Being a MOM

While sitting in the movie theater today with my children I was reflecting on the value of being a stay at home mom. We go to a kid friendly movie every Thursday, one of the many things we do together that we would not be able to do if I had made the choice to go back to work following Ethan's birth. I don't regret the choice I made though it would have made put us in a six figure income bracket at this point, but I would have missed so much, had to accept that my children were being raised by someone who did not have a vested interest in them, and Ethan may never have gotten close to the developmental point he is at today. Because I have chosen to stay at home with my children they have had precious one on one time with me, every day. They have gotten necessary rehabilitative services, not just once a week when they visited the Physical, Occupational, or Speech therapist but every day with a home program. I have been able to teach them many important life lessons, lessons that might not have been valued by them had I not been there to re-enforce them every day, and I am proud of who my children have become, and know that my sacrifice has been worth it. I am happy I chose to be a stay at home mom because it has been my hand that has let go of that chubby pre-toddler hand and let them take their first steps. My ears that heard their first words. My arms that have comforted when they have fallen. My clapping hands that have applauded their accomplishments....my words that they value when they need advice. I don't regret not having the money of a second income because the things I experience as a mother are of infinite value, to my children, and to us as parents. I am grateful for a husband who has the skills and ambition to be able to support us financially and keep me home with our children. I wish that more moms could be blessed with this experience as I believe it blesses our society to have parents and not day care workers guiding our children into the people they are meant to become. I am blessed to be able to be a MOM.