Juan says "BAAAA!" - 12/24 - Our last few Disney hours. COMPLETE

[MRYPPNS]

Congrats Brook! Now let's get working on a baby girl to take to the new Fantasyland!!

 

[Dylan_&_Blake's_mom]

Congratulations about your decision. You will love being home with your little man. It was the best decision I ever made. Things can get pretty tight and sometimes I think I should be working but being home with your kids is priceless. They grow up WAY too fast. Can't wait to hear more.

 

[vladimir10]

You had me laughing at all your comments!! We have thought about this for a long time, and I even went back and forth myself a few times. But now the "quit" side has been winning for about 2 months solid. I was thrilled when Joe ran all the numbers over and over and each time he came back with the same result!

One of my co-workers was a Stay At Home Dad for 5 years - he said it was a great thing for him and his family.

I'll be sure to pass on the Congrats to Joe...

(Royal) We are Glad that (Roayal) We amuse you





Just kidding, couldn't help my self.

I think it is awesome you guys can do it. It is so hard to have someone else take care of you child. Now, here is a hint that may help sometimes.

If you can do it, whether it's a paid baby sitter or a relative watching your son, try to have a date night with the hubby once in a while. We have a babysitter that like to watch our son on Friday nights (amazing, I know), and it is nice to do it. Sometime, you (and Henry, too) need a break, maybe you need an 'adult' night or conversation. It is very important to do this. You guys need time too!


Awesome you can keep that yearly DW trip,too!!!

Love the TR, keep it up.

Thanks for sharing!!!!!

 

[KatMark]

Congratulations, Brooke. I'm very happy for you. I missed not being able to stay at home when my kids were young (I went back to work when each of them turned six months) as I had to work, but I was comforted by the fact that my dad retired and he took care of my kids for me...and what a great opportunity it was for them...they had a very special relationship with my dad/their grandfather. A lot of kids don't get to spend that kind of quality time with their grandparents. And since dad died, the kids appreciate all the time they spent with him even more.

I know that you will love staying home with your sweetie pie.

We leave tomorrow so I'll have to catch up on your report when I get back.

 

[PracPerfPatricia]

Oh my gosh...

I've been off the boards for a couple of days...and everything seems to happen at once...

Wow...not only are you back...I can't wait to read about your trip...you are already on 11 pages...---didn't you just get back---wow that went fast...

I'm thrilled for you that you are starting a new stage of your life-gosh that sounds all new agey...but you know what I mean...

Have to get some coffee for the ride along...

 

[Lady Lallie]

Congrats on your decision! I am so happy for you.

 

[SoonerGirl]

Some women can balance the art of being a Mom, a wife and having a career - I am just not one of them. I am often exhausted and frustrated and I feel like I am not successful in any area of my life.

This is me too! When I finally quit my job I was so stressed and miserable that we just didn't see another option. It was hard not working at first, I felt like I wasn't contributing enough, but as I got more comfortable with my new role, I began to love it.

Last year my old boss called me and they were so busy and behind that he practically begged me to come back. I did, I worked the hours that my boys were at school, figuring that they were old enough now that I could do that. WRONG!! They are involved in so much, and DH travels a lot for his job and is gone quite a bit, that I found myself getting overwhelmed again. I needed those few hours while the kids were in school to clean my house, do laundry, run errands, etc, because I didn't have time to do those things once they were home. Thankfully, they only needed me at work for about 9 months, and I was able to get back home - that little stint with working showed me that we made the right decision all those years ago, and being at home is where I belong.

Congratulations, Brook! I'm very happy for you!

 

[marieNJkitty]

Congrats on your decision to be a SAHM! I love being home with my kids! Sometimes it is challenging, but I wouldn't trade it. DS goes to preschool 1 day a week now and loves it. DD and I go shopping and play while he is in school. It is so great to be there for every step they take.

I love your reading your TR, can't wait to hear more!

 

[shebaxric]

Good for you Brooke! I am glad that you are doing what is best for yourself and your family. It takes a lot of strength and courage to do something like this, which is a testament to your character.
I didn't notice, but do do you have a job ticker??

 

[Gabrielsbigtrip]

I would love to be a SAHM!

