Congratulations

This is a copy of a letter I wrote and sent to a new mom (my sister) who decided to "retire" from the work force and stay at home to care for her new infant son.

This is my earliest convenience to wish you congratulations on your early retirement from the world of "work-away" moms and for joining the ranks of SAHM (that's stay at home mom for rookies). It is sadly a very under recognized position and there by you may at times regret your decision but in the end, and especially when he's sleeping soundly, you will be so thankful to experience every one of those poopy diapers, sorry, I mean tender moments...I say all of this as a veteran SAHM who is so close to that "all kids in school, all day" that I can hardly contain myself. I do a little happy dance everytime I think of it.
So take it from one who knows, you will never be sorry that you've chosen this new road. It's filled with much more valuable rewards and moments than you ever dreamed possible...like puke stains, the smell of poop on your hands, or my personal favorite-cleaning out the "accident" from the underwear, messes that never occurred to you, no privacy when you are in the bathroom or shower, pee on the seat and wall, barf spewed without any warning or aim, nameless things stuck, smooshed or spread in any area of the house or car, the list goes on....
But the most important and especially rewarding are those unexpected hugs and the first time your baby tells you they love you. awesome