Mommy Juice Anyone?!

Since moving to Kansas City, a mecca of stay-at-home moms, I've joined several mommy groups for the social interaction and play-dates. What I am shocked to learn is the number of moms whose coping mechanism is alcohol.  Now don't get me wrong, I am no saint. And I've certainly had a few drinks after a long and overwhelming day, and sometimes with other moms, but NOT on a regular basis. As a lover of food and wine, I consider myself the quintessential social drinker: a person that consumes a few drinks in social settings (or at least in the company of other people). But moms having a drink (or several) is common today, as they are combining happy hour with play-dates: wine paired with the whine.

Liquid therapy is an ever-present trend among parents, and while consuming alcohol to deal with the anxiety of childrearing may be something that has always existed but was never talked about, it is paving the way for Facebook groups like "Moms Who Need Wine" with over 700,000 members, to brands of wine like Mommy Juice, to books like "Naptime is the New Happy Hour." Parents are drinking as a means to cope and take the edge off of a stressful day with kids. But for many moms at home all day dealing with postpartum and the mundanity of parenthood, liquid therapy is putting more and more moms and their children at risk. At what point does "just one more drink" get out of control? There are no absolutes in drinking, yet the USDA defines moderate drinking as one drink per day for women. And what if you are breastfeeding? While the true effect of alcohol on nursing babies is uncertain, I would hope most women try to abstain, or at least wait to nurse for four hours after consuming alcohol.

Alcoholism is growing, and the genetics of alcohol usage is constantly discussed and debated. There are countless  organizations studying the effects of alcohol use on both the individual and family. And after reading about drinking moms as well as watching shows and experiencing first-hand the number of closet and/or binge drinkers postpartum, the dependence is frightening and not to be ignored. It's disturbing if we believe that this mood-altering activity isn't noticed by or affecting kids. Dr. Oz recently aired a show about the topic to build awareness and as an intervention for a mom who uses wine to cope with the day-to-day routine of mommyhood. The question posed to her was whether or not she considers herself a social drinker or alcoholic. She initially felt as though she is a social drinker, yet says that she has to drink every evening to blanket her emotions;  wine is soothing and helps her cope and sleep.  Realistically, there are countless categories of these moms, whether the moderate drinker to merely take off the edge, to the high-functioning wino, and even the moms that lost custody of their children because of their drinking and behavior. If you're a parent and drink to get through the day, I implore you to ask yourself a few questions.

1. Do you think you need to cut back on your drinking? 
2. Do you ever feel guilty or have you been made to feel guilty about your drinking?
3. Do you fail to meet your parenting responsibilities?
4. Have you had or do you have legal problems due to alcohol?
5. Do you continue to use despite negative consequences?

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, please reach out to someone for help. Your children are too important and both they and you deserve a wonderful life.

-OzzyMommy

What do you think? Share your thoughts with ozzy@ozzybaby.com or visit our website ozzybaby.com.

Parenting Is Like Basketball

After some of last night's tragic basketball losses in the Sweet 16 attributed (in my opinion) to horrible coaching, I was inspired to write about the not to sweet things that accompany raising an asshole, that is if you don't discipline your child. And while the joys of parenthood can certainly outweigh the cons, I write this because I've witnessed countless acts of terrible parenting such as the video referenced above.  Now as outsiders looking in, we don't always see potential underlying issues, behavioral problems, etc. that face parents. But I am not speaking to those exceptions. I am writing about the parents that reward bad behavior and wonder why their kid grows up to be useless, when all along they ignored or failed to punish behaviors like the child in the video.  The child you're raising and believe is so elite, is mimicking your poor behavior, while also not being disciplined for their actions. I relate the video to an instance where I held the door open with my foot for two women, while maneuvering my stroller out with my right hand and holding another child's hand in the left. I was shell shocked that two adult women would walk through the door I was struggling to prop open, with kids and stroller in tow, as opposed to assisting me. All I could think is that most asshole kids exist because of asshole parents!

Now you're probably wondering how I related basketball to this. Well just as some of the teams lost last night due to bad coaching, in the spirit of the NCAA Tournament and my responsibility not to raise an jerk, I leave you with an elite 8 lessons I learned in basketball, and how I believe they are life lessons to teach your little monster to avoid losing the game...of life.

