The great multi-tasker

It's safe to say I've always been a multi-tasker. I've been told, although I don't know if there is actually anyway to confirm these stories, that I used to organize playing schedules while simultaneously bossing my little brother around. I've also been told that I would often eat and demand something else to eat simultaneously. The Kool-Aid incident is famous in our family. So, I think you get my drift? Even at a young age I learned to multi-task. Fast forward to high school. I took AP classes, played water polo (half-heartedly) participated in swimming, was co-editor and then editor of the school newspaper and still managed to have time for friends and family. Again, a multi-tasker. Then I got married, at the very ripe age 19 and suddenly multi-tasking took on a whole new meaning. Suddenly there were two of us going to school, two of us working and a house to take care of. Then, yet again, multi-tasking became a new beast altogether with the birth of our first child, Afton. 

Although I was blessed to not have to leave the home to work, I have always had some kind of "stay-at-home" part time job. So not only did I have a little baby who was not a very good sleeper for the first 18 months of her life, I also had a job to worry about, a husband to feed, and a house to clean.

Now I know this is normal for a lot of women now a days and some even work outside of the home and still manage to keep everything else in order too. But for me, it has always been a challenge, even in light of my spectacular multi-tasking skills.

But, it has always worked out, and I have always felt fulfilled as a mom and as a worker. When Chad and I moved to Santa Rosa I had a stay at home job that consisted of answering phones after hours for a company. That, was challenging with a child just learning to talk. Now, I have a more fitting job that doesn't involve talking to costumers while trying to shush a two year old. Most of what I do is computer work and I can leave the computer as I please and easily pick up where I left off. It really is the perfect job for a mom. 

I always planned on going back to work when Afton was born because we needed the income at the time, but somehow Heavenly Father always blessed us so that wasn't needed. And he still is. 

I get to lazily be woken up in the morning by my two year old opening my door and saying "mommy." I then pull her into bed with me and we cuddle for a while longer until I can safely leave my bed without a grumpy attitude. Then breakfast is in order and a movie is usually turned on. Lady and the Tramp and Tangled have been the movies of choice lately. Then my day usually consists of working on and off, taking breaks to play with Afton or smother her with kisses. Snacks are often requested and potty breaks are a must, by both mom and baby. Multi-tasking has always seemed to get harder and more involved the older I've gotten, but it is also gotten more rewarding and more important.
There really is no way I could ever, or will ever leave my children in a day care. I just can't do it. The thought makes we want to throw up and cry at the same time. I NEED to be with my Afton everyday. My life isn't complete without her anymore. So although some days it feels like I was a failure as a mother because I didn't spend enough quality time with her and the TV was on way to much, I don't care. I don't care because I am still here to see all her milestones and kiss the bumps and bruises. And I still manage to fit in at least 50 kisses a day.

I am only 25, but I believe I have mastered multi-tasking.