Mama Time

I spent a little over two hours completely child free last night! Boy, did I need that! Helen Erikson, dance ethnologist, is in Kalamazoo for four days of workshops and three nights of shows. And though I am so sad to be unable to attend the workshops (Twyla won't stand for a separation of that length), it was wonderful to be able to see a small bit of what is going on. We attended a presentation about Guedra, a trance-inducing dance practiced by women in the Sahara.

Actually, Scott and the kids came to the show with me, but prior to that, he took ALL THREE of them to Ronan's Ninjutsu class so I could meet up with a few of my girlfriends for tea and treats beforehand. It felt so good to be in my house alone for a little while. I put on some makeup without a baby trying to climb up my leg, and got in the car without putting little people in seats. When I got there and got out of the car with just my purse, I felt like I was forgetting something! I even turned around and looked in the car window to see if there was something left on the seat.

I really did need that. I can't even express how much I needed it. Anyone who's ever been a stay at home mom will understand. Mothering 24/7 is really hard work. It's not so much that you're always doing something- even though you are. It's more that everything falls on you. The feeding, diaper changing, teaching, entertaining, bathing, and on and on and on........... It can be overwhelmingly draining. Especially when you'd like to sleep comfortably and restfully every night, but find yourself spending a good deal of it with a baby attached to your breast.

Don't get me wrong- I'm not complaining. Not really. I know there are some women who would love to stay at home with their kids, but can't do it financially. I love to stay home. It is the most rewarding "career" I could possibly imagine. But the hours are long, the vacation time non-existent, and the pay is crap. : ) I just want people to realize how HARD it can be. We deserve respect and admiration for the work we do, but we seldom get it. So I'm giving myself a pat on the back, and one to any other full-time mothers who may be reading this. And I'm also thanking my husband for willingly giving me a much needed break. Thanks, Honey. That was actually pretty easy, huh?