• Parenthood (and basketball) takes a team to be successful. There's truth to the saying "It takes a village," because regardless of whether you're a single parent, married, etc., there will always be teachers, family, friends -- others -- around that will influence and contribute to the success or lack thereof your child. Make those relationships count.
• As parents (and in basketball) you must learn the basics and fundamentals to be successful. Although there is no perfect tell-all manual to raising children and the best learning experience is hands-on, in order to develop the skill needed, you have to be willing to equip yourself with knowledge via study, reading, speaking with others, etc. You must establish the needs of the life you brought into the world, and how to nurture your mini-me in attaining life goals. Your success is their success and vice verse.  
• Be prepared mentally and physically. We all have our ups and downs in life, and especially in raising kids because we don't have all the answers, and child-rearing is exhausting. That's why it's crucial to utilize all resources to find answers to your questions and concerns. Additionally, the demands of parenthood are 24/7, so one has to be mentally and physically tough. Exercise your body and mind. Physical exercise will do both in relieving and exerting stress, while building endurance, and energizing. Preparing both mental and physical is essential to winning in life. 
• Be alert and anticipate. In basketball, court vision is critical to winning games. Seeing both the man you're guarding and the ball allows a player to be active rather than reactive. The same goes for parenting. If you are alert about your child's feelings, needs, and wants, it will allow you to anticipate their needs and desires. Being closely involved and aware -- not necessarily overbearing and controlling -- are factors that can foster an amazing open relationship that sets the stage for achievement.
• If your style (game plan) is not working, re-adjust it, re-adjust it again, and again if need be. Parenthood is challenging, and if something isn't working, you have to change tactics until something works in order to be successful. 
• Never give up. You cannot win if you don't try. 
• We can't always win, but if you give it your best shot, and implement what you learn along the way, then you are victorious. 
• I leave you with the last of my elite 8 lessons which is a quote from no other than Rosie Perez, from the awesome basketball movie White Men Can't Jump! "Sometimes when you win, you really lose, and sometimes when you lose, you really win. And sometimes when you win or lose, you actually tie. And sometimes when you tie, you actually win or lose. Winning or losing is one organic mechanism from which one extracts what one needs." 

-OzzyMommy

Please send your comments to ozzy@ozzybaby.com and visit our website at ozzybaby.com

Baby in the Liquor Store: Bad Parenting?

LIFE'S A PARTY! 

As I walked into the liquor store with my daughter to grab a bottle of wine, I couldn't help but feel the guilt of being there with a toddler.  It was mostly the thought of people judging me as I entered, as though I'm buying her a keg. What will people say? Should I care? It's not as though I'm drinking and driving, tipsy or cracking open the bottle while my baby is with me and giving her free samples! Then why do I feel so uneasy?

I find the topic of bringing a baby in the liquor store interesting, because I've thought about it on many occasions as I shopped for a bottle of wine for a dinner host, get-togethers, and have also had the conversation with other parents in the same position. Is bringing a baby into a liquor store socially acceptable? Or is it tacky and unwelcome? I do it and have witnessed many parents do it as well. Then why do I cringe every time?

After talking to other parents as well as reading a great deal about drinking habits, I believe much of this topic revolves around our drinking culture, which of course is coupled with personal belief. Drinking culture refers to the habits and customs surrounding the consumption of alcohol. Practices vary cross-culturally from prohibition to indulgence, and although drinking varies from place to place, it is regulated everywhere, whether through government or fundamental themes of a society such as norms involving who can drink, when, where, how much, with whom and even why, that is, what causes one to drink? In many places around the world, it's customary to drink with family (children included), yet our morally charged society almost ties the relationship of the purchase of alcohol with its consumption, and it being something problematic and negative. And while this can be the case and given the increases in addiction and alcohol related issues within our society, I can't help but wonder why we have such issues in higher reported quantities than other countries, despite all of the laws in the United States surrounding alcohol. In addition, most liquor stores post a sign that reads "No one under 21 allowed to enter." Do they actually enforce this? No. But, I'll digress, and in returning to the topic at hand, think to myself, how many of the "judges" staring in dismay at me in the liquor store with my baby are hypocrites, and have in fact wanted to or have taken a child in the store with them? How many times have they gone to a restaurant and had a glass of wine or a cocktail with dinner, knowing they had to drive their family home? Many people judge. It's some people's hobby. But if they do something different than you, is it bad? I'm just speaking up about something many parents have experienced and thought about, and in my personal experience and opinion, I do not think running to the liquor store with baby in tow and sober is a problem or bad parenting.


What do you think? Email ozzy@ozzybaby.com or comment and share your experience at ozzybaby.com. We love to hear from you.

