For me, I quit my job. I am no longer a chemical engineer, and when I introduce myself to someone at a party, there is really no need to mention this fact. I no longer have that, “Oh, really?!” response that I had vainly come to appreciate during my introductions to strangers. In some sense, I said good-bye to 16 years of preparation. Then there are those little every-day sacrifices like, not being able to take an un-interrupted shower, or go shopping without flying through a store and grabbing what you need while making funny faces to entertain your baby, or sitting and reading a book without having one eye following that special someone around the room, or going to a party without rushing home because you are worried the babysitter is about to pull her hair out…. All these things are what I consider sacrifices that I’ve made, in order to be the best mom I know how to be to someone that I love.
Now that I’ve thrown my pity party, I’d like to tell you that you really shouldn’t pity me at all. I thank God, that I get to serve the most amazing little person I’ve ever met. I thank God that I am not solving boring, complex engineering problems but teaching a mind that is dying to learn. I thank God that I have an excuse to not go to every party because there is someone who needs me at home. And at night, when I lay Pace down for bed, I thank God that I am able to be here, at home with her, knowing that I am giving her my best.
Abby,
I must comment and say that I felt a little tiny piece of that love that one night i stayed after Pace’s birthday and went to get her calm so you and Jeremiah could watch the movie and came back crying..haha i look back now and realize that i was crying because it was like i was literally holding a piece of heaven that was sent down to this earth to allow you to realize Gods love..God is good and is overflowing with love for His children..:)
Abby,
I think I finally got this thing figured out. Maybe I won’t have any more trouble posting a comment. She is so worth the sacrifice! I know you know that. Every time her little picture pops up, it makes me smile. That is a darlin picture with her little sunday shoes on. She looks like she’s saying see my shoes? You won’t regret a single day you stayed home. My friends with regrets are the ones who worked and sent them to daycare every day. They missed out on so much.
I came across your blog while “Googling” my own name (like a nerd!). So far, I’ve cried, laughed, experienced dancing goose-bumps down my arms and legs and have been reminded of the blessed life I also lead even if it doesn’t always turn out the way I want it to. For all of this I thank you. You are a tribute to your parents amazing child-rearing abilities as you have grown up to be quite an inspiration. Now I sit here, head cocked with a slight smile also thanking you for contributing more of YOU to the human race.