Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho

Lately I feel like every time I need a baby-sitter (which isn't that often), I am scrambling to find someone! I mostly just need an occasional baby-sitter for the rare weekday that I work; however, since I work at a hospital, things can get a bit hectic and people call out last minute, etc. I am blessed to have two good friends who love my son on call to baby-sit when I need them to (their schedules allowing). Work is getting so crazy lately, though, that I am starting to feel guilty calling my sitters so often! I do pay them, but it's definitely less than they would make at a "regular" job for 8 hours. I know they are happy to help, but sometimes I can't help but think me working outside the house (during the week) is a big, fat waste of time.

I literally feel like I put in a full day's work sometimes before I even get to work on a weekday. When I work on a weekend, it's so relaxing to get ready in the morning (relatively speaking). I can get up, have some coffee and breakfast, take a leisurely shower and be confident in my ability to be out the door on time. My husband takes care of my son from the moment he wakes on these days, which makes my life about a zillion times easier!

During the week if I get called in to work (and I do always have the option to say no, but the bank account thanks me when I do a little extra here and there), I have to do everything myself. I get up (earlier than usual, I might add!), get showered, dressed, and ready. THEN, I get Josh up (sometimes I have to wake him, making things especially painful), get him breakfast and, depending on the day, deliver him to the sitter's house or try and make my house as presentable as I can for a sitter to come here. UGH! By the time I drive a half hour to work and get to the morning meeting, I am a breathless, sweaty, un-caffeinated mess...not to mention a few minutes late!

I know so many of my friends work full time and do this and so much more every day. To them, I simply say: I salute you! I just know I'm not cut out for it. The days I work during the week are hectic and by the time I get home, I'm completely spent. I long for time with my son and husband, but have no patience or energy to deal with them...let alone get dinner on the table!

That said, a mama's gotta do what a mama's gotta do. My husband is always so appreciative when I pick up some extra hours at work, and this month we really could use the funds. So, hi-ho, hi-ho, it's off to work I go!