-OzzyMommy

Is Your Wife a Nag? Are YOU the Nag?

So my buddy called because he's at the end of his rope with his never satisfied wife. It's a dilemma I hear all too often, and I agree wholeheartedly with the guy, and similar situations. If your husband works 9+ hours a day and you're afforded the comforts of being a stay-at-home mom, you should cook (or learn to cook if you don't), and at least make an attempt to clean the house. As a stay-at-home mom, I understand that juggling household tasks is difficult with kid(s) in tow and I'm by no means a neat freak, but the effort -- or lack thereof -- is noticed by your partner, and can certainly kill the spark that would perhaps translate into romance.

My advice: discuss whether or not your partner should continue to be a stay-at-home parent if they're never satisfied, miserable, and/or not pulling their weight. Being a stay at home parent is a luxury, and for couples that transition from dual income to allow one to stay at home, there is added pressure on the bread winner to ensure that the risk of financial collapse is absent. On top of the financial pressure, now add the burden of your wife wanting you to "be more present" when home from work, because she wants someone to talk to and/or  so she can have a break from the kids. So what if the trade-off between allowing your wife or partner to be a stay-at-home parent isn't working for you anymore? What if you resent your wife for never being satisfied, but you can't say anything to her about it, because that turns into an all-out blowout? You're sick of coming home to a messy house. She doesn't cook, so instead of being able to come home and relax to a nice meal, you have to load up the kids and wife and drive to a restaurant where you spend two to three times what a home cooked meal costs, and you're irritated because the kids won't sit still and be quiet. Then, your wife wants you to manage the kids so she can have a break? I'm not perfect, but in a word, I find wives like this selfish. I refuse to be around them because they are cancerous to their marriage, family, and other relationships. Women like this need to get it together, or think about getting a job so that you're not as stressed, you quit annoying your partner, and quite frankly, you're supplementing your retail therapy sessions by bringing in an income.

I'm writing about this for the good men losing their voice at the hands of a nagging wife. It takes two for a relationship to fail, but ladies, all too often your never satisfied b!tch!ng and blaming, can wear a man down. Nagging wears down the entire family. In addition, it's rare to find articles that advocate for men, in the never-ending sea of women's magazines. Now, in all fairness, most women will have a bit of postpartum while others suffer a great deal from it. And every parent deals with birth and child rearing differently. That being said, many men cannot understand the stress associated with postpartum or being at home 24/7 with children. But he should also not be the punching bag for your frustrations when he gets home. I've spoken with countless girlfriends that complain the romance is gone and/or their spouse doesn't give them the quality time they want. Well, my answer is simple: if you're constantly unhappy and nagging and not pulling your weight as a housewife, perhaps he has no desire for quality time after arriving to a messy house without dinner on the table, and now he's supposed to watch the kid(s)? Of course there are some situations where the woman has just cause in her nagging, but I'm not talking about those cases! Overall, there is an inherent need and desire for a man to be that hero -- that knight in shining armor that saves the damsel in distress and takes care of the family. And while many households are dual-income, if your guy is pulling all the financial weight, and all you're doing is complaining while spending the hard-earned money, no wonder he rather work 6 days a week, or go to the bar or gym with his buddies after work. All I'm saying is reconsider and redirect your complaining into something productive and positive. The last thing someone wants to do after a long day is come home to nagging and screaming kids.

Taking care of a family is hard and requires patience, not only by the parent caring for the child, but as a couple in understanding each others' hurts, wants, and needs. For this, communication is key. I implore everyone in this situation, to talk to their partner so that you can reevaluate if being a stay-at-home parent is what's in the best interest of you, your partner, your relationship, and your family.

"A strong marriage rarely has two strong people at the same time. It is a husband and wife who take turns being strong for each other in the moments when the other feels weak." -Ashley Willis

-OzzyMommy

Please check out our website ozzybaby.com or email ozzy@ozzybaby.com.

March Madness Takes Balls

For moms, March Madness is the home full of spring-breakers, shuttling them from events and sleepovers, to preparing several meals, etc.  In addition, March Madness gives way to husbands and boyfriends wanting to take off work to sit on the couch and cheer on their favorite teams. According to several studies and sources, doctors treat the greatest number of men for vasectomy during March Madness. That’s right I said it...vasectomy!

