Let's learn a little something about each other....Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? Do you like your job? What did you do before this?

I'm a SAHM. Our daughter Alexia is 20 1/2 mos. old and I left my job of 7 yrs. as an executive assistant to be a SAHM. This decision was made even before Alexia was even thought of. My mother stayed home with her children (4 girls all close in age), and we wanted the same thing for us...for me to be able to stay home and take care of our child/ren. I always said to myself....if my mother did it with 4 kids I can certainly do it with one (or two!) :lol: It's not the easiest job in the world juggling your child, chores, errands & everything else that comes with it, but I'll tell you one thing....it's so rewarding....I really do love it & I feel very fortunate that I'm able to stay at home with Alexia! There isn't a job out there that I would trade for mine! :)

How about you?

I am a SAHM. I was a teacher for four years before. I have always wanted to SAHM and feel quite lucky that I am able. It is very rewarding and I enjoy it.
ALthough, to be honest..I am having issues not working. I don't really miss teaching but I miss adult interaction. I am a very social person and not communicating with various adults everyday is driving me insane. I have a playgroup that I attend but, again, that is "baby related" I am CRAVING a girls night out right now.....

That being said, I wouldn't change my "job" for the world. :)

but I miss adult interaction. I am a very social person and not communicating with various adults everyday is driving me insane. I have a playgroup that I attend but, again, that is "baby related" I am CRAVING a girls night out right now.....Hi Tara! :wavey: I know what you mean. I think we all have felt like this at one time or another! That's when we hit up someone to watch Alexia & try to go out alone or with a bunch of friends! We all need to do that every now and then...that's for sure! :)

I'm Jill :wavey: and I'm a SAHM also. I used to work as an editor of a large college catalog (I was the "assistant" but I did most of the work :rolleyes: ). I made the decision a LONG time ago to be a SAHM...like you, Dawn, it was before Kayleigh was even a thought! And before we were even married, my DH agreed that I would be a SAHM when we had kids. :aok: Both of our moms were SAH and I think it's sooo important.

My best friend's mom was the typical career woman (she was the director of the local United Way) and I saw how my bf suffered because of it. She came over my house all the time, her mom was never around, and she has major insecurity/lack-of-attention issues, even now, when we're in our late 20s! Seeing that only solidified my reasons for wanting to be a SAHM. I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

I also suffer for lack of interaction. I don't have ANY family around here (we live in FL where DH's family lives, but they're still 1.75 hours away) and all of my "friends" are younger and either aren't married or they don't have kids. So I rarely, if ever, see them. :rolleyes: I wish I belonged to a playgroup, but I'm also anti-social, so I can't seem to get around to finding one! :lol: But I do think that the older Kayleigh gets, the more she needs socialization, and I don't think I'm really giving her that. :(

I am hoping to meet my new next-door neighbor, though....I think she has a little boy who's about 2 years old! :aok:

I'm Brandi, I'm a SAHM too! I have a degree in elementary ed, but decided after a couple years of teaching, that public school just wasn't what I wanted to do with my life...so...I became the assisstant director of a child care center. I loved my job, but always wanted to SAH when I had children. It also didn't make any sense to me to pay(as in childcare costs) to take care of my own child. So, when I found out Riley was coming, I quit. I have not regretted my decision yet.
I'm pretty anti-social so I don't get out and do the playgroup thing, but my best friend, IRL, is also a SAHM now too. So I'm going to be getting a little more adult interaction on a daily basis due to that. :yippee:

I'm Mandi and a SAHM to my 2 girls, Micayla (20 months) and Melayna (5 months). I love it! Well most days I do. :lol:

Before becoming a SAHM I was a Director of Ticketing Operations (fancy title :lol: ) for a AAA baseball team. I also worked part time for the City at the Convention Center. I loved my jobs but it wouldn't have been worth it to stay. The hours were very long (on game weeks I could work 80 hours) and I wouldn't want to be away from them that long. Plus bf'ing wouldn't have worked that way I don't think. I'm more than happy with my decision to become a SAHM.

I'm a SAHM. It wasn't really a decision that we made, but we fell into the catagory of people that it just didn't pay for me to work. I'm looking for a job now, something a different shift from DH so that we don't have to pay for daycare. I have an interview this afternoon, but if it doesn't work out, the job search is over til the next baby is born.

I do love being a SAHM though! I love watching Cody develop and learn, and everyday is so much fun. I do miss the adult interaction, and I did enjoy earning my own paycheck.

I'm a SAHM! Before that I worked in A/P for about 10 years. I don't miss my job, but miss the friends I made while working. I have a couple of playgroups that I go to, and I walk 3 days a week with a fellow UBer and another local mom.

Tara.....You know I'm only a couple of hours away! When are you coming back to town?? Ben's party is on Saturday! ;)

I am a SAHM to Cameron and we are expecting baby #2 in May. I lost my job when I was pregnant with Cam, so that kind of forced me to be a SAHM. I tried working 3rd shift for a little bit, but it was way to difficult and just not worth it. So, now I am SAH again. I am hoping to return to college in the fall and finish my nursing degree. After that I will work the evening shift and my DH would work the day shift.

