I’m a happy stay at home mom.

But just because I’m a “stay at home” doesn’t mean I don’t work, or really, “stay” at home. Rarely do I have a day where I manage to not touch the car keys (i.e. get in the car for errands, activites, etc).

I run the oldest to work every day, we go to parks, run errands, meet with friends, grocery shop, run to the bank, always watching for educational interests, dishes, laundry, vacuum, dust, pick up toys (constantly), manage the finances, administer first aid to owies, cook (or clean up after someone else cooks - my 13 yo is headed for great-chef-ness)… This week, I’m also administering tests to both my oldest girls for school. I should really sit down one day and compile a list of things I do.. I even scrub toilets and wash windows. Goodness, how many jobs are there in the SAHM field? Is there already a list out there?

I’ve never been criticized by family or friends for any choices I’ve made over the years. I haven’t always made the best choices either. Live and learn. I love being at home with the kids, homeschooling, and finding ways (often little, sadly) to add to the finances.

This morning, I read SAHM vs. Career Woman, by Truly Marsha. I like what she has to say about employing housewives… right on!

I also liked what one of the commenters, Rhonda, had to say… basically, be proud of what you choose to do and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I couldn’t agree more!

I am finally done. Today, June 9th, 2006, marks the last day of breastfeeding for Ry, 26 months old. He nursed this morning when he first woke up… and then we (I, specifically) were done. He wasn’t particularly happy about it, but all-in-all did really well.

I made a mental, flexible, plan to wean by his 2nd birthday, or close to it. Considering we really could have breastfed a couple more years, as many instictive parenting momma’s (and children) do, I’m feeling pretty good it only took us an extra 2 months.

This is the longest I have nursed my babies. Tege seemed to nurse a long time, at about 20 months or so. But, I was pregnant with Ry and my milk just dried up… Once that happened, it just hurt so much - he wasn’t getting anything anyway, so I remember it being easier to stop (though maybe my memory is deceptive). I really had no interest in tandem nursing anyway, per the suggestion of several friends saying how difficult it was. Of course, ymmv, as we all know.

I suppose I shouldn’t celebrate too much, as we haven’t made it through the night yet. We do still co-sleep, but I’ve really been prickly about night-nursing. Hopefully no issues to come.

KUDOS to all nursing mommas, however long you breastfeed, or breastfed. Feel free to comment your weaning woes and joys.

We are planning a trip to Disney World (postponed from our previous plans for this Oct, to likely next October - see Disney - Family Vacation for plans). I was curious where Ryland, our youngest boy, will be developmentally around that time - most specifically, about height and weight - thinking of rides and carseat vs. booster.. anyway, a quick google brought up a wikipedia page (I love wikipedia.org, btw) on Child Development. It gives information from infants through age 5. Provides a great list of physical, motor, cognitive, language, and social developments. It was fun to read. I see that both my boys are ahead on some things, behind on others and totally normal.

ignore.. I’m just testing. 

Our Rainbow Playset is getting good use, already this year.  And Ry has taken to swinging all by himself.  I have pictures.. I’ll post soon.

Headed to bed the other night and saw the boys semi-snuggled: