Oh, so you just stay at home then?

Ever since I made the decision to be a Stay at Home parent, people have made this comment to me.  Often, it's just something that people say when they don't know what ELSE to say, you know....just mindless chatter.  But often, I find myself getting terribly annoyed.  I decided to break this statement down, for the naysayers, who believe that staying at home isn't a real job:

1.  I am a caregiver.
I provide constant care for my 13 month old son.   GREAT care, to be exact.  I make sure that he is kept on a structured (yet somewhat flexible) schedule, he is always fed, clean, safe and as content as a 13 month old can be. 

2.  I am a nurse.
I kiss boo-boos.  I dispense medication.  I take temperatures.  I apply ice packs when needed.  I wipe his little tush clean countless times a day.  I clean up spit-up.  I wipe away boogers.  All in all....I keep his body working the best that it can.

3.  I am an entertainer.
Have you ever spent 45 minutes jumping up from behind the back of the couch, just because it makes your baby giggle uncontrollably?  I have.  Have you ever read the same book 28 times in a row, just because your child loves to turn the pages?  I have.  Have you ever sang 'You are my Sunshine..." for so long that your jaw aches, just because it's the only thing that is soothing your fussy child?  I have....and I'll probably do this all again tomorrow.

4.  I am a cook.
Something that I never wanted to be.  In fact, I still despise cooking to this day.  But I make the extra effort to cook healthy, balanced meals for my son because I care about what is going into his body.  Even though he has issues with swallowing and most of the food he eats winds up in his lap...I still take the time to prepare meals for my baby, with a little dash of love thrown in for good measure.

5.  I am a teacher.
Everything my child knows, I have taught him.  I will teach him respect, manners, love, compassion, friendship, sportsmanship, right from wrong, and countless other life lessons.  This responsibility lies solely in me and my husband.

I am everything I listed above, and more.  I am a MOM.  We do it all!  Just because I chose to make raising my son, and God-willing....my future children, my job, doesn't mean that I just lay around a messy house all day long, letting my son watch cartoons and waddle around in wet diapers.  I work hard and I take my job as a Mother and Wife seriously. 

So, the next time someone says, "Oh...so you just stay at home then?"  I am going to respond:

"Yes.  I just stay at home." 

But next time, I'll smile and remember that even though some people don't realize it, I am so much more than just a housewife.