~Kate

I'm a SAHM as well...although I am working towards my master's degree through an online university. Before I became a SAHM, I worked as a toddler and preschool teacher. :)

I am going to be a SAHM, but I am also studying full time! :)

I'm a SAHM too, I never really thought about what I would do after I had kids, but at the time it wasn't really afforable for us to pay for daycare just so I could work.

I am going to school full time for a degree in Criminal Justice, but next Tuesday is the end of the semester and I'm not sure when I'm going back as I don't know if we can afford daycare for 2 kids and I'd like to just stay at home with baby #2 until he or she is at least 1.

I'm a SAHM. I always knew I'd do it if we could afford it as to me, that's the most important thing to do when your child is young. You only get this time once. I love it. I dont' miss working one bit and count my blessings everyday I can stay home (especially at Christmas since I worked in retail).

I am a SAHM and a student. I LOVE it! :)

I'm a SAHM. I quit work shortly before my DD was born in December 2001. Like some of you, DH and I had decided before we were even married that I would stay home when we had children. I wouldn't trade it for anything. I honestly can't imagine doing everything I do AND working full time. Financially, it wouldn't make sense anyway. With 2 kids, I would actually LOSE money by putting them in day care.

I do miss the interaction I had while working though. I miss seeing the same people every day and talking about 'adult' stuff.

I'm a SAHM. I worked for my stepmom's porcelian doll making business before I got pregnant. DH and I both thought it was really important for one of us to be home and since he makes much more money I stayed home. I still work one day a week. It's a home business so I take Makenna and my stepmom watches her while I work. I'm also going to start trying to do some work from home.

I am a SAHM. I left a job as an attorney in one of the 10 biggest firms in the US. I was making BIG BUCKS - more than twice Zach's salary including his Reserve time... but I saved a lot of money so that I could make it work. But I hated what I was doing (as much as I loved law school) and ALWAYS wanted to be home with my kids when we had them.

Zach loves that I am home with Davis & is very supportive. However, this will only work in this area for so long because the cost of living is SO high. I am hoping that Zach will get a transfer in the next few years so I can extend my time at home.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? SAHM here, since maternity leave ended in March 2002.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? Not until the very last minute, frankly. DH couldn't imagine not having a SAHM (since his mother was one), but I just wasn't sure it was something I could handle until the time to return to work was approaching.

Do you like your job? Very much! Moreso now than I did when she was a little baby; it's fun to have "real" conversations with her. I do miss time with my own friends, though, and I miss not having "important" things to talk about when in a gathering of other adults. Hard to talk intelligently about reading Dr. Seuss or something.

What did you do before this? I was a legal secretary for two lawyers specializing in employment law and various aspects of harassment. I don't miss the job itself, although I do miss the people I worked with and for.

I've been a SAHM for only a short time, I quit my job in September since I didn't know if I could handle working, being pregnant and taking care of 2 kids. Plus we realized that after the baby is born is just not feasible for me to work, it would have cost us $1500 a month in child care!! Just a little bit less than what I was making anyway. It's been weird since I've been working since I was 16, I've always had a job. But being a SAHM is alot harder than I ever thought it would be but so worth it. I do help out every once in a while at my old job doing some consulting work and it pays well when I do it. I may have to find something at home after the baby comes to help out a little, right now DH is working a full time job and a part time job and I hate to see him wear himself out. I'll just make sure I find something to were I don't have to put the kids in daycare.

I guess I'd say I'm a WAHM; I take care of two little boys (3.5 & 5) so I take Alyssa with me.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? [color=indigo]The boys' mom is a special education teacher, and I was her assistant about 5 years ago. We stayed in touch, and one day out of the blue, she called and asked if I'd be interested at taking care of her boys. This was summer of 2002 when Alyssa was two years old. [/indigo]

Do you like your job? [color=indigo]No, not really :( Unfortunately, I do not get along with the 5 yr old I watch, and it makes the days long and stressful. BUT I can't imagine not being home with Alyssa. I worked full time for the first two years, while my mom and MIL watched her. I feel like I missed out on so much. So, even though it's not the ideal job, it's SO worth it! I get to be with Alyssa all day, and bring home money. (we couldn't afford for me to be a SAHM)[/indigo]

What did you do before this? I was going to school to be a special ed teacher when I got pg with Alyssa. During my pg and for two years after, I worked as a sales assistant in the health care industry. Blech. For many years, I worked as a care provider in a nursing home and a home for developmentally disabled. I want to finish my CNA certification and eventually go into nursing. Dan, on the other hand, wants me to become a realtor. (he's a realtor part time) I don't know about that... So for now, I'm spending my days with Alyssa, and enjoying it so much! :)

I am a SAHM. Actually right before I got pregnant I got laid off, so my huby and I decided this was the perfect time to have a baby. I could stay home and relax during my pregnancy and collect unemployment. Then once Parker came we both wanted me to stay home with him. Actually since I was a little girl I always knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom.

I'm a work at home mom. I like it. I get to have the best of both worlds. At times I wish I could just be a SAHM but that's just not possible right now. I help my DH with his business so I don't get a paycheck but he needs me on the office end and I am fortunate that I get to stay home and work in my sweats and slippers all day :) well until I have to go pick my son up at school that is.