Shoot - I'd be happy to be able to do part time!

I'd be able to keep the house clean, put a great meal together (maybe even a recipe from the Disney Cookbook) and be less stressed for my hubby and son.

I carry the insurance for us since my husband is self employed and it just isn't in our cards

I am so happy for you and I hope you love it!

 

[jenseib]

Wonderful decision. I stopped working after I had Claire it is wonderful. I had to work when my older two were yong and I missed so much.
I have just recently found some very part time online work that is very little pay, but I am making a few extra bucks a month now to give me some extra spending money, so I fel better about that ,but still have the freedom to do what I want with Claire.

 

[John's Mom]

Brook, congrats on your decision! You know what's best for you, Joe and Henry.

 

[wdwgirl03]

Congrats on your decision!

 

[thegreggersmom]

Good for you!

 

[mickeysmyboy]

Yipppeeee Brook!!! I know you were thinking about it!!!

Being able to stay home is such and great thing! You and Henry are going to have a blast together!!

I completely understand the done part. Before I left my job I was completely, totally done!! I couldn't stand another minute of it! The exhaustion and frustration, UGHGHGH!! Not to mention the Mommy guilt!!


You must be soooo excited and happy!!! I know I was!!! Good luck!!

 

[praisehisname]

Hi Brook! That's great news about leaving your job. You will *never* regret this time with your little man!

Denise

 

[claryche]

Congrats on being a future SAHM. Kids grow up so fast and I'm so happy that I have been able to be a SAHM. I really consider myself lucky and that being a SAHM is the best job in the world. I'm sure you are going to have tons of fun and will love it. Looking forward to the rest of your trip report.

 

[Lovemy3babes]

I have to admit I am a little jealous. I'm sort of the main breadwinner in our house so am a little stuck. Enjoy it! Go to the park lots! Snuggle your little man! Woo hoo!

 

[brookelizabeth]

Well, I plan on trying. I have a PTR, but have only put a few things in it. Hard to write things, I guess. I want to do a TR, maybe even do some live things. Gonna try!!!

Enjoying your TR so much!!!

Thanks for sharing!

A TR is MUCH easier to write than a PTR. A PTR can easily get lost...a TR you have the excitement and pictures! I don't know if I have your PTR in my list-o-subscriptions (that is massive and there is ZERO way I can actually keep up with any of it )...I'll check and subscribe if I don't already have it (I don't think I do...)! I would love some live info if you decide too-it's always fun. Even just a quick posting, "twitter style".

Exciting news!! I am sure you made the right decision for yourself and your family if you were feeling so tired with your job!

I think we have made the right decision - I truly feel lighter already from the mere thought of it. My entire team knows as of today and it's "public" news...I almost cried telling them, but I am excited too!

Congratulations Brook!! I'm glad you are at peace with your decsion!!! You knew the time had come and you made the move to a new part of your life! I will be praying for you during this time of transition!! You're happy and you can tell in your post that you know you made the right decision for your family!! YAY!

Thank you Jen for your encouragement and prayers!

Brook, that is absolutely fantastic news! I know you are going to adore being a stay-at-home mom!!!

I think I really will like it once I have a bit of a flow to my days. I've already started thinking about how to plan out my days. I'm excited to see some of my friends in town more often that do stay home, they already are planning play dates for our kids.

Congrats from another SAHM, this sounds like a great decision for you all

And if you manage to find time for blog-reading as well as dis-ing, just PM me for links to a whole lot of fantastic blogs full of ideas of new activities for you and Henry.

OOOOOH-I will be PMing you! I love to read blogs...I currently read a TON of them on couponing and learning how to stretch a buck. I will need some for activities once winter sets in for sure. Thank you!

That is so great that you are able to be a SAHM!! I've been at home since my daughter was born in 2006. I love it. I will be honest though, sometimes, especially in the winter it gets a little lonely. If you have a playgroup in your area, I suggest joining it.

It has been a blessing though to be with them every day and I don't regret it. Enjoy!!

I am nervous about the long winters here in Minnesota. I have several SAHMs in town here that I am friends with, but I know they won't always be available either. I am thinking about looking up if we have a local MOPs group, I've heard great things about those.

