Confessions of a stay at home mom (SAHM)

I always imagined that being a stay at home mom would allow me to do some of the things that I didn’t get to do while I was in the workforce. I pictured myself visiting different neighbourhoods throughout Toronto, walking around, discovering new stores and enjoying the fresh air or a nice cup of coffee.  That was all fine and dandy, until reality sank in.  I had Kyle and hardly had time to get to know my own neighborhood let alone visit other ones in Toronto.  Well, here’s a couple of other things I didn’t really expect to experience either, but I’m laying it all out so there’s no confusion about the realities of a stay at home mom (mine anyways).

• I wear the same clothes two days in a row if I know I wont be seeing the same people both days (my husband and son are exempt from this rule)
• I know the theme songs to 10 kid shows (and it’s not because I remember them from my childhood)
• I spend more time in the washroom than I really need too
• I let my 2-year-old get away with more than he should because I don’t want to have a bad day
• Many of my child’s activities include shopping
• I can’t DIY anything 😦
• I look forward to my phone blinking as it’s my way to communicate with the outside world
• I enter several online contests as a way to “contribute financially” to my family
• The iPad is my son’s best friend
• My favorite book to read is “magazines”
• My cleaning schedule depends on when we’re expecting guests
• I know kids love repetition but if I have to read the same book more than 10 nights straight I start to shake (and quickly hide that book)
• I don’t always make my son’s food from scratch
• I don’t buy organic
• I never wear sweatpants because I don’t want to fall into the stereotype
• I don’t always compost because the garbage is more accessible
• After 2 years as a SAHM, my cooking hasn’t improved
• Obtaining my MBA was a cinch compared to being a SAHM
• Even thought I can’t always describe in detail what I do all day long, I promise you I’m busy and exhausted by the time I put my son to bed
• I still prefer being a stay at home mom over working outside the home

If you’re a stay at home mom, what are some of the things that surprised you the most that you weren’t expecting to feel or experience?

Top 10 things a stay-at-home parent of a toddler can’t live without

My favourite part about New-Years is all of the countdowns and “top 10 / top 100” lists.  So here’s my top 10 list of things a stay-at-home parent of a Toddler can’t live without.

I would love to hear what tops your list for staying sane!

10. TV.  Specifically, Treehouse and Disney Junior.  Kyle’s current favourites are the Mickey Mouse Club, 4 square and roll play.  Both channels are also available on-demand :)*

9. Three-wheel stroller for walks outside in the snow during the LONG winter months.

8. Music to jam out to and dance to (instruments are an added fun). Kyle is currently perfecting the “knee-bend” dance and has surpassed his dad’s dancing ability.

Blog = Web Log?

As I was driving to dinner with the “girls” from my mom’s group, it hit me.  I want to start a blog.  Now, I’m not the type to freely weely go around and give advice, so the thought of writing a blog never seemed appealing.  I also never really thought I would have anything interesting to write about…( Great, I just lost half my readers).  I’m just your average Joe but without the English skills and wittiness that make blogs exciting to read.  I also tend to write like I talk which according to my high-school English teachers does not make for good writing.  (Just lost the other half – come back! I take it all back, I’m an amazing writer and studies show your life will improve if you read my blog!*) I also had to double check with the girls at dinner that it is in fact called a “blog” – which turns out actually stands for “Web Log” – who knew?  Needless to say, up until 24 hours ago, I never picked up blogging.