I'm a SAHM! :)

Before getting pg and during my pg'y, I was an avid believer of me putting my degree to some use!! But things changed when I returned to work after my 8 week maternity leave and I decided that it wasn't going to work out. My original plan was to bring Kira with me to work and work part time, but my boss forgot that he ok'd the part time and bringing Kira with me wasn't allowing me to actually work. So I quit 2 months later when my replacement was found and trained! :) I've been home since!

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm a SAHM

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm not really sure when. It was before I got pregnant with Emma. I just knew I didn't want to work if I didn't have to.

Do you like your job? Sure do! I do sometimes miss adult interaction and it's hard to get out of the house with 3 kids but most of the time it dosen't bother me. I've always been a homebody and shy. It actually got better when Emma started communicating more. I didn't feel like I was talking to myself all day long!

What did you do before this? Nothing worth mentioning and nothing I want to go back to!

Right now I'm a full time SAHM to my 17 month old DD, Zoe. I just started the SAH thing full time about 4 weeks ago as I am due with #2 in January. Actually, since my DD was born I guess you COULD say I was a WAHM... sort of. I'm a speech language pathologist and I work with baby's from 0-3 in their homes. I was able to only see clients who live around me and set my own hours. Over the last year the most number of hours I would schedule were around 16... putting me out of the house a total of maybe 20 hours a week including travel. My DH is a WAHD, so when I would go out to see clients he was on baby duty. At one point we did hire a caregiver to come in and help out a few mornings a week b/c he was just SOOO busy with work. I also ended up cutting back on my clients. We are fortunate, because we don't financially *NEED* my income... I just chose to continue to see clients for a few reasons 1) it allowed me to maintain my professional edge and stay on top of the latest 2) It allowed me to have SOME adult interaction and I think helped me maintain positive mental health and 3) the money wasn't bad! ;) LOL.

Now with number 2 due... I'm full time SAH and I haven't really decided if I will go back after Lily arrives. I think I would like to, but nothing on the scale that I did with Zoe. MAYBE I'll take on 4 to 6 hours... DH had a SAHM growing up (at least until he was school age) and I had a SAHM my entire life... So we were both on the same page before we got married. He doesn't really want me to go back to work at all once Lily arrives... but he's entirely supportive of whatever I decide to do.

Right now I'm just enjoying my "time off" LOL... like there IS such a thing! I take DD to two playgroups a week. Unfortunately, we don't have many friends near us or family... so we don't have any help from that perspective. I also don't have many people to get Zoe together with for playdates. Once Lily arrives I know that will only get worse for quite a while until she's old enough to take around too.

I am a SAHW right now (since June) and will be a SAHM very soon :)

Before this, I was a Pre-K teacher. I worked in a small, family owned private school. I was going to go back to work til my maternity leave but they let me go in August. That was the biggest blessing in disguise..... I got to enjoy my pregnancy at home AND collect unemployment :lol:
I was planning to be a SAHM anyway.

I am a WAHM..we moved our office into our house when we moved here..I love the fact that I can work at 2am or in my pj's :) We just hired a part time girl not too long ago so I guess I am now a bit of a WAHM and more of a SAHM...

Wow, there are lots of SAH/WAHMS so far and this site is fairly new! :aok: So nice to meet you all! Some I already know, and others I see are new and I'm looking forward to seeing you around! :)

JenM & Lisa....I live in NJ too! I'm in Union County. Where abouts do you girls live? :)

Hi Dawn! You aren't too far from me. I live in Middlesex... East Brunswick. Where in Union?

I am a SAHM :rahrah: Ethan was born on April 1st. I love to be home with him..

Lisa

I'm a SAHM - I left my job as a mortgage underwriter back in February (Emily was born in June). I miss it a lot sometimes - DH took my job when I left, believe it or not, so I still hear all the goings-on which makes me nostalgic. But as Emily is getting bigger and can interact with me more, it's getting to be more and more fun being home with her!

Hi there. I am a SAHM to 2 little girls under 2!!! I enjoy it but look forward to returning to school and earning an RN. While I am grateful that I can be a SAHM, I am itching to get back to work!

I am a SAHM right now. I gave up my job of 5 years as an emergency dispatcher/paramedic to do this. It was the best thing I ever did. BUT we cannot survive on one income, so I took a seasonal job to help just a little. Very stressful in our house right now!

Stacey

Welcome to all you SAHM's! MaryNH.. How many months apart are your girls? I would love to hear about your experiences with them... Especially in the beginning... as I'll be following suit in just about 4 weeks!

Hi Dawn! You aren't too far from me. I live in Middlesex... East Brunswick. Where in Union?Hi Jen! :wavey: We're in Linden right now. We plan on putting it on the market though in the spring. :)

SAHM here! I LOVE it!! Before this I worked for non-profit health agencies in management and health education. DH and I always new we wanted to me to be a SAHM so we're making it work!!!

