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My friend Stephanie just started a neighborhood mom’s group. I’m a mom (still weird for me to say), and therefore, I joined. Anyway, we were supposed to have a potluck picnic lunch today at a local park, but it was too cold, and so I hosted. Stephanie was the only one able to make it, and we had a great time catching up while the kids played, meaning her kids. Mine just sat there talking to the light fixture. 
The kiddos…
Lennon, Rex, and Summer
The Food…
The Dessert…
I wasn’t so sure how I would feel about being a stay-at-home mom. CD and I decided early on that if we ever had kids, I would stay at home with them. Before Summer came along, I pictured myself stuck in a filthy, toy cluttered house covered in play dough, finger paint, and spit-up. Ha, perhaps I’ll find myself in that scenario in a couple of years, but for now, I truly love being at home with Summer everyday. Those first couple of months were HARD. Her naps were short and all over the place and leaving the house was a huge challenge. However, now we’re figuring out our schedule, and I can actually get to places on time (huge accomplishment!). I do have to say that Summer is a very easy baby, and that probably makes a huge difference. I don’t know where I’m going with this, but thinking about today and the next few years just makes me so happy. I never expected to love being a mom this much. I highly recommend it.
{ 71 comments… read them below or add one }
My mom was a stay-at-home mom and I am eternally grateful for that. It was such a wonderful feeling to have my mom at home when I was sick from school, always pick me up from school and never have to take the bus, be around to have friends over whenever I wanted, take the time to make home cooked meals, listen to me chatter like crazy about my days, and be the chaperone on school field trips. It is the most wonderful gift you could give Summer. Although I did have some times in my teens when I got frustrated “always having her around,” I look back and know that I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Heather, I feel the same way. My mom worked, but she worked from home, and it was so nice having here there all the time, and I’m so grateful I’m able to do the same with Summer.
I am so glad that you are doing this. I had to work with my first to kids but when I had two more 8 years later that was the only request I had when we decided to have more kids. It was a sacrifice of not having the extra paycheck which was a fair amount but I would not change a thing. I love every minute most of the time..ha ha..the arguing sometimes is deafening. I missed so much the first time around. My mom also was home. She was always baking when I came home. She would take pie crust and roll it out and add cinnamon, nuts and sugar and roll it up and cut them into pinwheels and bake them. Oh my…I think I’m going to have to make some of those.
Heather I loved reading this. Jason and I have talked about me staying home when/if we have kids — and honestly I am so excited about it! I’m glad you are falling in love with your role as “mom”.
It has always been my dream to stay at home with kids. For real, I would rather stay at home and raise them than let anyone else do it!!!
Aw, I feel the same way about being a mom. I’m also so grateful that I am able to stay home with Meghan. It’s the greatest gift. You are totally glowing in that picture with Summer!
aww love that you’re loving being at home with Summer
And I hear ya on lent ! It’s starting to feel really loooonnnnggg
Play dates are such a great activity while doing the SAHM thing. The kids and the moms get some interaction and fun. Love play dates!
And it really is amazing how rewarding it can be to stay at home. I always wondered how I would manage it and while it was a huge adjustment at first, now I couldn’t imagine it any other way.
Such a sweet post. You’re a great mama!
aww beautiful beautiful – you are glowing and look at that little angel
XXXXXOOO this is making me feel like having kids ain’t a bad thing 
Nadia,
Not bad at all.
You are so cute. I love that last paragraph bc seriously .. I have the same fears about being a mom (but worse) I’m so happy you’re so happy. You glow in very pic since you were pregnant. Pure beauty
Thanks Nicole. Like I said before, there is nothing to fear…well, OK, the lack of sleep and the poopy diapers can be a bit intimidating, but I promise, it’s totally worth it!!!
How blessed <3
You know what Heather? You are SO beautiful, inside and out, and Summer is so lucky to have such an amazing momma like you
Oh gosh, thanks so much Emma!
It’s so awesome hearing other moms say how much they love staying at home with their babies. My in-laws are the opposite I think, constantly pushing me to put our kids in day-care and all that. I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Love the last pic of you and summer. Two beautiful ladies
I can’t imagine pushing my DILs to put the kids in day care. I loved being a stay at home mom and pray that our kids will all be able to have that luxury. It is a luxury and I understand that it isn’t possible for everyone, but if it is then stand your ground.
Heidi,
Really? I think it’s awesome you’re able to stay at home. I’m so grateful for the opportunity myself. We’re very fortunate!
