Being a stay-at-home mommy has always been an aspiration of mine. My husband and I decided five years ago to not only start our family, but also that I would be the stay-at-home parent. I was elated! It was as though I had just won the Super Bowl or had been accepted to the college of my dreams. It was the kind of excitement that only comes when you realize that you’ve come face-to-face with a longstanding goal.
While the last five years have been great, this past year has been a difficult one for me. Maybe it’s anxiety from the impending 3-0, or the realization that my baby is now 2 and will be starting school soon. Either way, I’ve felt like a lost teenager. I never thought that I would want something for myself or need a form of personal validation outside the cozy confines of our home. I assumed that realizing my dream of becoming a mommy would bring me lifelong fulfillment, and while it has in many ways, I still felt like something was missing. Finding a family at New Orleans Moms Blog has been a blessing for many reasons, but having an outlet to express myself has proved invaluable. I’ve been missing that for far too long, and being a part of this group has been an eye opening experience.
My New Chapter…
As a member of the blog, I was recently invited to board the Carnival Sunshine for an overnight stay-cation {gratis}, and my husband was invited, too! Although I know it’s not true, it felt like the first time in a long time that I’ve been able to provide something rewarding for him. It was an extremely fulfilling feeling, something I’ve been looking for all this year. And let me tell you, we had more fun on this overnight ship-cation than we’ve ever had on any vacation! (Seriously. My husband literally tried to book a cruise with Carnival as we lounged atop the Serenity Deck and enjoyed the intense Saints game. The only thing that stopped him was the concern for how long it will take to get our boys their own passports!)
I can’t say enough good things about this trip.
Not only was the ship beautiful and luxurious, but there was just something about the setting and the crew (hard to not say krewe) that made it so easy to just relax and enjoy the moment, more so than on any of our previous escapes. I didn’t text my mom about the kids once (oops…they missed their antibiotics), and we didn’t spend our entire night alone talking about our sweet angels and their various adventures. We simply enjoyed each other. We gazed into each other’s eyes while lounging in a hammock beneath a star soaked sky, sipping a glass of wine (and Crown). It was the most relaxed either of us have been in recent memory, and it was much needed.
The most amazing part about a cruise to this Foodie Mama is the food. I love to sample all kinds of food…all day long! I’m literally planning my next meal as I eat. On a cruise, my husband doesn’t roll his eyes as he listens to me plan our food itinerary.
I can eat as often and as much (or little) as I like. Our simple overnight stay featured sushi, tacos, burgers, pasta, grilled salmon, lobster, a sweets bar…(we may or may not have tried them all). The list goes on and on. It’s basically foodie heaven.
Now, as I begin to spread my wings, I am constantly surprised by the doors that open. My journey to 30 will be ending soon and that’s ok. The stress of turning 30 has pushed me to explore outside my perceived box and by doing so, I’ve been able to experience opportunities I never dreamt possible. I’m excited for what the world holds for me and I know that my 30’s are going to top the 20’s! Bring it on!
How do you maintain individuality outside “Mommy”?
Sounds like you had a really nice time. Do you know anything about the upcoming cruise on the Carnival Sunshine with the Saints? I know it is in March 2014, but don’t have all the details. Thanks for any information!
Madeline,
I don’t know. I wish I did though. Sounds amazing. The ship was so fun and just having the game on was a real treat! Let us know if you hear anything else and we will do the same!