I'm Chris, 23, and a SAHM to Trey Addison :)

I've wanted to be a SAHM since I was little. While others dreamt of being doctors and lawyers, I just wanted to be a mom :) I went to college, but never really found a "fit" for me. I decided to take a break after we got married in 2001, and started working full-time at a daycare/preschool that I had been working at part-time while I was in school. I found my "fit" there, and less than a year later we started TTC, and got it on the first try :)

I love being home with Trey, and wouldn't change it for the world. I miss adult interaction sometimes, but the pros of this job definitely outweigh the cons.

So.... what do you ladies find to be the MOST challenging thing about being a SAHM?

Just recently I've been flabbergasted by how long it takes me to just get going in the morning and run any sort of errands. I feel like I'm doing really well if I get one thing done in the morning and one thing done in the afternoons after Zoe's nap. LOL. I COULD make use of her nap times to get lots of stuff done... but being 8 months pregnant I decided to nap myself as well.

On a sidebar... Dawn, where are you moving to?

I'm Sarah, and although I'm still on mat. leave, I'll officially be SAHM to Anna who is 10.5 months old on Saturday :rahrah:


I've wanted to be a SAHM since I was little. While others dreamt of being doctors and lawyers, I just wanted to be a mom :)
This is exactly me too! I've never had any great carreer ambitions. I got a degree in Family and Social Relations with a minor in Gerontology, which I LOVED doing, and I worked for the YMCA as a program instructor before Anna was born. While with the Y, I ran a ton of different programs including preschool, afterschool, parent/caregiver playgym, and day camp for 3-5 year olds. It was so much fun, but I don't really miss it. Why care for other people's kids when I can care for my own? Besides, I take Anna to my old playgym program every week :)

I love being with Anna all day, and witnessing the actual moment when she learns something new. Those moments are so precious, and it's amazing how you can actually see it happen... like the first time that she banged two of her stacking rings together instead of just chewing them. I could see the exact moment when she realised what she had done. It was incredible.

In January, I'll be caring for a neighbour's 5 month old 2 days a week, so that will almost replace my mat. benefits. Hopefully it will work out well for us all.

Sarah

SAHMama to Dean, 3.5 yrs and Bronwyn, 4.5 mons old for the past 3 years...and loving it! :yippee: I have a degree in criminal justice that I've never used and quit working for the fed gov't back in 2000 right before I had Dean. Would I go back to working outside the home? NEVER!...unless my family just really really desperately needed me to. I had to work full time, and sometimes more around the holidays, when my older 3 sons were growing up and I"m not missing my kids childhoods again, not the two littlest ones. :nono:

I am SAHM to Aiden, born 10 weeks ago. Before this I was a SAHW. I always imagined being a homemaker and a mom, so things are working out great! I live in New Jersey, moved from Florida, so I am on the hunt for some mommy groups or something to meet people...

I am SAHM to Aiden, born 10 weeks ago. Before this I was a SAHW. I always imagined being a homemaker and a mom, so things are working out great! I live in New Jersey, moved from Florida, so I am on the hunt for some mommy groups or something to meet people... Try mothersandmore.org for an IRL mommies' group :)

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Amy, and I'm a SAHM to Emily, who will be 11 months old on Tuesday. I'm also expecting another daughter at the end of April. I've been a WAHM for the last two weeks, but it's just temporary for my old company, helping them out from home during their busy time of year, so that will end probably by the end of January.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? Unfortunately, the night before I returned to work. So we had NOTHING financially prepared for me to give up my salary, which was about 65% of our household income. I returned to work when Emily was 12 weeks old, and decided the night before my return that I would give it two weeks. If I was still miserable, I would quit. God answered some prayers though...I'd been back for 3 hours when they announced potential layoffs and asked for people to volunteer for a RIF!! I went to my boss immediately, and volunteered. They asked me to stay on til June 13, and I got 10 weeks' severance plus unemployment. :yippee:

Do you like your job? Very much so!! I can't imagine NOT being here after each nap, and when she learns new things. I got to see her crawl for the first time, roll over, sit up, and stand. There were times when I first was home that I wondered what the heck I was thinking, but once we got on a regular schedule, especially with naps, it got much easier. She is the best thing I ever did, and it amazes me every day that she's my daughter. I feel very blessed to be home with her.

What did you do before this? I worked as a senior software support specialist for a national payroll company. Basically I worked on a help desk, but also did some client visits, over the phone training, and projects writing custom SQL reports. The projects piece is what I'm doing now from home...no client interaction, just dialing in to the office to pick up any projects, and that's it!

[QUOTE=~Amy~]Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Amy, and I'm a SAHM to Emily, who will be 11 months old on Tuesday. I'm also expecting another daughter at the end of April. I've been a WAHM for the last two weeks, but it's just temporary for my old company, helping them out from home during their busy time of year, so that will end probably by the end of January.

QUOTE]
Amy-You and I have a lot in common. I was pg at the start and finish of 2002. You were pg at the start and finish of 2003. And we will both have 2 girls under 2 :banana:

Britany - Where in New Jersey did you move to? There are several of us here from NJ. I could also use some IRL Mommy friends/groups. I do take Zoe to Gymboree and Music Together classes, though. Thanks for sharing that link, Mary!

