankful and fully realize how blessed I am to have the option of staying home with my baby. Jeph and I have had to do a major budget overhaul and each agree to certain sacrifices to our previous "lifestyle," but we both know this is the right thing for our family at this time.

Just because I won't be going to an office Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm doesn't mean I won't be working. And I don't only mean that I'll be "working" to care for and raise my child. I plan to continue with my little side business of freelance writing, editing, and proofreading from home. So I won't only be a stay-at-home mom, I'll be a work-at-home mom, too. I've been slowly (very slowly...) growing this business for the last few years and hope that it will really take off this coming year. Our checkbook hopes the same thing! So here's my shameless plug: If you or someone you know needs writing, editing, or proofreading services, I'm your gal! www.WillYouProofThis.com

In baby-related news, Gwendoline is growing right before our very eyes! I mentioned to Jeph this morning that she looks wider and fuller than she did just yesterday. And she is *this close* to rolling over! She wants to sit up so bad and tries all the time (we call these "baby crunches," where she lifts her head and legs off the ground at the same time as if trying to peel herself off her back and into a sitting position), but doesn't have the upper body strength or balance quite yet. She had the most adorable attack of the giggles last Sunday as I was changing her diaper in the (parked) car. She was in my lap so I got a front row seat to the most precious laughs I have ever heard!

We're looking forward to Christmas as a family of three this year and all that means- decorating the tree, pictures with Santa, Christmas shopping for baby toys, driving around to look at lights, etc. Even though Gwendoline is still way too young to realize what's happening, her mom and dad are going to have a ton of seasonal fun, starting with Merry Main Street in Frisco tomorrow. Lots of posts to come!

How are we ever going to tell this child no?

"Helping" Mom fold the laundry

Someone ate too much Thanksgiving turkey...