Back in the classroom...

Well, I am back at work. And, naturally, my six-year-olds are very curious about babies now -- where they come from, how they're made, and today's topic: how babies get out of their mom's bellies.

"Mrs. Fox, how did your baby get out of your belly?" I quickly told this student to ask her parent when she gets home.

Then another student chimed in and said "they just fall out." When I heard this I decided to keep my mouth shut and let the students converse for a bit (I needed some humor).

I heard one student say the mom's belly is cut open, and another one say that it was like going to the bathroom.

But then one boy, who has seen a lot in his life, said "the mom pushes the baby through her belly button."

It's these conversations that make being back to work a little bit easier.

I'm sorry.

I think the real story is not my apology to all moms, it's that I am actually posting within one week.

So you know how going into parenting you thought you would do things different? Like letting your children only watch educational TV, or making sure your child gets some sort of “educational” time with you each day. Or how about keeping a log and photobook of the many milestones your child hits. And this one WAS a must of mine—not looking like a typical mom (hair in pony, sweats, t-shirt, roots showing, etc.).

Well, hmmm. So far these dreams just are not working out for me. Being a stay at home mom for the past nine weeks have been the hardest thing I have ever done. I have gained a whole new respect for ALL parents, but especially for stay at home moms.

Therefore I have a lot of apologizing to do…

First to my mom. Oh, I am sorry for so many things. First, I’m sorry for being such a mean child on so many levels. Specifically about your clothes (you know, the furry cat sweater). I now understand why you rarely updated your wardrobe. Just getting yourself ready is a chore when you have a child, don’t even mention trying to look tasteful. Second, I regret not taking in your wealth of knowledge. You would constantly try to help me with my homework, boyfriends, hairstyles, etc. I think much heartache would have been saved if I would have just listened. Well mom, I think my time is coming. I am in for it.

Next, I’d like to apologize to my dad. As a teenager I wore three outfits a day, no joke. My dad never complained of the amount of laundry I produced, but I can now understand what he was going through because even a two month old produces more laundry than I ever wanted to do.

Now to my friends who have kids. I want to apologize for (secretly) judging you about the amount of kid-friendly plastic crap that invades your homes. Yes, Hadley is only two months old. But our home might as well be a Fisher Price store. Sorry friends. Oh, and an apology for the eyebrow raise while being at your house witnessing the mindless cartoons you let your children watch. I have to admit that I have put my two month old in front of Scooby Doo for a full hour. I too mindlessly watch Scooby Doo for the full hour with a cup of coffee folding the loads of laundry that Hadley produces. Maybe someday Hadley can help me fold the laundry and I can educate her on the importance of only wearing one outfit a day. See, I am still getting my “educational” time in with her.

And finally, a big apology to my husband. Anyone who knows David understands that he is extremely easy going – almost to a fault. I, being a crazy uptight new mother, thought this was going to be a problem. I thought we needed to constantly entertain, take care of, and even hold our new little babe. But David, in his nonchalant even-tempered way, has shown me that my overbearing behavior is not necessary and even aggravates little Hadley. She actually enjoys being independent ... well sometimes (he, he, he).

So I get it now. I was (and sometimes still am) a foolish new parent who thought I had all the answers. Please go ahead and say it: “I told you so”. I deserve it.

If you have a moment - because we have so much spare time in our days- read The Test of Time, an article that claims stay at home moms have about 30 hours of LEISURE time every week... hmmm.

Hadley loves to nap in her Boppy, in the chair, looking at the flowers, with no blanket on her. I know, not safe.

You know it's cold when...

...you have to wear Patagonia in South Georgia.

This darling little number is from my friend Kelli. I honestly never thought Hadley would get a chance to wear it here in the tropics (sorry Kelli). Well, the tropics of South Georgia have reached only 45 degrees in the past two weeks and Hadley has gotten more wear out of this outfit than any sleep and play-thingy in her closet. It is way too cold!!!

On another note, I have to apologize to my four blog readers for I have not posted in a month. Okay, apologies to every mom out there because I thought I was a lot tougher than ALL of you. How the h*** do you have time to update a blog? It's not like I am a super mom teaching Hadley how to read. I am just trying to keep the little dwarf fed. Yes, go ahead and say "you are weak". I deserve it.

So here is my challenge to myself (so I can "toughen up a little, linds" as my dad would say). Another post within one week.

Stay tuned for an apology post where Lindsey admits to being over confident in her parenting abilities. And her large blog following offers her much needed advice...