On a sidebar... Dawn, where are you moving to?Jen ~ Not 100% sure yet. We will be moving anywhere from as south as Sayreville to as north as Parsippany & anywhere in between. :lol: As long as the area is nice, etc. Sayreville is the southest we'll go so DH won't be too far from his job. Me and Alexia go to The Little Gym every Thursdays. :)

Britany ~ Now why would you move from sunny/nice weather Florida to NJ?! :lol: j/k Where in NJ do you live? Currently, we're in Union County. :)

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Jacqui and I'm a WAHM. (sounds like the start of a 12-step program meeting! :lol: ) I'm home with DD all day, and DH is a teacher. When he gets home from school, and on weekends, I get my independent legal consultant work done.


When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? I had always wanted to be a SAHM/WAHM, as my mother was one, too. I intentionally got into a field of employment where I could work from home if I ever wanted to. So, when the time came to decide whether I would go back to work part time or stay home with our baby, we decided that I would put my money where my mouth was and work from home. Now that I'm doing it, I wouldn't have it any other way. :) I just don't like the idea of someone else having the most input into my baby's life (by way of hours per day, when she is awake).


Do you like your job? Oh my gosh, yes! It's made bf-ing easier... it's made us all happier! :)


What did you do before this? I was in school which seemed like forever, and then I was working as an internal church lawyer until DD was born.

I've wanted to be a SAHM since I was little. While others dreamt of being doctors and lawyers, I just wanted to be a mom :)
This is me too! I have always wanted to be a mom and I love being a SAHM. Before this I had many jobs. The latest was doing web design and desktop publishing at an airline. I can remember hating getting up in the morning to go to work and just struggeling to make it through each day. Now I love getting up and greeting my daughter's little face in the morning. The days fly by and I try to cherich every moment with her. I may be taking in another baby in January 2 days a week. I'm still a little undecided but the money would be nice.

The thing I feel is the most challenging is thinking that I have to do it all. Since Dh works I feel like I need to be the primary caregiver, keep the house, do the cooking, go grocery shopping and never ask for help. It's hard for me to ask for a break so I end up exhausted and frustrated. I'm learning though. :)

Ah! Kelly.. you are so right! I've recently been doing this... Just feeling like I have to be responsible for everything. But Kris is working SO hard... and all the time... It just doesn't seem fair to ask him to spend his free time doing things for me. He's pretty good at reading me, though... He could see I was overwhelmed yesterday and came with me to do the grocery shopping :)

I am a SAHM, but I attend classes at university as well. Next year I will have a newborn, so I will SAH more than I do now (ie do two less classes).

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Kathy and I'm a SAHM, well at least until April, then unfortunately I'm going to work.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
I didn't really make the decision - after I had my son Carter, I just kept putting off going to work until we made a decision that I could be off until Carter is about 15 months old, but then I will go back to work.

Do you like your job?
Most days YES!!! :) Sometimes it is really hard to get everything done - but I love it. Also I hate to think what it will be like when I have to work AND probably still do everything I do now on top of that...it's a scary thought. I do miss more adult interaction though, and at least having a lunchbreak to myself!

What did you do before this? I worked at an advertising agency and then right before Carter I worked at my mom's pr business. I will be looking for a new job in Feb/March - I really hope to find something with part time or flexible hours though - I really just don't think I can handle motherhood plus a 40 hour week.

I live in Ocean County, near Toms River. Thanks for the link! Being from Fl and all, I have no idea where Union County is...how far from me about? :)

Britany... You don't live too far from me... I'm in Middlesex County.. East Brunswick. I would say Toms River is about 40 minutes or so away? Definately under an hour. And Union is probably another 20 to 30 minutes north of me. Of course, as with everything... traffic in NJ can be a B**ch... so it always depends on that. Looks like I'm the one in the middle ;) I would be happy to host a get together here at my place for us one day. Of course, we'd either have to do it VERY soon... or we'd have to wait a while since Ellie should be here in about 3 weeks. :lol: I know I'd need at least a month or two to settle into having visitors after her arrival. Let me know if you ladies are interested.

I live in Ocean County, near Toms River. Thanks for the link! Being from Fl and all, I have no idea where Union County is...how far from me about? :)Oh...Ok! My sister currently lives right by you!! They just moved to Metuchen about a year ago! I can tell you exactly the distance....From her house to my house takes about 1 hr. (sometimes even an hr. 5 min.). Jen M: Your calculations were pretty much right on as to the travel times! :)

JenM ~ Yes, Sometime in the future I would be interested in a get-together! :) You are like almost smack in the middle between us! :lol: With the holidays and your newborn on the way......it makes sense that it won't be for a while anyways. :)

I'm Celeste and I'm a SAHM mom to Kalynn who is 16 months old. We live in Midlothain, TX which is south of Dallas. I love being a SAHM. I worked as a special ed teacher's assistant and I loved that job.

I am going to school full time to pursue my nursing degree.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Susan and I'm a SAHM to Josiah since he was born on 7/2/2003.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
When we were TTC we pretty much knew I wanted to be a SAHM assuming we could afford it, which luckily we've had no problem doing.

