Studly had his four month check-up: He weighed in at 15 lbs. 10 oz. and measured 25.5 inches long. Good, slightly above average sized baby. It does not seem like he changes much until we stop and take stock every few months, or until I look at his baby pictures. Did he really look like that a few weeks ago? Eg gads! Time flies.
The rest of the check-up covered some basics: don't feed your baby lead, make sure that he gets viatmins, let him drink the flouride in the water... blah blah blah. Makes sense, and I listen to some of it. Then she starts asking me about what I do. Why was I a stay-at-home mom? Was I looking for at least part-time employment in my field? Would I be interested in a maternal depression support group?
Now the switch from working and going to school full-time to be a homemaker and mother was kind of like switching a car in fourth gear into reverse. Sudden, jolting, and now I am going in a completely different direction. I hit bumps, I'm still adjusting my mirrors; it's taking a lot of getting used to, some days are better than others, but that is the nature of the beast.
I was non-plussed by her comments. Was she right? Would I be a better mom if I worked part-time?
No. She's not right. I am a good mom and feel good about my decision to not work. Her comments came as a blessing because I realized I could work; I would be great at it, but it is not what I want for me or my family. But, thank you, sweet pediatrician for reminding me that I am making this choice every day--thank you for your blessing in disguise.
