The Big Debate

After a month of working, we're starting to get into a groove. Magnolia is sleeping a bit better so I'm at least getting 6 hours of sleep which does a world of good to my outlook and stamina. But while I know that Magnolia is in good hands, developing relationships with her Papa and Nana that most kids never get, I do get sad that I am missing out on precious days that are so fleeting. Once I'm at work it's not too bad -- time passes quickly as I work hard to prevent any take-home work. The hardest part for me is not the being gone, its the leaving.

Each morning as I get ready, my Munchkin crawls around, often finding her way over to me to pull on my pant legs, looking up at me with her big blue eyes, and reaching to be held. How could I not snuggle for just a few more minutes even if it means being a bit late or forgetting to put on all of my makeup? Then when I kiss her goodbye and pass her off, she wails in great distress doing all she can to follow me and for that moment I believe it must be easier to be a stay-at-home mom.

However.

This summer I found being a full-time mom exhausting. There were times when I craved a break or some mental simulation and even looked forward to going back to work -- a little. Then there was a week or so when I was getting ready for the school year while taking care of Magnolia. I don't know how moms do it, balancing a home business with taking care of their kids. I had a hard time, often ending the day frustrated and exhausted, unsure that I managed anything.

It seems like every where I go people are talking about the big debate and I don't feel like there is a clear winner. I am not talking about the Obama/McCain debate; I am talking about which is harder: to be a stay-at-home mom or a mom that leaves home to work. I think I've decided that either way is hard, because being a mom is hard.