Do you like your job?
Couldn't love it more!!

What did you do before this? I was an executive at a Fortune 500 financial services firm. I think it's been easier for me to be a SAHM since I did climb the corporate ladder, was successful, and all that jazz. Been there, done that. Time now for the next chapter in my life: SAHMotherhood.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm a SAHM

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? When I went back to work after having Aidan. I decided that I wanted to be home soo bad. Only I couldnt.....I had just completed an expensive masters degree and we had just bought a house that we needed both salaries to make the mortgage on. It wasnt until we started TTC #2 that we decided to move so I could SAH. When we found out it was twins, I made my announcement at work and my boss offered me a nice package to cut our ties. So I quit on July 3rd and continued to receive my salary thru Labor Day and also go disability pay while on bedrest adn 6 weeks pp, as well.

Do you like your job? Yes....but I also have my moments. This summer was nice...it was just Aidan adn I and we had 2 playgroups and gymboree. I would be lying now if I didnt admit that every day is a challenge with 3.

What did you do before this? I was the Director of Human Resources for a large, prestigious commercial real estate firm

Who's a SAHM? I'm Sarah and I'm a SAHM to one month old Katie (born on December 4, 2003.) We live in Washington state (where I grew up) but prior to this fall, my husband and I lived in New England.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM? We made the decision that I would be a SAHM before we were even married. We didn't start TTC until we knew we could afford to have me stay home. I ended up quitting my job in July before Katie was born.

Do you like your job? I think so--but it's definitely a lot of work!! Somehow I thought I'd have more time to myself...maybe once Katie is out of the needy newborn stage, that will happen. Right now I can't even find time to go to the bathroom!!

What did you do before this? I was an Assistant Director of Admission at one of America's most presitigious colleges.

:wavey: Hi, Im a SAHM!!
When Cody was born I actually kept working & went to "flex" time and attempted to work 32 hours a week. Well, they kept flexing me up to 39. :rolleyes: I switched departments & went part time (20 hours a week) and stayed like that for a year. I just happened to get lucky and was offered a severace package from work, which allows me to be a SAHM right now. Hopefully I'll be able to stay a SAHM, but I dont mind picking up something part time in the future if I have to. It would be nice if I could find something to do from home for any extra $$ we may need.

I love being home and I actually watch my friends daughter during the week. I think having her & Cody is enough though. I dont really want to turn into a day care facility!

Who's a SAHM? My name is Sandra and I just recently became a SAHM.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM? I was out on maternity leave for 12 weeks and was lucky enough to get a flexible schedule after returning to work. I was only required to be in the office 2-3 days a week and still collect my full salary...however 2 days a week in daycare were enough to make my son sick all the time. He had 2 ear infections back to back after we put him in daycare, so it just wasn't worth it for us. We had always planned for me to be a SAHM but I had to give the flex-schedule at work a try.

Do you like your job? I love it!

What did you do before this? I worked in project development for a small biotech/pharma company.

I'm Anne, and I've been a SAHM since April 2002, shortly before Katie was born (May 8, 2002).

At first, I was on maternity leave. After that, I was actually a WAHM for about 6 or 7 months, but I was battling a lung problem and was too tired to work all night and watch DD all day. So, I became a full-time SAHM almost a year ago now, and I love it.

It's the best job! I can't imagine wanting to be anywhere other than at home with Katie.

Before Katie was born, I was a paralegal at a large corporate law firm in Seattle. I don't miss it a BIT!

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Jill, SAHM to Emily who is 7 months old. We live outside Philadelphia, in southern New Jersey.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
We always knew I wouldn't work full-time once we had children. My plan was to work part-time at my prior position, but their definition of "part time" was 30 hours a week plus 10 hours a week of overtime. Um, sounds like full-time to me! So, I left there in February 2003 and Emily was born 4 months later.

Do you like your job?
Most of the time. When she is very cranky (as she's been lately, with teething) I sure wish I were back at my nice quiet desk! I miss the adult interaction, and I miss weekends!

What did you do before this? I was an underwriter for one of the 5 largest mortgage companies in the US.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Shelly and I am a SAHM/WAHM mom to my DD Camryn (2 yrs) and my DS Nate (7 months).

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
I hated my job. I absolutely had a nightmare of a time when I went back and was pregnant with Nate. They treated me like crap, made me cry all the time, and just generally made life hell. That was the motivation to create the websites and start web design. I started when Nate was about 4 months.
Do you like your job?
I LOVE what I do. I am my own boss (which works very well for me considering that I hated my boss at work) and I am doing something I have always loved to do. Since starting my little .dot com company, I have been getting a few other web design jobs. It's exciting to check my email every day! :sunny:
What did you do before this? I worked at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver. It was a great job before I got pregnant with Nate, but it was always a little boring.

What did you do before this? I worked at an advertising agency and then right before Carter I worked at my mom's pr business. I will be looking for a new job in Feb/March - I really hope to find something with part time or flexible hours though - I really just don't think I can handle motherhood plus a 40 hour week.
You should contract yourself out, do some sort of freelance work. I'd love to have someone who worked freelance working for me! I just haven't found anyone yet!

