Being a working mom can be hard. Really hard. I don’t mean in the way of juggling the responsibilities of a job with those of being a mom because that kind of goes without saying. For me the really difficult part is the emotional aspect of being away from my kids during the day, particularly now that Andrew really realizes my absence and misses me. Every single morning he says hopefully, “You don’t have to go to work today?!” Breaks my heart every time. Thankfully he’s such a good natured little guy that he understands I’m doing what I have to do. Those days when I do have to leave, I walk out the door to a loud, “Love you, Mom! PEACE OUT!” and see his profile pressed up against the window when I drive away. Even better, when I return home I am greeted with a very enthusiastic run-jump-hug-kiss-tickle routine and immediate, “Mom, will you come play upstairs with me?!”
On the blessed weekend days when we are able to be home together as a family, I love to make something, anything, that Andrew considers “special breakfast” (i.e. something we wouldn’t have on a weekday). A couple weekends ago I decided to try a baked French toast because it was something new and I knew Ben would love it. In the past I’ve had lukewarm feelings toward French toast because it is often made so badly. I’m happy to say though that all four of us loved this special breakfast. Andrew gobbled up his, and then swiped a good deal of mine in classic toddler form. Ben had only good things to say and has talked about it many times since. Caroline provided a constant undertone of growling anytime her mouth was empty because hello, Mom, an empty mouth is unacceptable! And I loved it because not only did it taste great, but it was prepped the night before in less than 10 minutes with no additional effort required in the morning. Anything this simple that allows me a little extra snuggle time with my sweet munchkins is a win in my book.