becoming who/what I want to be

Question: I was recently updating my 101 list and was wondering if you have any news or updates on yours? I took a quick glance at your list a minute ago - and at the risk of sounding totally corny - I'd say (IMO) you can cross #1 off your list. You are so obviously meant to be a mommy. (dont let ryan see this, haha).

Answer: It's so funny that you ask this question (it wasn't really posed as a question, but I'm going to elaborate on it), because I already had this pending as a blog post. So, for the sake of answering your question, I changed my post a little and just combined the two.

For those of you who aren't sure what she's asking, here is #1 on my list of 101:
1. Start my 'career' (whatever that may be)

The other day I was thinking a little about where I am in my life. For once my days don't seem to be ticking by at some slow useless pace, I don't feel like I'm counting down the days to the next big event (a holiday, a day off, a vacation). I feel like I am trying to make the best of every moment. I sit down with Jude and truly try to enjoy our time together and I feel totally fulfilled. There really is nothing I would rather be doing right now than spending my time with him. Today, for example, we just sat and watched the rain for awhile, I played with my camera and took pictures of him exploring his toys. It was great.

We have little day trips out and about, we spend time with Uncle Bryan and Aunt Katy, we take time each morning to cuddle in bed (more to come on that), take our time getting dressed, exploring new foods and so much more. It's really great.

But I guess the real question is do I want to cross of #1? I don't think so. While for once in my life I feel like I'm doing something totally worthwhile and rewarding. I love every second, but when I'm done with being a 'stay at home' mother, I really do have high hopes to start a career and do something I love. I've had dreams of being a photographer, starting my own business, working with kids, continuing my college education in some way with a career in psychology and so much more. While being a mother is what I want right now, once Jude is in school... or I feel comfortable putting him in day care (my 'at home' time really has no set end date) I really truly hope to achieve something career-oriented. It's really a selfish goal as right now I'm giving 100% of me to my house, my husband and my son - so would eventually like to do something for me.

As for the rest of the list: I think the only item that really has had any progress was Jumping in leaves as posted previously. I do plan to in the near future skimming through to see if anything else is in progress, but I'm pretty sure there isn't anything else. I'll be sure to put up a post if I do any significant updating.

This was a gift from mom-mom, he just recently started to really get into it - he obviously doesn't put the shape in the holes, but he sure does chew on them.

My two sons...

Question: If you're a SAHM do you feel like it's a 'job'/career? Do you eventually want to get a job and contribute (more) to the income, or are you happy being at home? If you work, do you feel like being a mother is a second job?