Yes, we are so fortunate! I’m so glad my husband agrees that it’s a good thing if mom is able to stay home with her kids at least while they’re little. It may make things harder financially but it is so worth it.
I love this post, Heather! It takes me back to where I was with Skylar about 3 years ago. From birth to 6 mos, I thought I may die from sleep deprivation and colic and basically her being attached to me, but from 6-18 mos, being a SAHM was the BEST thing ever. I treasured every moment of it! And I remember the playdates and just savoring all those moments.
By the time she was 2ish and then closing in on 3, I felt the urge to go back to work a bit, and do something else and more, too. I got my wish…haha. B/c now I am working full, full, fulltime out of the house, but that’s ok too
Life cycles and I am glad you are loving the cycle you’re in now!!
“But thinking about that today makes me so happy”…:)
I love her brown suit! Wow, she is really looking more and more like you. And, oh my gosh – Stephanie’s kids are the cutest!
I agree with Averie – life cycles – just enjoy the moment and the next few years. I’m sure it might possibly change when she’s a teenager
You are such a great mom! Summer is so lucky to have you!
Wow, Summer is really growing up! I’m sure Summer loves having you home with her just as much as you enjoy it. I’m so thankful for my mom; she is my best friend!
Have a lovely day!
xox
I don’t normally comment, but Heather, you are GLOWING and just gorgeous! (You were before having Summer, too, but it’s just amplified even more now, I think!) You make me look forward to having kids of my own–thanks for sharing your stories
Thanks so much Lorie.
Aw, I (still) can’t get past how cute Summer is! I love her hairstyle!
Glad you are enjoying being a stay-at-home mom!
PS – Judging by the beautiful photos I’m guessing you have a new camera! Yay!
Teenage Taste,
Yes! Still need to learn how to use it. Today, just shot everything on auto setting. Can’t wait to play around with it more – thanks for noticing.
Awww, Summer is quite a compelling spokesbaby for motherhood!! She is ADORABLE!
Your lunch looks deeeeeeeeelicious! I love everything on your plate. Yum!
You look so lovely! Must be a Happy Mom Glow
Just have to say that it’s crazy refreshing and nice to hear that staying home with your little one is joyful; I feel like too often I only hear the negative side of that experience… Love those kiddo pictures — just want to pinch those adorable cheeks!
I LOVE being a stay-at-home mom with our almost 3 year-old daughter, and would not change it for the world. There is nothing like instilling the values you want your child to have while being at home with them everyday, not to mention the fact that your children will reap the benefits from a devoted mama’s love and dedication.
Thanks for sharing!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
That picture of you two is adorable. You look so happy! Your lunch date sounds fun and the food looks amazing! You are so lucky to have the option to stay home. Enjoy every second. P.S. Can’t wait for the pics of you covered in spit and play dooh…down the road of course
how fun
and you look gorgeous in that last photo – just glowing! 
this makes me so happy, Heather. It sounds like you guys are all setting into a good schedule, which is awesome!
I hope that whenever we start to have kids Nick has a job that will allow me to stay at home. There’s no way it could happen right now, but I’ve always wanted to be a stay at home mom so I hope that can happen someday!
Brandi,
I hope so too. I know you’re going to be an awesome mom someday.
When I try to imagine what my life will be like when I’m a mom (someday) it’s hard to even picture it! But at the same time I am positive its something I want, and I imagine if I can financially do it, I would prefer to stay home. How wonderful that you’ve essentially fallen in love with motherhood and you and Summer are falling into your routine!
Talking to the light fixture–haha! Too funny. It won’t be long now before she’s playing with the other kids! I’m glad that you are enjoying being a mom so much. It’s refreshing to hear about
Aww I love this post!
Heather, you and Summer are beautiful!
Oh, are those the little socks that look like shoes? I remember those on my babies . . . sniff, sniff. So cute.
Allison,
Yes, love those socks. Summer has never even worn a pair of shoes yet.
I just moved in with my 16-year-old sister and my 6 week nephew. I have to say, even though it’s strange to see a child taking care of a child, her resilience is SO much better than mine. Because she’s so young, she can deal with the sleep deprivation. Just today I was commenting on the way my nephew looks at her. He’ll just lay there and stare at her with nothing but pure love and adoration in his eyes. It’s actually a pretty beautiful thing to see. Makes me understand better just how rewarding motherhood can be
That’s so awesome
I desperately hope that I will be able to stay at home when we have kiddos!
you look beautiful in the photo at the bottom! summer is too precious for words! it’s wonderful you’ve found such a loving balance
My mom is a stay-at-home mom, and I am so grateful she is!
