Guilt of a working mommy

So I missed witnessing yet another major milestone in Kelsey's life - although truthfully I've probably not MISSED that many...it's just that working mother's guilt!!  Without getting into a debate over the complexities of stay at home mom's and working mom's (which is a term I hate anyway...because let's be honest- stay at home mom's ARE working mom's - but you get my point)..anyway I can only speak to my experience as a "working mom"....the added stress of trying to cram in all of those little moments and life experiences with your child during those few hours they're awake when you're home from work can prove to be overwhelmingly difficult - at best!  And knowing that they are spending most of the hours of the day at a daycare center and having these milestones without me is heartbreaking. 

That all being said...not only is it a necessity financially that I work outside of the home....but I have the self awareness to know that it's also mentally necessary for me to do it as well.  And admitting that doesn't make me less of a mother.  It just adds to the confusion of my daily life...but I love my life and love being Kelsey's mommy. 

So that missed milestone?? Kelsey taking more than 3 consecutive steps in a row.  I had just walked out the door to the grocery store leaving her with her Daddy...when suddenly she started walking.  Thankfully Chuck had the foresight to think to get the camcorder to try to capture this moment on video for me....After roughly 7 failed attempts...Kelsey finally started cruising...and away she went.....26 steps all in a row!!!!!  Granted...when I walked in the door and Chuck showed me the video I was sad that I missed it...but thanked God - yet again - for a husband who knew how much seeing that would mean to me and video taped it. 

Here's the video from last night...and if you pay attention you can see that she is a HUGE fan of Seinfeld...I believe it was the "velvet fog" episode!! Nothing better than Seinfeld.

Kelsey's 1st Birthday morning

Quick little Happy Birthday song for Kelsey from Mommy and Daddy at 6:30AM on her 1st birthday!  Love how she looks at us like...."What are you two knuckle heads doing?"

Spring/Summer 2010

I can't believe that it's been 6 months since my last post and more importantly that Kelsey is now 1!!!!! How is that possible??  Hard to remember what my life was like before having her, because it feels so complete with her in it.  So grateful for having her and enjoying EVERY moment of being her Mommy this year.  She's truly been a great baby....praying the toddler years go as well!!  Here are just a few pics from the last 6 months of Kelsey's life....I promise to post more frequently after this.

Kelsey with her "Dadda".....absolutely in love with him!!

Four generations of Hopkins/Stretch/Ordini women

Kelsey in her "pool" on the back porch....maybe next year Daddy will get her a BIG pool!!

Birthday tutu outfit and hat I had made for her party invites.  She HATED the tutu!!

Kelsey looking out the french door of the rental home in Ocean City, NJ....the trip was rainy and nearly ruined from dog allergies....not fun!!

Kelsey's Birthday cake I had made from a local woman who works out of her home...there was a matching smash cake for Kelsey.  She cautiously dipped her little fingers in it...and when Daddy got tired of waiting just smushed her little hand into it!!! Not nice Daddy!!!

A picture collage I made up for her birthday party.  We did the ladybug theme in black, white and red.  It was a lot of work, and it ended up raining which pushed the tables into the garage but it was so much fun!!

I ordered a birthday banner, favor bags and tags and door sign off of etsy.com (my new favorite website).

Grandpa and Diane bought Kelsey a little riding pony...I think you can get from the picture how much she loves her new toy!!

We took Kelsey for a professional photo shoot from a local photographer....these two pics are a true testament to how fabulous she is...because Kelsey was not her normal happy self that day...it was a miracle she got any shots.  We actually get the 2 hour shoot in half and are doing the 2nd half in October. 

She wasn't too crazy about this tutu either...but she looked so darn cute!!!!