It's a Personal Decision...

A lot of thoughts running through my mind the past couple of days. There have been some hot topics in the news over the past week. Oprah ran a show the other day about stay at home moms vs. working moms. This is an age old debate that can fuel a lot of fire, but I wanted to share my thoughts on this for my kids. So, here are my thoughts, kids...
I love being a stay at home mom. I mean, it truly is the hardest job I have ever done, but I really, really love it. I knew as soon as I had Lucy that it was what I wanted to do. I went back to work after she was born to give it a fair try and see how I felt. It became painfully clear about two weeks into it, that it wasn't going to be MY choice. I have never regretted it for one moment. I knew and felt it in my heart and gut that it was what I was supposed to do. Not forever, by any means, but for this short amount of time, while the kids are small. We struggle financially, but overall I feel we are very lucky that we are able to do this.
I do not judge those who work - I understand their choice and their reasons. Many don't have choices, due to finances. Some like the balance of a work and home combo. I get it and appreciate it.
O.k. so I'll admit, I have been offended a couple of times by people who haven't meant it. I don't like when people say they need to go back to work to get rid of "baby brain." I take that as "you aren't using your brain efficiently when you are home caring for kids." I think if you are doing it RIGHT (to me this means creatively - with energy and fun and attentiveness to your kids), you are using your brain. In fact, all of my BEST skills as a human being are being utilized every day as a mom (creativity, art, music, playing, negotiation, etc.), as opposed to a marketing director in a cubicle. But that's just me. I will use those marketing skills again. In fact, I look forward to it. I actually liked working. Just not right now.
For us, we look at this time as a blip on the radar of a long life. A short amount of time and a financial sacrifice that we are willing to make. Through the chaos of the every day, there are "kodak moments" happening all day long with these two kiddos and I am lucky to be a part of it.
One thing I know is this: It is a COMPLETELY personal decision that only that family can decide for themselves. What might be right for one family is not right for another and I respect that. Everyone should respect that. So there you have it, for the record. Sorry if I have offended, but that's my perspective.