My poser days are over

So, this is my last week as a poser stay at home mom. Poser because I knew it was always temporary. This was never a permanent thing...but I did want to spend some time with Emma before returning to work.

I have told myself over and over I will not be one of those moms who mourn over having to go back to work. I have been so blessed to be off for 8 months and quite a few months of pregnancy. Honestly, I can't complain. I have witnessed her meet many of her milestones that many moms maybe miss out on because they do have to go back to work. I think staying at home with Emma longer has definitely helped me become a better mother. Getting pregnant somewhat unexpectedly and not having an ounce of mothering skills in me at all I really needed time to bond with Emma. Not to mention battling more than my share of the baby blues after pregnancy, I really needed time to stay at home get myself together, learn about this whole "mothering" thing and situate myself in a new role as both a wife and mother. Having the time as allowed me to really enjoy motherhood more than I could ever have imagined. What I once thought I could never be is something I've learned I was destined to be all along. I applaud those mothers who manage to get it all together and go back to work six or eight weeks after labor.

We made the decision last week to enroll Emma in Ruckus House. The good thing about staying at home with Emma is that I have been able to provide her the 1-1 she has needed to meet many of her milestones. But, I haven't been able to provide her the social aspect a lot. I have tried to put her in as many social situations as possible - but you can only do so much. So, we decided she needed more time with her age appropriate peers. Ruckus House really shined when we did the tours of different childcare centers. They also provide a Christian basis for education. They teach their children prayers, verses, and bible stories. I really asked God to help us in this decision and I feel we have made the right decision.

I know this new chapter of Emma and our life is going to be quite different and full of great surprises; however, I am looking forward to it with great expectations. New beginnings for Emma and for us as parents.