Normally, on a Monday, I would write a “get moving…it’s Monday!” post.
Today I don’t feel like getting moving.
I’m tired.
I’m sick.
I’m tired of being sick.
I’m sick of being tired.
I’m also frustrated and a little mad.
I worked outside of the home for many years before having kids. I also worked outside (and from) my home with the little guy for 6 months before I decided to become a full time stay-at-home-mom.
No job that I have ever had has been more demanding than the job I currently have. It is physically, mentally and emotionally draining at times.
Now, here is my reason for being frustrated and a little mad.
Yesterday when I was at the doctors she asked if I stay at home or work outside the home.
I told her I stay at home.
She said, “Oh good. If you had to go to work I would have written your employer a note. You need to rest for a good 2-3 days until the antibiotics really kick in.”
I said, “You could write my husband a note.”
She laughed.
I was joking, but also kind of serious.
How do I actually rest with a 1 year old and a 3 year old at home?!
My husband stepped in yesterday and took care of the kids all day so I could rest. That was one day of rest. The doctor said I need 2-3 days of rest.
This is what I would be able to do if I worked outside the home:
I would call in sick and, if needed, give my employer the note from the doctor. My kids would go to daycare or stay with a nanny (as they would usually do if I worked outside the home) and I would be able to rest.
My husband provides for our family. When he is not traveling or out seeing clients locally he is working from his home office. He helps out when I am sick when he can, but rarely can he take a full day to give me a full day of rest.
I guess what frustrates me the most is that the doctor actually thought I would be able to get some rest because I “stay at home”.
I’m really just complaining, aren’t I? I mean, stay-at-home-mom’s have always had to deal with this problem.
Well, like the little guy says a lot lately, “That’s not fair!”
home is…the fact that life is not always fair.
stephany taddeo 
I feel your pain girl. This is when you aren’t supposed to feel bad about how much TV/movies you let them watch. You can make up for it when you’re back to your old self. 😉 That said, I can’t believe the Dr. said that! This is a great post, nice job using your frustration/anger rather poetically. 🙂 Hope you’re on the mend soon…
Thanks Cyndie!
I really appreciate your comment.
I remember having to ask my kids to help each other get lunch, snacks, etc. when I wasn’t well… I bet there’s a lot that the little guy can do to help baby girl while you are resting… is he happy to watch a movie upstairs while you and BG nap? I’m sure you will find a way to make it work, but it is a tough, tough job to be a mom even on the great days… and quadruply tough on the sick ones. Wishes that you get better….
Call it like you see it.
Here from SITS, BTW.
Stay at home motherhood is the single most demanding job on Earth. No vacation days, no sick days, no benefits (so to speak), no boost to the resume, and all volunteer.
I hear you. I’ve been there and back. I think that’s why so many of us blog – we’ve been there, and we need support from somewhere. We’re all allowed those grumbling days. 😉 (In fact my second blog’s last post was nothing but a rant … though about going back to work after the kids are older .. lol – can’t win!)
Thanks for visiting my blog.
It is one of my main reasons for blogging…there is a lot of support out there for us (and hopefully I can give some, too)!
I visited your blog and look forward to trying your Dutch Baby recipe!
stephany
Ugh! I hate those kinds of assumptions about SAHMs! Sending you a hug and hoping you feel better and somehow get some rest ASAP!
Thanks so much for visiting me during my SITS weekend!