Becoming a working mom is a HUGE transition that no woman can ever fully prepare herself for. Yes, we all know that our lives are about to change, yes, we know a full night’s sleep will become a thing of the past, and yes we know our bodies won’t be quite what they used to be for a while- however, the lifestyle that awaits a soon-to-be mother is much, much more complex than all these obvious changes.
As I entered the world of a working mom 6 weeks after the birth of my first, I hit the ground running. I also at the time chose to make a career move, and take on some new responsibilities at work. I knew I was crazy, but was sure that everything would work out as it usually does! Now that I have my first two weeks off after entering this “working mom” world, I am taking time to reflect on all the components in my life that help me not just get by in the everyday grind, but that allow me to enjoy this crazy life I live J I’ve decided it would be nice every once in a while to share what works for me, and hopefully look forward to advice and input from other working moms around me! Here are my thoughts so far:
First of all, putting a meal on the table becomes a little tricky with everything else you’re trying to balance. We’ve started to try and plan out meals ahead of time on Sundays, that way we can get all the groceries and plan out how leftovers can work. Obviously we can’t stay this organized every week, especially when we’ve been out of town for the weekend, but when we can, having a plan really makes the work week go smoothly. I’ve also realized that I need to rely on some easy throw together type of meals. Here are a couple we use as staples.
Chicken Primavera Pasta Dish- A mix of Chicken Breast, Whole Wheat Pasta Noodles, Broccoli, Mushrooms, and Tomatoes!
Ingredients:
1 Box of whole wheat pasta (I prefer penne noodles)
Bag of frozen Broccoli
1 large can of pre-cooked/ diced Chicken Breasts or 2 whole chicken breast cooked and diced
1 can of diced tomatoes with olive oil and garlic
1 can of diced mushrooms
1 jar of alfredo sauce of your choice
Begin by cooking the chicken breasts in a deeper skillet/ Add mushrooms and sauté with the chicken.
Boil noodles according to boxed directions and drain.
Meanwhile, in microwave safe dish, heat broccoli according to package directions.(I usually only use ½ the bag). Drain and add to chicken and mushrooms once chicken has cooked thoroughly.
Add the tomatoes to the chicken, mushrooms, and broccoli, and continue to cook over low to medium heat. Add the jar of alfredo sauce and let simmer.
Once sauce is heated through serve over the pasta noodles!! We like to eat this with a salad or garlic bread!
Tuna Roll Up Meal:
Ingredients:
Two Cans of Tuna, 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup, 1 can of French Fried Onions, Shredded Cheese, Wheat Tortilla Wraps
Preheat oven to 350
Spray an 8 x 8 casserole Dish
Mix together tuna (seasoned with Salt and Pepper), half the can of cream of mushroom, and half the can of French fried Onions, an half a cup of shredded cheese.
Fill six wraps with the mixture, roll up, and place side by side in greased dish
Take the leftover cream of mushroom soup, and stir in a little milk to thin it out/ Add another half a cup of shredded cheese, and pour over the top of the wraps.
Bake for thirty minutes, Add remaining French fried onions and extra cheese if you would like the last 5 minutes!
Something else I’ve realized during the last 6 months is to live in the moment. As cheesy and obvious as this sounds, I think a lot of us take time for granted. When you get back into the working world, it’s easy to get stuck on a routine schedule in which you find yourself rushing around and stressing about every last detail. You think, “Ok, he’s down for a nap, I should really go ahead and fold the laundry, or grade papers, or run to the store.” Or, you don’t answer a phone call from a friend because you’re trying to take care of things you “need” to get done. My advice is, answer the phone, turn the T.V. on, open up a good book, just do what makes you happy! Life is a little messy when you have kids and that’s ok. If you really have things you should get done, prioritize, and decide what really is important and what are you just being anal about- Spread your chores out through the week, and mark them off the list as you get them done!
My last “Ahhaa Moment” advice is:
Have a little Faith!
My relationship with God has definitely strengthened since becoming a mom, and I’ve realized more and more that I simply just need to have a little faith!
We all of a sudden have a little miracle placed in our hands and a natural reaction is to worry, and chomp at the bit about each and every little decision we make for this tiny person. Am I feeding him enough? Is he on a routine? Should I have tried to breast feed longer than I did? Did he just bump his head? Every day becomes a constant inner struggle in which you are questioning every move you make. After all, being in charge of someone else’s life is a HUGE responsibility. But I’ve found I have to remind myself, that God doesn’t give you anything you can’t handle. And he gave you a little one with full confidence knowing you can raise him or her, and do an excellent job doing so!
This verse from Proverbs is always a friendly reminder!
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3, 5-6
I chose to go back to work after having a baby, as it was financially a better decision for our family. This is something that I can’t regret or envy in other people who get to stay at home. Both are tough jobs, and I think in both circumstances women need to do their best to be at peace with what they do, and leave all the rest with God.
I’m finishing off this first post with a “Top Ten” Survival Guide for Parents of New Babies. It’s from a book I was given titled “The Happiest Baby on the Block,” by Harvey Karp M.D.
Except, I didn’t find them all too inspirational, so here’s my Top 7
1.) Trust Yourself. You are the Latest in the Unbroken Chain of the World’s Top Parents.
2.) Lower Your Expectations
3.) Accept all the Help You Can Get
4.) Get Your Priorities Straight- Should You Take a Break or Do the Dishes?
5.) Be Flexible: It’s much better to Bend Than to Snap
“ You just have to accept that some days you’re the pigeon, and some days you’re the statue.”
6.) Keep Your Sense of Humor
“The only normal families are the ones you don’t know very well…”
7.) Take care of your spouse, he or she just might come in handy some day!
To Dads- Appreciate Your Wife- The Great Goddess of Creation
To Moms- Appreciate Your Husband- The Man who Put the Us in Uterus!