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Jenn, a SAHM to Rory (2 yrs) and Teagan (9 months).

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
We pretty much knew once Rory was born that we wanted me to SAH, but had trouble making it work (I'm CDN, so get a year maternity leave with each baby). We also knew that we wanted our first two children close together, so I returned to work PG with Teagan, knowing that I wouldn't be back after that at all. Being back for those 5 months made me realize that I really wanted to be home, so I know I made the right decision.

Do you like your job?
I truly love being home with the girls all day! I feel very fortunate that we're able to do it. Every now and then I need a night out, but for the most part, things are great (don't get me wrong...we have BAD days, I'd be lying if I said I didn't!).

What did you do before this? Nothing all that significant...I worked for our Federal Gov't, dealing with Disability Benefits.

Like several others, I know I'd like to do something part-time, but definetly from home. I have several ideas in my head, but it's getting them to work that's hard!

I am Ami and a SAHM/WAHM to Anderson(22 months) and Alexis (11 weeks)

I found out I was pregnant with Anderson about a month after I started my first teaching position after I graduated. I HATED my job, the school was in a horrible area, the kids were...I won't get into that but at 28 weeks I started having contractions and then developed PE and was put on bedrest. We had been trying to pay off bills so I could be a SAHM but I never thought it would happen, we lived to high above our income. Being put on bedrest was a blessing in disguise because it forced us to make it work on 1 income and we did it! I have been home for 2 years in February! I LOVE it!

My mom owns her own business and I am helping her with the accounting side of it and anything else she may need help with from home. She pays me here and there when she can, we don't count on that income so it is a bonus when she can pay me. I only spend about an hour a week on her billing so it isn't a huge time commitment.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I am Erica, stay at home mom to Jared (9/2/03) and Adam (3/13/02)

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
After I had Adam, I worked part time, and I knew that once we had two children, I would likely stay at home full-time.

Do you like your job?
As much as I love my boys, some days are really rough. Adam is an extremely active toddler who doesn't really like his brother, and will seek out ways to keep me from interacting with Jared, most of which involve full-blown tantrums. We have had many issues recently with him kicking/biting/pinching his brother, and our time out "system" (he sits in his old high chair by himself in another room for 2 minutes) is less than effective (in fact, he will often "request" a time out because he is simply bored!!!!:doh: ) Argh!! So, I spend many hours each day playing police woman.:crazy:

What did you do before this? I was a Speech-Language Pathologist in an elementary school. I mostly worked with teachers to modify curriculuim to meet the needs of students with language-based disabilities in the regular classroom.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Sheila, and I S/WAHM with Maggie (4.27.02) and Katie (12.29.03)

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
We made the decision that one of us would SAH when we had kids before we were married (before we were sure we'd have kids). When the time came, we decided it made more sense for me to SAH. I've been working PT on & off for almost the whole time, and occasionally working outside the home, too.

Do you like your job?
Overall, its the best job I've ever had. Its constantly changing, very challenging and I have lots of opportunities to be creative. Like any job, there are moments when I really don't like my "bosses", the hours really get to me, and it can be really easy to feel unappreciated. I wouldn't trade it, though!

What did you do before this?
Before this, I was a eBusiness Projects Manager for the North America
Region of a multinational electronics company.

I'm Michele and I have been a SAHM since October 25...I WAH on occasion, doing mostly word processing for my old company, but it isn't a regular thing, I get projects to do when they need me.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? We made the decision for me to SAH early in my pregnancy. We had always talked about it before that, but it wasn't until I was actually pregnant that we decided that it really could work.

Do you like your job? I really like staying home with Jackson. I feel like I never really found my niche in the working world, I hadn't had a job that l really liked since college, and I wasn't really going in the direction, career-wise, that I wanted to be. My maternity leave technically ended on Feb 1, so if I would be back at work now if I had to go back. Jackson just started really interacting in the past couple of weeks, so I would be missing all these smiles and giggles I get now if I had gone back. That makes it so worth it to me.

What did you do before this? Before Jackson was born I was an assistant project manager at an architecture firm. It was a lot of administrative-type work since I am not an architect, and it was really going nowhere. I have a BA in history and was working on my masters in Museum Education. I have taken this year off school b/c of Jackson, but I am thinking of not going back to that program. My plan is to get my Masters in Education (hopefully the Museum Ed credits will transfer) and hopefully teach once my kids are school-age. I can't imagine going back to a 9-5 office environment ever!

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm a SAHM. Although my DH is dying for me to use one of my artistic skills to make some money.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? Honestly, I know the exact date... I was 20 years old when I decided I would SAH with my kiddos. Every woman in my family did it... so I wanted to try. When I met my DH, on our 3rd date, I told him that when i had children, I was staying home, and he thought it was a great idea.

Do you like your job? I love it more every day. Those first weeks were soooo hard though, I seriously was thinking that maybe SAH wasn't for me... but the more Aiden grows, the more fun we have together. They pay may not be so great, but I get to play and experience the world from a brand new set of eyes. It's just a blessing.