Over the last few years, urologists report seeing an almost 50% increase in appointments around the time of March Madness. That takes balls! Vasectomy is a surgical procedure for males that prevents pregnancy, and involves severing, tying and sealing the vasa deferentia to prevent sperm from fertilizing eggs. You’re wondering why on earth there’s a correlation between March Madness and vasectomy? The procedure is a perfect excuse for men to recover, that is, lay guilt-free on the couch, binge eating, drinking, and watching basketball until their heart’s content. The procedure requires a consultation that cannot be performed same day as the snipping.  Following the consult, the procedure is scheduled and typically requires a 24 to 72 hour window of recovery since you’re immobile, just enough time to watch the tournament.

The trend of being able to get off work for this procedure is becoming so common, that urologists nationwide are starting to offer packages, no pun intended. Some New York, Iowa, New Orleans and Cape Cod clinics offer the March Madness special, which includes unlimited television and pizza, ice packs and a bell – doctor’s orders.  While I cringe at the thought of the procedure, I guess we can’t blame men for this responsible and brilliant ploy for binge watching, especially since it allows their recovery time to whiz by!

-Ozzy Mommy

Please feel free to email ozzy@ozzybaby.com and check out our website ozzybaby.com

Call of Doodie

One of the first and only things newborns do after entering this world aside from eat and sleep, is poop. They don’t have to give a crap about anything else! And as new parents adjust to the sounds, sights, and stench that come out of something so cute and tiny, over the next few months, there’s a lot of shifting that takes place.

As the transition from breastmilk to formula to solid food occurs, parents observe everything from milky colored liquid poo, to green chili-like and yellow mustard crap, to rabbit pellets. The shock and horror parents feel after seeing a diaper explode like a space craft blast off, is enough to throw in the towel. Parents try to avoid gagging as we are knocked back by the stink, and their cute smiling and carefree faces sit there nonchalantly, giggling in amusement. We rush to change the diaper before little fingers are covered in poo, and God forbid the fingers touch their face.  Needless to say, after all is said and done, the stories we reflect on are priceless.  The joys of parenthood certainly outweigh the hitches, and after reading – and laughing to no avail – some of the diaper changing mishaps shared with me, reaffirm my delight in parenthood. The following are some of my favorites. Enjoy.

“Last year for Mother’s Day, we were visiting my in-laws. After arriving at their home, I realized that I only had one diaper left for my 9 month old, and didn’t want to say anything because who wants to be judged? Lucky for me, I had a bunch of maxi pads that I was able to put into his diaper, changing them out as they were soiled. Needless to say, we left that evening and I still had an extra diaper to use!”      

-Resourceful Mom

“My 2 year old daughter loves raisins and I buy the mini Sun-Maid boxes so she stays busy, pulling each raisin out of the box, one-by-one. The other day my daughter was trying to get me to look at a raisin she was holding. As I was trying to do the laundry, I barely looked and simply said, “Yes honey. Eat it.”  She continued to babble, insisting I look at it. After a few minutes of persistence, I finally went over to inspect what was so special about this raisin. Turns out, a tiny turd fell out of her diaper! Thank God SHE was smart enough not to eat it even after I told her to!”

-Sylvia

“So my husband and I decided to hire a photographer for newborn photos. As my husband is holding the naked baby face down on his arm, junior has a poop explosion like a jet engine all over the front of my husband’s shirt. We had to reschedule the session given my husband didn’t bring another shirt! It was hilarious!”

-Kira

“Every parent has been disgusted to find the NASTIEST dirty diaper ever.  Last night, instead of feeding our son a nice balanced diet, I found out that my husband fed him an entire can of mandarin oranges and some fruit cocktail. I have nothing against fruit, but given the massive blowout “I” had to change, why would he do that?! When I asked him WHY he fed him the canned fruit, he was like, “He loves them….” well no $hi*!”

-Jennifer

If you have anything to share, please feel free to email ozzy@ozzybaby.com, or visit our website ozzybaby.com 

Reasons My Husband Is My Best Friend

Rarely do my husband and I argue, but when we do, it’s typically over something minor like a difference of opinion regarding controversial topics on television, or some previous miscommunication. After becoming emotional and overwhelmed the other day, I took my anger out on him, venting the frustration of sheer boredom with household tasks coupled with my joy of counting down his daily arrival from work. As I sobbed and he embraced me, I realized that we are in fact one; he is my one true friend. This may sound bizarre considering I was upset, but at the root of my emotion and being a new parent, despite having friends and people to call on for lunch, or play-dates, etc., I feel alone. As we sat down, we came to the realization that no one truly understands how parenthood changes the dynamic of outside friendships, once children are introduced into the mix. Other parents get it, but really, the only people that can relate to you, is your partner, because he or she is the one there as you cope.

