Update
Ha- I meant to make my last post a private "note to self," but accidentally posted it publicly. Thanks to those who replied. I've been lurking here every day, thinking of you all, but haven't felt like I had anything to share that would be worth reading!
I've been enjoying motherhood. K. is almost 8 months now, and says "Mama" when she sees or wants me. She also can say "Papa," though she calls my husband Mama much of the time ;-) She is crawling very well, stands up on her own (but only when holding onto something) and cruises along the couch/her play pen pretty quickly. I won't be surprised if she walks by herself, next month. When she does, we are in for it because she is VERY curious and fast!
Work takes up much of my time, but I'm also taking a course on Mothers in Children's Literature. It's fascinating. It not only focuses on how mothers are portrayed in books (or aren't portrayed in the case of the MANY missing/dead moms), but we also talk about what it's like to be a mother who's trying to also be a writer.
I highly recommend one of our textbooks, _Mother Reader: Essential Writings on Motherhood_ (edited by Moyra Davey), to EVERY mother who's ever felt frustrated trying to write while mothering. It's a collection of essays by many famous female writers about their feelings, triumphs, etc. I've found solace in knowing I'm not alone. One of the authors (I'm stuck to K right now and can't get the book to see which) mentioned how for many mothers it's easier to read than write. That's where I am, right now. I've done a lot of reading this year, but hardly any writing.
In our class, we've discussed how women writers really need other peoples' support in order to create the atmosphere necessary to take their craft as seriously as any other job. That's why my other post was about eventually hiring a baby sitter (if we can afford it). I'd like at least some regular time to write without distraction. My husband cares for K. equally, now, but once he starts his career in a few years, I think I'd like to figure out another part-time childcare solution during the day so we can all just relax when he's off work. I think I am maturing enough I'd make the most of my writing time and wouldn't dawdle the way I used to. I should mention that we want four kids- that's why I think it will be so important to have help while I work at home!
Speaking of writing, I can't believe this course is the last one I need for my MFA before I write my thesis. EEK!!! I have no idea how I'm going to make time for this novel right now (not because of the baby, but because of my job). I've spread out my degree over many years so that I could savor each course and get the most of my time in the program. I want to enjoy my thesis, too, so I don't think I'll rush through it just to get it done (which I could do pretty easily, though the results would be mediocre).
I've been so proud of so many folks on my f-list for being steadfast and dedicated to their writing. We've had so much good news to share this year it's given me a lot of hope. In a way, I feel I've fallen behind my peer group from lack of work, but I'm not being hard on myself-- I've had many serious, overwhelming responsibilities these past few years. Taking care of business for my dad (which I'm still doing) has been an unexpected, major challenge and it's just now getting where it doesn't feel like a part-time job.
Regardless, these past months with the baby have been an amazing blessing. I have lived them to the fullest with her and have loved each second. I truly love being a mom.
I've been thankful for your posts every day. Reading what you write is what I sneak off to do when K. naps or in the morning when I have a minute's peace at breakfast. You're invaluable.
I've been enjoying motherhood. K. is almost 8 months now, and says "Mama" when she sees or wants me. She also can say "Papa," though she calls my husband Mama much of the time ;-) She is crawling very well, stands up on her own (but only when holding onto something) and cruises along the couch/her play pen pretty quickly. I won't be surprised if she walks by herself, next month. When she does, we are in for it because she is VERY curious and fast!
Work takes up much of my time, but I'm also taking a course on Mothers in Children's Literature. It's fascinating. It not only focuses on how mothers are portrayed in books (or aren't portrayed in the case of the MANY missing/dead moms), but we also talk about what it's like to be a mother who's trying to also be a writer.
I highly recommend one of our textbooks, _Mother Reader: Essential Writings on Motherhood_ (edited by Moyra Davey), to EVERY mother who's ever felt frustrated trying to write while mothering. It's a collection of essays by many famous female writers about their feelings, triumphs, etc. I've found solace in knowing I'm not alone. One of the authors (I'm stuck to K right now and can't get the book to see which) mentioned how for many mothers it's easier to read than write. That's where I am, right now. I've done a lot of reading this year, but hardly any writing.
In our class, we've discussed how women writers really need other peoples' support in order to create the atmosphere necessary to take their craft as seriously as any other job. That's why my other post was about eventually hiring a baby sitter (if we can afford it). I'd like at least some regular time to write without distraction. My husband cares for K. equally, now, but once he starts his career in a few years, I think I'd like to figure out another part-time childcare solution during the day so we can all just relax when he's off work. I think I am maturing enough I'd make the most of my writing time and wouldn't dawdle the way I used to. I should mention that we want four kids- that's why I think it will be so important to have help while I work at home!
Speaking of writing, I can't believe this course is the last one I need for my MFA before I write my thesis. EEK!!! I have no idea how I'm going to make time for this novel right now (not because of the baby, but because of my job). I've spread out my degree over many years so that I could savor each course and get the most of my time in the program. I want to enjoy my thesis, too, so I don't think I'll rush through it just to get it done (which I could do pretty easily, though the results would be mediocre).
I've been so proud of so many folks on my f-list for being steadfast and dedicated to their writing. We've had so much good news to share this year it's given me a lot of hope. In a way, I feel I've fallen behind my peer group from lack of work, but I'm not being hard on myself-- I've had many serious, overwhelming responsibilities these past few years. Taking care of business for my dad (which I'm still doing) has been an unexpected, major challenge and it's just now getting where it doesn't feel like a part-time job.
Regardless, these past months with the baby have been an amazing blessing. I have lived them to the fullest with her and have loved each second. I truly love being a mom.
I've been thankful for your posts every day. Reading what you write is what I sneak off to do when K. naps or in the morning when I have a minute's peace at breakfast. You're invaluable.