Consider this the year-end review of my new job. I’ve learned quite a few things in the past year of being a Stay At Home Mama (SAHM). Here are the top 10:

1. We really need to figure out a different name. Do I spend my days staying at home? Nope. So really the only accurate thing about being a ‘stay at home mama’ is the mama part. Can we rename it Mama CEO, or Director of Motherfication? (I’m open to suggestions.) Because I’m pretty sure like 70% of the time, you’re not gonna find me staying at home.

2. Get on a schedule. There’s nothing like an empty week with no schedule to cause me to daydream about how much I miss working in the schedule happy world of retail management (that’s when you know I’ve lost it. Because, retail.) Schedules make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And Harper seems to like ’em, too.

3. Find a great babysitter. A babysitter? But I don’t even work! Why do I need a babysitter?? Because there’s nothing like pulling out of my driveway with my to-do list in hand, blasting my favorite music, only to look in the rearview mirror to see the empty carseat and be overcome with the feeling that I’m missing a limb. Nothing makes me appreciate the time I get to spend with Harper more than when I have to go a couple of hours without her.

4. For every SAHM, there is a super hard-working GTWF (Go To Work Father). Thank you a thousand times to my husband.

5. It’s fun to play. Acting like a kid again and playing with Harper is a highlight of our day. We both lay on the floor and play with toys, and I get to watch her discover things for the first time.  (But it’s also fun when she’s working on a poop, too. Because it means she is entertained, even if it’s just for 5 minutes.)

6. Shower, get dressed and do my hair + makeup. Even if we don’t have plans. Because it will always make me feel better about everything, and will probably make me want to get out of the house. And because Harper doesn’t appreciate my fashion sense. Yet.

7. Make time to workout and drink coffee. Sometimes at the same time. Just go with it.

8. Find a playgroup or two, and make friends with other SAHMs. We can all talk about our birthing stories, nursing woes and nap schedules. Because my other friends don’t want to hear it (again).

9. It’s hard, and there’s little glory. It truly is a never-ending, 24/7 job. I don’t expect anyone to roll out the red carpet for me, but is it asking too much for maybe just a little trophy? All shiny and gold, so I can stare at it on the really tough days?

10. It’s the best job in the whole world.

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