Having kids has turned me into a homebody.
Pre-kids, I was more apt to be out and about the town, exploring and wondering, meeting new people and going new places.
And there is definitely a part of me that still craves that. I like knowing everyone and being in the know. I will introduce myself to others readily and I actually really enjoy attending parties and functions (even if I don't know anyone). I love public speaking and experiencing new things and sitting smack dab in the center of a table at the restaurant.
That said, I also take great pleasure in "solitary" activities - reading, writing, blogging, walking, running, etc. I appreciate silence and thoughtfulness.
I'm one of those rare people that scores 50% extrovert and 50% introvert on almost all personality tests (and I have taken almost all of them, thanks to my Masters degree in Educational Counseling...).
All that said, I feel that my extroverted qualities have dampened a little since having kids. I can genuinely say that I truly appreciate being home. On any given day, you'll likely find me here with my two girls - not at Target or the mall or a park or the zoo. But in my living room or in the office doing arts & crafts or in my 2-year-old's room, watching her jump on the bed. I like swinging on the porch swing and baking muffins and singing the ABCs and racing across the backyard and going on walks right at sunset.
I actually don't get "stir-crazy" much. I like sitting on my brown leather couch to nurse the baby. I like running through the sprinklers with my 2-year-old and pretending to be the Tickle Monster so that she squeals with delight. I like laying on the bed with a pile of books and my 2 girls and reading aloud, with all the "voices" ("And I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house down..."). Those are the kind of things you can't do when you're racing around town.
Perhaps, as my kids get older, we'll go out more.
But, right now, I enjoy being "in."
It may not be perfect, but...
I like my home. I like my family. I like my life.
And did I mention how much I LOVE these two little girls?
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This weekend is all about "home" - how to organize it, clean it, and love living in it. I may not be the most qualified person to talk about housekeeping, but I'll be sure to enlist the help of my "OCD-I-have-to-have-a-clean-house-or-I-turn-into-Mr.-Grumperpants" husband if I need help reviewing the latest cleaning products. Stay tuned for tips, product reviews, and giveaways.
lol love the nickname for your husband. i think that's what my husband calls me behind my back :P
Oh I hear ya on the solitary. I am alone at home right now and it is HEAVENLY. I used to be a social butterfly. Now a nice evening is one where I'm ALONE. :-)
Actually, I have to go do the dishes (and some laundry) before my OCD hubby gets home!
I love your hubby's nickname. I have one of those kind of hubby's too!
I like getting out of the house, but boy do I appreciate being home too (I'm one of those rare people who hates to travel because it takes me away from home!)
My husband's big on a clean house too, especially the kitchen. I only pretend to be annoyed when he washes utensils that I'm still using for cooking because it is really nice to have the kitchen magically becoming clean while I'm still messing it up :)
PS You co-sleep, right? Do you co-sleep only with the baby or the two year old as well? How do you deal with naps once baby doesn't stay where you put them anymore? (Elizabeth is done with staying in one place but I'm not quite ready to transition to a crib / separate room.)
I am so like you in this respect!
Thanks, Cindi
I too love being at home with the children. It is sure getting harder with them getting older. Gone are the lazy winter days at home with the 2 oldest. That is what me and the little one enjoy doing. I will savor the next year while I can.
I know how you feel. I love spending time with my three boys and my sweet husband right here in our humble abode.
Sweet faces you've got there!
Nell
Ahhh... nice to know someone else has a husband like that! I look forward to some fun tips!!!
I can't wait...