Dream: I put down my copy of the Feminine Mystique after reading it cover to cover for the second time. Thank goodness those suburban housewives rebelled, paving the way for us little ladies and future women leaders to be anything we want to be. For now, I still just want to be little old me or if I had to pick one storybook character maybe I would be Cinderella…but only when she’s at the ball.
Reality: Although I’m only 14 months old, I’ve read a ton of great articles on the importance of balance in a woman’s life in today’s world. From Anne-Marie Slaughter’s piece, “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All” to Sheryl Sandberg’s latest Lean In, it makes me appreciate even more my Mommy’s complex decision to focus on nurturing me into a strong, beautiful, and smart little lady.
I know that there are all types of diverse people on the island of Manhattan. Within this community, there’s just as a diverse a pool of mommies. I’ve heard all types of mommies discussing, debating, and crying while mulling the subject of work-life balance over and over. Mommies have to make tough decisions! I’m not envious. Even we babies wouldn’t want to sign up for a job that has obligations for 18 years, while shaping the life of another human being. And responsibilities go beyond taking care of a child, including skills best suited to being a gourmet chef for the harshest little food critic, housekeeper to a mini hoarder, rock star wannabe to be a little X Factor judge, educator to future baby Einstein, and so much more. But I’m glad that my Mommy made me her number one priority and does it all so seemingly effortlessly (well…most of the time).
Mommy made the decision to focus on me 110% (100% just isn’t good enough for my Type-A Mother!) after going back to her old career and feeling like something was missing. It was tough and emotional for everyone. No one saw it coming, except for me. I mean, who could part ways with such a playful baby? I threw in the works—the charming smiles, rolling over, and all my best tricks—becoming a super fun munchkin just when it was time for her to go back to work. Is that a coincidence? I’ll let you decide. And besides, the office sounded dreadful. There are no babies there to play with; plus, no toys, naps, playgrounds, or play dates.
Some of my friends spend the majority of their time with a mommy, others with a nanny, daddy, grandparents, friends, or at day care. They’re all happy and spend their days playing, learning, and growing. But we all dish about our mommies trying to find the right balance…
My mommy has taken on a new career path and special projects to give her the balance she craves. First, she claims to be my ghost writer (but I think we all know where the raw talent is coming from) and she does this other stuff called consulting. Consulting seems easy. She talks about projects and helping other people…yet other people seem to do the work. Cha ching! So she tells me she has the best of both worlds. And I couldn’t agree more. Not only does she get to take on some intellectual adult challenges, she also gets the physical challenge of me as I’m learning to run. I love having Mommy with me every step of the way (literally), to learn from her example, for hugs when I need comfort, and to teach me some important life lessons.
Now, I’m not judging any of my friends and their families (I’m way too young for that); I’m just saying that I respect my own Mommy’s decision. I just hope others can understand and appreciate it, too. These life choices are never easy, you know. It’s almost as hard as picking out your outfit and hair bow for the day! We all have to put our priorities in order for ourselves and not decide what they should be for others. Every Mommy and child must navigate their own universe and discover what works for their family. So whatever your Mommy’s job is—whether it’s at home or at the office or somewhere else entirely—just try to help her enjoy the ups and downs and everything in between, like we babies do best!
Elle Belle is a beautiful baby girl who lives in the Upper East Side with her magnificent mommy, dapper dad, and her five-year-old four-legged brother (who’s adopted). She enjoys reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar, trying new foods, doing yoga, taking walks in Central Park, putting things in her mouth, and cruising around NYC in her stroller while making everyone smile wherever she goes. She can be reached [email protected] and found on tugsonmyheartstrings.blogspot.com
