The particulars of being a part-time mommy worker

Currently, I have a work schedule that is, admittedly, EXTREMELY flexible. I really, truly couldn't ask for a better set up. If I didn't "have to" work, I'm not sure what my choice would be, but as it is, I don't really have that choice. Thankfully, though, I don't have to work full time. That would be really, really hard for me.

So. As you probably know, I work almost entirely from home, with a few days a month at the office interspersed in there. For my current contract period, I am required to log 15 hours per week. No more, no less. Here's how I arrange it:

A) I take the Flurg to a babysitter 2 days a week for a total of roughly 10 hours.
B) I fill in the other 5 hours on the other 3 days of the week, grabbing time wherever I can. (Which I often find very difficult)

Again, I feel very lucky in this respect. I don't have to take him to a daycare because there are several women in my congregation at church who are SAHMs and take in a few kids here and there to supplement their income.

Why I love this:
1) It is very hard for me to get work done while I have the baby here. If he's having one of his angelic days, it's not so bad. But on his demanding days, I basically have to ignore him to get anything done. And he doesn't like this (nor should he). He only naps so many hours a day (some days not very many), so, ya know. Therefore, it's SO GREAT to know that he's not being ignored with my babysitter, who happens to have 2 little girls who absolutely adore him. I like to refer to them as his "girlfriends." The moment I bring him in the house, they come over to pat his head, talk to him, and make him feel welcome. It is the sweetest thing. Also, I have it on good authority that they can always be counted on to bring him his blankie if he is upset. Basically, I'm overwhelmingly grateful that he has such a wonderful place to hang out when Mommy can't pay attention to him.

2) I've been there. I know what it's like to depend on taking odd jobs, babysitting, what have you, to bring in some much needed income. And in a totally non-condescending way, I'm so grateful to be able to help someone else make ends meet. I know how much I appreciated it when I was in that position, so. Yes, glad that my income is helping to provide someone else's.

3) A break. OK, everyone loves their baby, but at a certain point, whether you want to admit it or not, a break is really nice. It wasn't until Flurg was about 4 months old that I began to appreciate little breaks from him. Now, I do. On days that I have him at home, Mike gets a handful of Flurg when he walks in the door, so Mommy can get a little rest. I still miss him like CRAZY when he's at his babysitter's, but after picking him up, I feel like I can appreciate him so much more. He gets nothing but hugs and kisses for the rest of the evening.

4) Socialization. I just think it's good for kids to get to know other kids, learn to coexist with them, and perhaps not be the center of the universe for a little while. Builds character, I think. Even at this age.

5) Not feeling like a scatterbrain. I know some people are able to work with their kids in the house, but it is really difficult for me. It's so hard to be able to change my focus back and forth from work to baby every other minute, particularly with the kind of work I do. Having a solid block of time to work helps my brain. I'm sure of it.

And these days, my brain needs all the help it can get. Trust me on this one.