What is a mom?

A few really great friends have found out they are pregnant lately and it has caused them some anxiety about what kind of a mom they will be and although in the past I have blogged about different kinds of moms it made me really think about it. Honestly, I have determined there is no prototype for moms. A mom can be anything, come in any shape, size, or form. The only requirements are love and kindness. All moms are different and make all kinds of choices. I like that. I like the mom I have become and I relish every day of my new role.

Traveling with tots

Hubby and I went to visit some frends in a resort town we used to live in this weekend. We took the whole circus with us, boy, dog, you name it, it was in the car. BB (before Boy) road trips were common and frequent and fast. We would set land speed records, now, we poke along at a pace that at best could be described as leisurely at worst, I could walk faster than this! We learned this trip that in order to travel with tots, frequent car breaks and snacks are critical components. I look at this weekends 6 hours in the car to travel 230 miles as airplane practice. Our flight to the new location will be about 4 1/2 hours. Wish us luck!

And then, you think you are Britney Spears

About a month ago Boy developed some staining on his teeth. I began a slow decent into freak out mode. I researched online about the staining (which was gray) to ensure it wasn't tooth decay. Because, if it was tooth decay, I am clearly the worst mom in the world, the worst! I learned instead it was likely to be due to too much iron in his diet. Here is how my head worked with that information: too much iron because he was formula fed because we couldn't figure out breast feeding meaning I am the worst mom in the world, the worst I tell you! So, I made an appointment with a dentist. I hung up i the process when I pictured this little angel in a dentists chair and gave our doctor a ring. We had our appointment on Monday where I learned I am NOT the worst mom in the world, simply a good mom who had a child with an ear infection and the meds discolored his teeth. huh, a good mom? really? What a releif!

And then, they drive you bananas

Boy is having a tough time sleeping, still, 14 (effing) months later. He wakes in the night and we agreed long ago we are not cry-it-out people, but for crying out loud! Couple this with lack of interest in walking and I am about to be a Mom Gone Mad!

Boy is incredibly tall for his age (he is more than 34 inches!!) and like all 14-month-olds, he is wiggly and long and getting REALLY heavy! Since he won't walk and he wants to be held. I love holding him, but, when you hold him, he wants down. Honestly, this is getting silly!! I know I am not alone and I know I will regret being so frustrated by this phase of his life, but, I know hubby and I could REALLY use some rest as we get ready to move 3,000 miles away.

I know that it is going to get really hard for all of us for the next few months, but, I just want one more night of sleep, and MAYBE a walker...someday!!

Decision made

We are moving. If I get the offer tomorrow, I will work for the next 12-18 months for a new company and then take 2 years off as a family. Hubby will continue to stay at home. If the offer does not come or is insufficient, hubby will work for the next year and I will stay at home. We will then swap again. I am very much looking forward to getting my house on the market and getting back home. Everyone is thrilled about the decision! Thanks to all of you for your support and kind words. So excited about the rest of my life!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Hey there, just a note say hey and that I was back in the Midwest this week in an interview with an amazing company. I was impressed. Hubby and I are expecting offers by the middle of next week, meaning we should be making some key critical decisions in the coming week, and man, does my recycle bin shown it! Our options look like:

A.) Stay in our current location (very spendy market with no friends or family but gorgeous scenery and many lifestyle pursuits) but we expect the job offer to be a MAJOR increase in salary. Hubby would continue to stay at home
B.) Move to the Midwest (much cheaper market with lots of friends and family and no real lifestyle pursuits). The money would be a smidgen less than current Hubby would continue to stay at home.
C.) Hubby telecommutes from wherever, I stay home. We would likely make a slow move back to Midwest or cheaper western market that offers lifestyle pursuits, but no friends and family. The money would be less than current.

It will honestly be the toughest choice of our life. I have no idea what we should do, BTW, this is contingent on getting ALL the offers. Not getting all the offers would make this a lot easier, or harder...tough knowing.

What would you do???