We hosted playgroup at our house today. Hosting playgroup really brings out the first grade teacher in me. My friend Allison said it best when she called my plans, "your school-like stations". It had actually occurred to me while I was setting up that I was in "teacher mode" getting everything prepped and organized for the playdoh, coloring, and reading stations.
Hosting playgroup was actually just what I needed to help pull me out of the funk I've been in lately. It allowed me to focus on planning, organizing, and preparing something besides breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plus, on top of the preparations, I was able to enjoy the company of some fantastic women. Even if we get only a dozen words in while refereeing the chaos, it is nice to have those words directed at someone who comprehends them.
I'm beginning to think I need to plan and do more things like playgroup with friends and fellow mommies because at it's worst staying at home is not too different than serving a sentence of solitary confinement. Adding to the problem is the fact that the lower my spirits go, the more I resist getting out and interacting with others. I tend to hunker down at home hoping the darkness will pass.
So, what I want to know is what do you do to keep yourself from going insane on the days that motherhood feels less like a blessing and more like a sentence?
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Hey Abby,
http://touchedphotography.zenfolio.com/ << go there... Linus' album is on it. Family/friends can order stuff thru that site if they want :-)
All professionally printed prints and product.s
I had a similar question myself recently. My current answer is to reach out to other mom's & see what they are up to - seems like we are all in the same boat :)
I found your blog through your sister-in-law, Chelsea. My son is 18 months old, so I really like reading about your and Linus's adventures. I figured I should bust out of lurking status and comment.
I recently (just today!) gave two weeks notice at my parttime job and am more than ready to return to SAHM status. When I need to break the monotony of staying home, I call up my mom, who happens to be my next door neighbor. I don't have many friends locally with children, so Mom and I have "playdates." We go grab some lunch, shop a little, and then take John someone kid orientated...the zoo, the park, etc.
That's so funny to read your thoughts on "solitary confinement" because that's how I feel about getting involved in my children's sports and school or -gasp- actually having a dinner party! It's the remedy, isn't it?
My husband asked the other day why I am so interested in blogging, what draws me to it, and I had to admit it was the interaction with other thinking human beings.
My children are older than yours and, thankfully, they have all learned to speak. But I remember those pre-verbal days. (We read LOTS of books, the kids and I, just to break the silence or to drown out the sound of me talking to myself...) ;)
Thanks for the post! -MM
Do you ever read Green Girl in Wisconsin? She gave a lovely reminder that the toddler years are a phase and that it does get easier. It was just what I needed to hear and I've been in the same funk myself. I so often get caught up in the "why does it have to be so hard," that I often miss the joy that is right in front of me.
MM,
You're right that blogging is an outlet and connection to the rest of the world. That is the main reason I've become addicted to it.
Susie,
I do read GGinW. I actually found her blog through you. I'll have to go over there and read that post. I need a little reminding.
Hannah,
Thanks for being a reader. I wish I were lucky enough to have my mom nearby. That is truly a blessing for you.
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