Staying Home

I made the decision to give my notice at work and have been home full-time since June. I was extremely grateful for the opportunity I had to work; I was at a great firm, I worked with awesome people who were supportive of my wish to work at reduced hours as a mom, and I just really enjoyed working. But even on a part-time schedule, I didn't feel like I was home enough and I wanted to spend more time with Maddox.

To be honest, I was a little nervous about staying home, but I felt it was the right move for me and for our family during this stage of life. I thought if I had to err one way, I knew I wouldn't regret being home and spending this important time with my son. So we took the step of faith. I am really grateful we are in a position that we feel I can stay home. And after three months, I have found it to be even more fulfilling and rewarding than I expected. Maddox and I simply just have a lot of fun together! We get to learn and grow together every day, and we do a lot of cool stuff to make Scott jealous. Now we are working on convincing him to stay home with us too...

Don't get me wrong, not all of staying home (or being a mother in general) is pretty or easy, a lot of my work is repetitive, and Maddox rarely says thank you or great job mom. But I am so glad that I get to be the one to experience the daily victories and fun with Maddox. I am finding so much joy in this journey. I really enjoy being a mother and maximizing this time with my family.

When Scott's Grandpa Huntzinger passed away in May, we went down to Nevada for the funeral. Grandma Huntzinger said several times that she just had so much fun raising her kids. I think around that time is when it was really starting to sink in for me -- it is all about your perspective and attitude. If you want to be happy and have fun during this stage, then you will! You'll look for those opportunities, you'll recognize and emphasize the good, and little by little that will become your comprehensive experience. I have found that to be true so far in my case, and I am absolutely loving this adventure!



Here are some of the things we've been up to:

Maddox is really chill and easy to get out
with. He helps me choose healthy groceries...

Portland has a lot of great parks, and we've been out
discovering a new one every week.

Watching the NBA Finals together.

Baby story time at the library. Maddox plays well with the
other kids, and I love that we are within walking distance.

Portland Zoo. He was actually
more interested in people watching
than looking at the animals.

Maddox and I made a quick trip out
to the coast to spend time with family.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Sand dunes down by Florence, Oregon. It was a little windy...

Maddox and I catch up with
friends pretty often. We enjoyed
some gelato that day.

On another note, Scott earned a promotion last week. I am so grateful for a talented and supportive husband. He takes such good care of us. I am proud of you, love!