AnchorMommy

My two year anniversary!

May 18, 2011 by Shannon

The very first incarnation of AnchorMommy!

I’m going on two years here. TWO YEARS since I quit my job and started this blog as outlet and place to document my adventures as a newly-minted, at-home mom. I launched AnchorMommy on May 18, 2009 and anchored my last newscast at Fox 12 on May 20, 2009. (Well, there was that time I went back and filled in for a while, but that was temporary. And I’ll be going back for another fill-in stint, but that is also temporary.)

Looking back, I can say without question that it was the SINGLE BEST DECISION I HAVE EVER MADE IN MY LIFE. Aside from marrying my husband, of course. Duh.

You may remember that I was pretty terrified to leave my job. For a while there, before the idea for AnchorMommy began to come together, the descriptive term would probably be something more like “petrified.” I had worked in TV news for 10 years. My entire identity as an adult was wrapped around my job. But I faced that fear, redefined myself and my worth, and my entire family is better for it.

For one thing, I’ve been a first-hand witness to some of the most amazing development in Kellan’s life. In the past two years, he has changed from a sweet, sometimes impulsive toddler to an amazingly sensitive and charming little boy. I am especially grateful that we’ve had this time together because I just had to register Kellan for his last year of preschool. Next year will be his last before he goes to kindergarten. I just can’t believe it.

I’ve also been privileged to experience the joy of being a mom to two kids. Ella is an absolute delight, and I love carting her around with me everywhere I go. (Well, except when I have to make dinner or lug laundry up from the basement. Then it’s not such a joy.) In the past few weeks, she’s changed immensely. She’s clapping, feeding herself, using sign language, and even saying a few words! (”Da Da” for Daddy and “ah duh,” meaning “all done,” are her favorites.) Oh, and she’s crawling – or rather, bellyflopping – everywhere she goes.

It is my absolute joy and privilege to be a mom to these two kids. What makes it even sweeter is that my husband and I have made the commitment to making sure I can stay home, so I can continue to observe and guide their development first-hand. Of course, there’s still plenty of juggling that goes on, since I do have a part-time, at-home job and continue to take on freelance assignments. But by and large, it’s a pretty sweet arrangement we have going here.

I am so thankful that I faced my fears and took the leap into at-home momming. It was a difficult and scary transition, but it has been good for me, I think. And my family. And that’s what makes it all worth it. Also, thanks for coming along with me on this ride, even though my posting is rather sporadic these days. Interacting with all of you makes my days that much brighter. So, thank you.

Looking forward to another great year…