I think, like you said, some days will be hard and looooong, but the benefits will outweigh it all.

Congratulations, Brook!! That is fantastic!!

Good for you!!

Thank you!!!

Honestly.... I think you are smart for getting out now. I think when you are a working mom, there is a point of "No Return". That's the point when you can't quit, even if you really, really want and need to (for your mental health). You get really tired and one day turns into another. You buy more things and extend yourself more because you have some expendable income. That just gets you in deeper.

Can you tell I have had experience with this?????? Anyway, Congrats to you. Make you last few days of work really count!

I think you are very right. Joe and I have been making our budget tighter (taking my income completely out of the picture) and we both have thought "What have we been doing with all that extra money?" We eat it. We buy stuff. We do fun stuff. All great things-but man...

This morning I attended a Team Meeting and I'm already being assigned all these "last minute" type tasks! I have a very busy month ahead, but I hope to do a good job and leave the team in a better spot than they are today.

Love your TR so far Brooke. I have stayed at CSR twice and loved it both times. Henry is such a cutie pie! I wanted a red head so bad.

Congratulations on becoming a SAHM, I truly believe you won't regret it. Our babies grow so fast. That was my deciding factor. I never wanted to look back and wishe I hadn't missed out on anything, mine will be 3 in Nov, and I just don't know where the time has gone. Just like you guys, it meant money was going to be a bit tight, no multiple disney trips in a year, but we've never looked back. I do agree with the poster that said to find a play group in your area. Or if there is a mother's morning out program in your area those are wonderful too. Gives you just enough time to run errands sans the kiddo, and just enough time to miss them a bit
Anyway, congrats!

Now, on with your awesome TR!

~bree~

I am so glad to read these notes from other SAHMs, it's so encouraging!

I like that idea of the Mother's Morning Out - I've never heard of that one. It would be a good little "break" to run a few errands if I need to do something that requires both hands and some extra focus. I'll have to see if we have anything like that around here!

I am also going to try to do a few things online to make a few bucks here and there. I already belong to a few programs that help earn a few dollars, but will try to do those more aggressively. I've also started to become a Coupon Queen. Hopefully those will pay for little getaways throughout the year!

I'm a little late, but what exciting news!

Thank you!!

Congrats Brook! Now let's get working on a baby girl to take to the new Fantasyland!!

My Mom would be THRILLED to finally have a granddaughter! I can picture me and the little girl skipping through Fantasyland, her in a princess dress (of course!) and Joe and Henry over in Tomorrowland shooting up Zurg.

Congratulations about your decision. You will love being home with your little man. It was the best decision I ever made. Things can get pretty tight and sometimes I think I should be working but being home with your kids is priceless. They grow up WAY too fast. Can't wait to hear more.

Thank you! I agree-I think the sacrifice out of the wallet will be well worth it!

 

[brookelizabeth]

(Royal) We are Glad that (Roayal) We amuse you





Just kidding, couldn't help my self.

I think it is awesome you guys can do it. It is so hard to have someone else take care of you child. Now, here is a hint that may help sometimes.

If you can do it, whether it's a paid baby sitter or a relative watching your son, try to have a date night with the hubby once in a while. We have a babysitter that like to watch our son on Friday nights (amazing, I know), and it is nice to do it. Sometime, you (and Henry, too) need a break, maybe you need an 'adult' night or conversation. It is very important to do this. You guys need time too!


Awesome you can keep that yearly DW trip,too!!!

Love the TR, keep it up.

Thanks for sharing!!!!!

I sooooooooooo agree! We don't get NEARLY enough of that now - maybe once every few months. It's very difficult for both of us to sacrifice a Friday night because we hardly get to see Henry on a Friday then at all. But, with me staying home, I know it will be easier for me! And it IS so important. And Joe's Mom is always eager to watch him, so we'll probably be taking advantage of that more regularly. Our neighbor already said he would watch Henry sometime too-he's got three younger brothers, so he's got experience! We figured one night we could let him come over after Henry was in bed and we'd hit the movie theater and do a late night showing. The neighbor could sit in our basement and watch a movie, eat our food and drink our soda and get paid for it. But, it would provide Joe and I that nice time out too!