It’s impossible for us to know what kind of parent and spouse we will become, until it happens. And parenthood can alter the way we are as spouses. I can wholeheartedly say that my husband Chris and I were close prior to the birth of our daughter, but since becoming parents, we are closer than ever. While neither of us are perfect parents, we’ve gained a greater sense of appreciation for each other’s role, and understand why first and foremost, we are such great friends.

1.      We praise each other. While we may not know 100%, what work the other does throughout the day, we know that each of us works very hard. Hard work should never go unnoticed. Saying thank you, good job, and or showing appreciation goes a long way. Also, as roles throughout society have reversed, changed, etc., acknowledging one’s contribution provides encouragement, boosts one’s self-esteem, and inspires our partners to do better. I once read books called Wild at Heart and Captivating by John & Stacy Eldredge. These books are interesting reads, as they break down the makeup of man and woman, their roles, and why at such a young age, women are revered as princesses waiting to be rescued by men, who are esteemed as the brave and handsome prince. Needless to say, these traits continue to be seen within society today, and should be fostered by couples. The goal in nurturing the makeup of each other is that it captures the very essence of our heart's desires. Women need to feel beautiful, wanted, taken care of, etc. Men want to be taken care of as well, but they also want to be the strong and courageous provider that people look to as the knight in shining armor. Too often couples see and focus on each other’s struggles. I challenge you today to avoid thinking about the struggles, and thank your special someone for their contribution “I know I haven’t told you lately, but I really appreciate you taking care of our family.” Or “You’re an amazing mom/dad.” Your words of encouragement will go a long way.

2.      We embrace and joke about each other’s flaws. We all have areas of improvement. When it comes to raising children, we could all use a few lessons, but everyone parents differently. Moms, if dad tries helping, try not to correct how he’s doing what he’s doing and vice versa. Be glad for the helping hand, and laugh with and not at each other about flaws. Allow your partner to help and don’t complain if they’re doing it wrong, because next time they won’t do it at all! I think to myself and laugh about Kevin Hart’s comedy show when he described what I’ve heard many men say about babysitting their children. “I don’t like watching my kids by myself. It’s too much pressure! No man does…I can tell you how every man in this room babysits their kids. We sit on the couch and just listen to make sure sh** doesn’t happen!”

As a mom, I found this hilarious, yet see its validity. I’ve spoken with countless moms who are at home all day with an overzealous baby, hubby arrives and sees the exhaustion all over your face, only to tell you to relax. You take a time-out and leave him with baby for ten minutes, only to find him overwhelmed by the time you get back! Why not hit him with the sarcasm?! BUT, next time you take a few minutes for yourself, make a conscious effort not to correct the other’s ability to be a parent. I assure you that your child will survive the short time the other watches them, regardless of how “wrong” you think they’re doing it! Appreciate each others’ efforts, and your contribution to this game we call life.

3.      Date. I cannot stress enough how many couples no longer spend quality time together, or don’t want to spend time with each other. If you don’t want to spend time with your significant other, then you’re in an unhealthy relationship and may as well call it quits. I understand that children, other commitments, and careers can get in the way. And it’s okay and healthy to spend time apart and with friends, and want the occasional alone time. However, not making time for each other creates a rift that over time gets bigger and bigger, and children see it. You want to foster a healthy environment for your children, and the reality is, what couple (happy or unhappy) wants to fight or basically live as roommates? Date nights, snuggling, sex, wine, food, and all of the joys of courtship brought you to this place of being a couple, and now parenthood. Regardless of your work schedule, how tired you are, etc., take the occasional time to listen to each other’s wants, compromise, and have date night. Dates don’t have to be expensive, especially with kids in the equation. It’s the thought. In my opinion, there’s nothing sexier than my husband telling me on the weekend that he’s on baby duty and I can sleep in, waking up, and he’s made breakfast. Take notes men, because that will go a LONG way! Women, most of us love flowers. But have you ever or when was the last time you sent flowers to your guy?! We all enjoy the little things. I challenge you today to consider the details within this blog.

Thanks again for reading, and please consider the ways you can make your significant other your best friend.

-Ozzy Mommy

Parents, share your stories – the joy and trials, and everything in between. I love hearing about the everyday outtakes from moms and dads. Send a message toozzy@ozzybaby.com. 

To Work, or Not to Work?