What did you do before this? I was a SAHW.. what a far cry! I had worked in the real world for about a year in real estate... but I had to eventually quit because I was infertile and my job was driving me crazy. One month after quitting, I got pregnant, and I SAH during pregnancy.

Mandy

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm a SAHM

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? I made the decision after about 4 weeks pp. I couldn't bare going back to work.... DH and I worked at the same place and I would have to work 2nd shift... 3-11 and I jst couldn't do it! I would never see my husband and would be tired all the time. DH and I talked and made a budget so I could stay home. We also do some work at home on the side to make ends meet.
Do you like your job? Yes....but I also have my moments. I feel like there are days when I don't accomplish anything. I also don't get much adult interaction... that is why I am here. I feel this helps with my sanity.
What did you do before this? I was a Customer Service Representative with Kinko's.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Tina and I am currently a SAHM to Logan (1/19/02). My oldest Faith (4/16/00) goes to preschool fulltime. In June I will be a SAHM to another little boy! I have been a SAHM since June 2000.


When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
My 4 years were up in the Navy in June 2000, 3 months after my daughter was born and I was faced with being put on a ship going out on 6 month deployments (we were dual military then) so I chose not to reenlist. I decided to go to school fulltime at night while staying home with Faith during the day. I even had Logan while going to school fulltime. I graduated June 2003 with a BA degree Magna Cume Luade. I really don't know how long I will be a SAHM though.

Do you like your job?
Most days I do. I love being home with Logan but at the same time we are going through the terrible two's right now. We just moved to a new area so I really don't know anyone right now & I feel a bit isolated so it's been an adjustment. I was also used to balancing schoolwork with childcare so I also feel a bit out of it like I have nothing to do. Housework gets so boring! I will have my hands full though when the baby comes in June balancing Logan & the new one with the occasional days Faith is home.

What did you do before this?
I worked in the Navy as an electrician and a jack of all trades so to speak. Continuing a Navy career meant to many family seperations (my DH is still military) so I chose to get out to pursue my degree. I was supposed to attend law school but then we ended up getting transferred to Charleston last Nov. so my future is still up in the air.

Tina

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? I'm Mary and I work part/time and some WAH but after baby #2 comes along in late July I will be a S/WAHM.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
I wanted to be a SAHM when Eliot was born but unfortunatelly we couldn't afford it so I went to work part time... the good thing is that my hubby & I were able to work our schedules so Eliot wouldn't have to go to daycare (he does attend MDO twice a week, which he loves). Now with baby #2 coming there is really no way that I can do work outside my home luckily since I have been working for my boss for a long time (11 1/2 yrs) I will be able to do some of my work from home... I'm hoping that things work out okay since there is no way that I'll be leaving my home to go work. I have also started selling MKay just to try to establish at least a little customer base to bring in a little extra $$.

Do you like your job?
Most days I do. I like it when I get to be creative more than when I have to do the all the time stuff. I really think that I'm gonna love being able to be at home with my kiddos and still bring in a little income to help my hubby with our growing family.

What did you do before this?
I was a full time (and then part time) personal assistant.

Let's learn a little something about each other....Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? Do you like your job? What did you do before this?

I'm Kaylee and a SAHM to Genevieve and Audrey. I quit getting paid $$ to work in October 2003. I love being home with my girls. Yesterday I was actually thinking how it would break my heart if anything were to happen where they'd have to go to daycare fulltime. I just feel like I'm gaining so much and learning so much by being with them during the day.

Before I became a SAHM, I was a decision support analyst for a database/data/data services provider company. Specifically, I worked on a movie rental company account and provided support to their employees who were using software that I had expertise in. This software helped this customer get monthly newsletter mailings, coupons, and offers to their members.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? My name is Kristine and at the moment I am on maternity leave. I go back to work the first week of June but will only be working in the office 2 days a week and at home 1 or 2 days a week.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM??
I made the decison to be a WAHM before we even started trying to have a baby. I knew that I did not want to work full time when I had kids so I wanted to make sure that it was even an option at my current workplace.

Do you like your job?
I like my job for the most part. I could do without the office politics but they are going to be anywhere you go. I LOVE being at home with Connor but I must admit that I spend WAY to much time here! :biggrin:

What did you do before this? I work at an engineering company as an accountant.

Who's a SAHM/WAHM?? Hi I'm April, SAHM to Sophia who is 7 months.

When did you make the decision to be a SAHM/WAHM?? When I got pg with Sophia, I was working as a tax preparer for Jackson Hewitt. After tax season was over, my DH and I decided that I would not go back to work until the tax season. Well I guess Sophia had other plans. She was due Jan 14,2004, but she was born 3.5 months early on Sept 30,2003! That day sealed my fate and dream of being a SAHM! I probably won't go back to work again until Sophia and any sibling she might have are in school!

Do you like your job?
I love it!! I love being able to spend my days with Sophia! she's such a joy!! And after 5 long months of the NICU..I love just hanging out at home with her! I do miss adult interaction but a friend of mine just had a baby in January so we've been spending time together! :)

What did you do before this? I was a tax preparer for Jackson Hewitt...I plan on going back part time in Jan 2005 unless I'm pg again! :)