Lessons in Parenting: Stay At Home Mom

Background:
Today, I embark on a new phase of life. When I turned thirteen, I became a mother's helper for a mom around the block. That summer, I began working at the Boys & Girls Club. I continued to babysit for countless local families. This continued throughout college until I obtained a job at a local early intervention school when I was off for summer vacation from college. Immediately after graduating college, I obtained the job that I had until today. For the first time, since I was old enough to work, I'm unemployed in the traditional sense. I am a stay-at-home-mom. This isn't to say that I won't be tutoring or doing something else part time to help support us financially but, I won't be employed full time.

Why?
I have been blessed to be home with my son full time since he was born on May 22nd. I was given 8 weeks maternity leave (c-section). When my maternity leave ended, I was on summer vacation. At this point, for a number of reasons, I don't feel like I could leave him all day. Some of them are: He is breast fed on demand. and is used to having his momma with him all day. He sleeps in his bassinet attached to my side of the bed. He loves being carried in his Moby wrap and snuggling with his momma. I just don't feel like I can leave him all day. I have trouble just running to the store!

How?
Financially, this is going to be a strain because both my husband and I have tremendous school loans as well as other debt as a result of graduate/law school. We are in the process of looking to consolidate everything which will help our financial situation. We are looking into ways of saving more money on expenses. We've already moved in with my parents. We are looking to cloth diaper to save more money on disposable diapers.

What?
I am looking to tutor as well as basically do anything that I can be paid for while having our little one with me. We are fortunate that the hubby found a job with great benefits just before our little one was born. I think it would be great to do something completely different than what I've been doing (aka get out of formal education).

Do any of you have any ideas? 

If I could have my way, I would take the little one to school with me and teach with him there everyday but, unfortunately this not how our system works. It would absolutely be the best of both worlds.

This isn't going to be an easy transition. I LOVED my job but, it breaks my heart to think of leaving my son who I LOVE more than my job. My job was where I met some of the most amazing people I have ever known. We've been in each other's weddings. We've been through some of the happiest and saddest times together. We were a family. I hope my coworkers know that I'm not doing this to hurt them in any way. I know that I will not be able to give my all to the job if, my little one is at a baby sitter. I feel I am actually being more fair to them by taking a leave of absence (hopefully) for the year. My leave of absence has to be approved. Otherwise it becomes a resignation. The meeting is today at noon. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated. 


For the past 7 years, I've been serving the Christian church as best I knew how, teaching. Now, my service is changing to serve my son and my family. My goal at the end of all of this is to hear the phrase, "Well done good and faithful servant."