I became a stay at home mom unintentionally. Throughout my entire pregnancy, I had my idea of what life would be like for myself. I was certain that after my son was born I would go back to work and continue my life as usual. When questions poured in from family and friends asking what my plans were, I robotically quoted the same response saying “I have work to do” along with x, y and z reasons why I needed the money.  But on November 1st, my entire life got turned upside down and when I laid eyes on my sweet son, I knew I couldn’t let him go.

That doesn’t sound like work at all!

So now I’m here. All day, every day at home with my baby. Life as a SAHM was drastically different than what I imagined. There is always something new I’m learning about my son and the topic of baby poop has never been more fascinating. I’m sleep deprived, fueled by coffee and have conversations with a four-month-old. I wear sweatpants, don’t get out much and my hair is in a bun by default. Even though I’ve given up so much of what made me a normal adult, I have never felt more happiness than being a mom. But since no one sees me anymore it’s like I’ve been wiped off planet Earth. Naturally, everyone is curious about what I’m doing with my life. When I say I’m a stay at home mom, many of them respond with exclamations like: “that doesn’t sound like work at all!”

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Dear stay at home mom, I see you

*sigh* I can’t blame them completely for not understanding how hard it is to do what I do, I’m basically a superhero in slippers. But for those mamas who are out there holding it down at home, I see you, and you are appreciated. For those who think being a stay at home mom is easy, let me tell you…

It takes work for someone to put someone else’s needs before your own.

It takes work to nurse someone else to health when you may be sick yourself.

It takes work to set aside your plans, dreams, and ambitions to see someone else achieve theirs.

It takes work getting up every day and try to have patience with someone who doesn’t quite understand the world yet.

It takes work to love, nurture and care for someone else; to become their safe place, their nurse, chauffeur and cook.

It takes work to provide for them the things that they need.

It takes work to love them through their rough days. Dealing with tantrums and team no nap children.

If you are a stay at home mom, know that you are doing the best work within your home. We could be raising the next generation of leaders, politicians and world changers of America. So no, you’re not just a stay at home mom- you dear friend, are so much more. I let comments like that pass me by. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.

Love,
Najah

Check out Najah’s blog here, where she writes about all things mama and baby. Najah has also written a book, called “The Mom Boss Organization Guide“, for other mamas who are feeling the pressures of juggling all that we do in a day and need a bit more clarity on how to stay on top of things. And be sure to check her and Isaiah out on Instagram!