She is my example. 
LOVE this pic with Summer, Rex and Lennon. Can’t believe how BIG all the kiddos are getting! You and Steph are some of the best chefs I know in Nashville so I know that meal had to be scrumptious!
Wow. You have a beautiful baby! I love your blog. You are adjusting to motherhood so gracefully !
This is so wonderful to know~that being with your child all the time is truly a blessing despite the hardships.
And Summer is sooo adorable!!! she has the bluest biggest eyes! but you know what? I JUST noticed that your eyes are crazy blue!
There’s nothing wrong with that filthy, toy cluttered house covered in play dough, finger paint, and spit-up…is there?
I knew you’d be a natural.
Heather, your joy in that last photo just absolutely shines through. It’s utterly wonderful that this new part of your life feels so right! I can only hope for myself, that one day..!
Just wait a few months and the toy clutter will come… especially if there is a second HEABlet some day….
I’ve worked part time, full time and stayed home full time (which is my current situation). They all have their challenges, but I absolutely feel like home is where I am supposed to be for now. I love that our lives are busy but not stressful. I love getting to be the one watching my kids experience their days.
Attitude is key and it looks like you have an amazing one. Happy mothering to you!
Oh, man. Not that I needed any pushing, but seriously… you make me so excited to be a mom.
THe kids are so cute! And you make a great mom! We were so lucky and thankful that mom was a SAHM as well. Miss her
Being a Mom just seems to get better and better! My daughter is now 22 months and we are now having fun! Keep up the great and important work, its a FULL time job
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Aww, I love hearing you talk about motherhood! Makes me think I might (big might) actually have one of my own little play-doh lovin, finger paint covered, spitter upper!
You look beautiful in that pic Heather! You are absolutely glowing!
I made the decision to be at a stay at home mom (my girls are 13 & 15 now) and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done but I’m so glad I did because they are such good girls and I believe have really benefited from it.
all of that looks soo good!
Your love of mom-hood is so inspiring. I’ve always known I wanted to be a mother, but recently after spending some time around a charming almost-one-year-old I seriously started to rethink. Kids are SO exhausting!!! Ten minutes alone with him and I was ready to pass out. I know that sounds silly, and it probably just means I’m not ready yet (I’m only 21). But I feel like every mom I know says having children was the most meaningful thing in her life, and hearing it from you just reaffirms that
I just loved being home with my kids.. I wouldn’t trade a second of it. Playgroups were so much fun..
You are very lucky to have the opportunity to be a SAHM! So many women either elect not to do it, or are not financially able to. My Mom stayed home with my sister and me, and I dearly treasure my childhood memories that she created for us.
My fiance and I have already decided that he would be a SAHD, since I have the better job. I am just so glad that he will be able to take care of our children, rather than having to put them in daycare. Eventhough I would prefer to stay at home, I am content and comfortable know he will be at home with our children making the same kind of wonderful memories that I have
Enjoy, and have a great weekend!
When I read your thoughts about being a stay-at-home mom before Summer came along, I kept thinking, “That’s my fear too!” Granted, children are not in my near future, but my fiance and I have decided that I’ll be the one to stay home once we do have kids. I guess I can’t help but wonder what it’ll be like to give up the structure of working 40 hours weeks to the constant demands of being a mom.
It’s so wonderful to hear that you’re loving it and that picture of you and Summer is just so sweet
I’ve never commented before but have read and enjoyed your blog for a while. I too am a SAHM and had all the same doubts and fears as you did.Turns out, I LOVE IT so much too. Each day is something to treasure as we strengthen or bond. My son, who is just 2 weeks younger than Summer is named, Winter!
SCRAPBOOK that photo; it’s coming out at senior graduation for Summer’s picture slideshow. SO cute
Summer is getting so big!! You both look beautiful.
Big, Big AWWWWW to the kiddy pic! Adorable!!! Have a great day.
The picture of the kids is too precious, summer is growing so quickly!
xacty what a close of mine said too
and she looked like you, glowing with health 
What a beautiful baby! She looks so happy and healthy.
You’re doing a great job at this mom business for sure!
Whitney
You and Summer are adorable!
I never thought I wanted to be a stay at home Mom until all the recent excitement. With a baby on the way my life priorities have changed so much. Can’t wait to see how else our life changes once the baby actually arrives.
That photo of the 3 kids is one of the CUTEST pictures EVER!!!!!!
Awww, you’re gorgeous and just glowing!!! So glad you’re enjoying being home with Summer. What a lucky kid!