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Did I “OPT-OUT”?      It’s 6:30 in the morning and I’m sitting at the breakfast table reading the morning paper and having my first cup of half caf coffee (we’ll touch on that later), when I come across an article of particular interest – “ Stay at Home Moms” . I’m somewhat excited about the recognition, making the front page of the Washington Post (lower left corner), and yet somewhat cautious of the premise. My 'caution ' was warranted. Apparently, there was a recent study done that indicated that stay-at-home moms tended to be younger ( than what? ) and less educated (than whom? ). "Hello", I don’t recall anyone knocking on my door or the door of a number of sophisticated, mature acquaintances of mine who just happen to have ' opted out ' of traditional employment.       The funny thing was the timing of this article. Its been nearly a year since I took my 'leave ' to become a full-time MOM , and was finally coming to terms with my deci...

When god gave women the ability to bear children, some would also say that god gave us the privilege to bear children. It wasn’t until I first held our son did I really come to that recognition. Sure, after two hours of intense labor and equally intense bitter rage, I swore to whoever would listen, especially my husband , that I was NOT going through that again. And I know I’m not alone in that thought process.       But, there I was, not two years later, pushing out number 2. I have to say, the thought did occur to us to consider number 3. But after some head-banging, we realized that even though we assumed we would have the necessary stamina at 45 ( very debatable now ), would we really WANT to force the issue at 50? I have to admit, though, I just loved being pregnant. I loved feeling my belly as it grew and maneuvered around. I loved the anticipation of a newborn. I loved reading each chapter of What to Expect When You’re Expecting dutifully following with ...