As a stay-at-home mom, the dilemma of whether or not to go back to work surfaces regularly. Do I return to work for selfish reasons i.e. because I want to interact with adults? Do I return to feel valued and important, that I am contributing to something more than poopie diapers; to maintain my sanity? Or do I get over it and deal with "mommy days" like every parent before me?

The truth of the matter is many stay-at-home parents struggle with this dilemma, and for every parent, coping is different. I tell myself, “Leslie. Get over it. You’re fortunate to have the luxury of being a stay-at-home mom, when so many others are forced to go back to work.” So why am I complaining?

I’ve gotten to know many that deal with this struggle. I read articles and talk first-hand with parents about the difficulties of being a new parent and staying at home all day. Your world changes, and for those who currently or previously (me included) had the notion that stay-at-home parents have it easy, that’s a lie! The first few months can be a piece of cake, since your baby sleeps 16 or more hours a day, doesn’t talk, and is merely an observer. Over the months, as their disposition matures and your child grows into a little person, your patience is tested, over, and over, and over again. You receive the child death stares and tantrums are thrown. You question if they understand what they’re doing, or better yet, do they understand that their behavior is not okay?! You can’t really punish them yet because they’re too young. Or can I?!! Then you wonder how long this stage of development lasts! The reality is that all of the little quirks and “issues” parents deal with at this stage and those to come, are what make us strong, and build the bonds known as family. Some day we look back and recount to others the horror we experienced, which in fact wasn’t as bad as we thought. As my daughter grows and learns each and every day, I’m finding new ways to work at being a better parent as opposed to focusing on if I should go back to work.

I realize that the boredom and stress of being a stay at home parent is mostly a pity party I throw myself. Rather than focusing on whether or not to go back to work, I’ve chosen to work on myself. Many of the reasons children get on our nerves is because they want attention. And while we can’t always give 100% of our undivided attention and frankly, there are times we just want to be left alone, the method that is working for me is 10 minute play breaks. Put together a list of activities your child loves, and engage with them a few times throughout the day, for 10 minutes or more, television and computer off, and put the cellphone away. Give your undivided attention. The joy that comes from just a few minutes a day is priceless, as is the peace of mind it supplies for a big chunk of your day.

To the stay at home parents that are bored, overwhelmed, and as a result, considering a return to the workforce: Why go back to work when there’s so much work to do on you? I challenge you to create a list of things your child loves to play, and set aside opportunities to bond. Or if you feel yourself getting overwhelmed throughout the day, go to your list and play. Why work, when you can play?!

- Leslie Osmond

Here are a few helpful links to engage with your kids and also promotes responsibility and healthy living.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY-H2WGThc8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vUs1ypeWhY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7K0FqOkG5c

First Mom Blog

The birth of a child -- considering they are little in stature -- is no small feat. As parents, we learn on the job, taking the good with the bad, and the bad to a seemingly endless state of exhaustion.  

I have decided to start a blog that will enable me to share my thoughts with parents who are or have experienced some of the same feelings. I wish I would've started this sooner, as there are so many learning experiences that I am sure I've forgotten; lessons that are invaluable to others. But given the time constraints as I type between naps, I will press on. 

I was inspired to create this blog as well as my website Ozzy Baby after having my daughter. My husband and I decided that I would leave corporate America to be a stay-at-home parent, once she was born. What began as a somewhat impromptu decision -- because surely staying at home with a baby is easier than working -- quickly taught me that parenting is not only one of the most difficult and frightening things, it is the most important job I have ever held. 

The first two days were exciting, as we held our precious bundle of joy. The amount of love you feel for something so precious, created by and for you cannot be described. You experience love for significant others, parents, friends, etc., but until you have a child, there is a never-ending love that is so embedded in your soul, that words do it no justice. Our daughter was what people consider an "easy" baby. She began sleeping through the night (roughly 6-8 hours) following the first two weeks. She latched on easily to nurse, and she's been a very happy baby over the months. Despite the joys of motherhood, and being full of love, somehow I've developed an emptiness...a feeling of lack of purpose.  Not working a job so-to-speak, and going from corporate America to dirty diapers, breast feeding and baby talk takes a toll on a career-oriented person. After joining a few stay at home mommy groups to quench my need for adult interaction, I'm finding that more and more stay at home parents feel the same way. We love our babies and we love the blessing of being afforded the opportunities to stay at home when so many parents require dual incomes, but how do we juggle our selfish need for "me time" and the desire to be heard, when as parents, we are doing all the listening to our family? Please share your thoughts.

-Leslie Osmond