Business & Babies in Boise

Being a working Mama is a major balancing act. It comes with both sacrifices & blessings. This has been my journey. 

The day I became a Mother on July 4th 2006 was the best day of my life. If you're a Mama, you know that feeling. The immediate unconditional love for your child. I've been lucky enough to have that happen twice. My daughter was born August 7th 2008 and the endless love continued. Nothing makes my day better than their sweet hugs, smiles, and kisses.

That being said, Motherhood is not where I end. I have always had big goals and dreams. I dreamed of being in broadcasting from the time I was a young teenager. I worked full time and went to school full time for years to accomplish those dreams and they didn't just go out the window when I became a Mother.

I know that one day those babies will be grown. They will go on and have their own lives. I will always be there for them, but I had to ask myself, where will I be when they leave the house? What will I have left?

I feel blessed that my crazy 3:30am- noonish work schedule allows me to still pick the kiddos up from school, run them to after school activities, make dinner, help them with homework, and attend most of their performances. Most full-time jobs simply don't allow that, so I count my blessings when that alarm goes off at 2:30am.

On the flip-side, my husband does a mean braid and I struggle to do a simple ponytail on my daughter. She always wants "Dad to do it!" I've never been there to drop them off at school, make them breakfast, or kiss them goodbye. I've missed many moments because I've been at work. Moments I will never get back.

Should I feel like a "bad Mom" for working, bringing in a solid income for my family, and chasing my dreams? I've felt that way before, but I don't think it's really true.

Having a working Mom has made my children more adaptable to separating from me. They never cried when they went to kindergarten, we can get a babysitter and they just hug us and say "see ya later," and even though I know they love us, they can have sleepovers and hang out at a friends house without getting too homesick.

This isn't just some hoo-rah to pump up working Mom's. If you can stay at home and you enjoy it, more power to you! I've spent my share of hours at home with young children and it's extremely tough. I truly believe there is no right or wrong. It's a personal decision about what works for you and your family.

In doing my homework I found that 66% of Mother's work in Idaho. Quite frankly, whether you want to or not, it's flat out necessary for the majority of families these days to have a duel-income household.

Research also shows that more women over 40 are having babies than ever before. They are establishing themselves in their careers before starting a family. I had my first child at 25. Is there a right or wrong here? I don't think so. I get so tired of hearing people say "Oh my gosh you haven't had a kid yet?" or "Woah... you have 5 kids?!" or "Are you sure you only want 2 kids? What if one of them dies?"(Yes, I've heard this one many times.) "You're JUST a stay-at-home Mom?" "You work? Think about all the things your missing out on!" (Unfortunately, even I've been guilty of saying some of these things. I'm not proud of it.)

Bottom line, for the most part, Mom's are just people who love their little minions fiercely and we work or stay home or have one child or 10 kids because it's what works in whatever situation we are in. Maybe it doesn't even "work" but we make it work because it's the card we've been dealt.

Need some support? There are some really cool Mommy groups here in the Treasure Valley. Check out the Boise Mom's Club or Mom's Meetups.

Here's to Mama's and Dad's and everyone who loves these little people that will continue to change our world!