After my youngest, Naomi, was born, I significantly cut back my work hours (I now average around 14 hours per week) so I can stay home with my kids. Nate works days and I work evenings so one parent is with them at all times. There are some advantages to this. We come out even financially. More importantly, the kids do not have to go to daycare at all. There are some good daycares and babysitters out there (we found about 1 in 4), but there's only so much that can be done with dozens of toddlers running around. The kids definitely win in this situation.
As great as this situation is, sometimes I have a flash of regret for deciding to stay home. I really love these kids, but when I am with them all the time, any behavioral issues really jump out--and now, I can't blame them on another caregiver. Most of my frustrations stem from normal toddler behavior. They are into everything because they are curious, and I wouldn't want them any other way. I redirect them and tell myself this is a phase. Still, about the time water comes dripping through my dining room ceiling, I have to sit down and have a good cry. It is then that my little guys climb into my lap. Levi wipes my tears and asks, "Mommy, what's wrong?" Isaac plants a huge sloppy kiss on my cheek. That nips the regret in the bud, because I am reminded that they have some of the qualities I most want them to have. They are loving, empathetic, and (although it is a constant source of frustration) inquisitive. I wouldn't trade this life for anything.
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