You know something? Staying at home can be a really sucky job.

We work long, arduous days for no financial compensation.

We don't get 'lunch' or scheduled 'breaks.'

We don't get the respect a lot of other people get based on our career choice.

We get no pat on the back for making a healthy lunch or cleaning out the fridge. No golden watch at retirement.

Our days can be both unpredictable and mundane at the same time time.

But you know what we do get?

When, say, our ten-month-old baby boy decides that 3pm on August 17th, 2007, would be a really great time to take his first steps, we are there to see it.

And we clap wildly and hug our confused/startled baby tight.

And we suddenly forget that we don't have a lot of time to ourselves, or that nobody throws a Christmas party in our honour, or that our dressy attire is so outdated that it looks like something worn in Purple Rain, or that we can't afford a facial, like, ever.

Suddenly, it reminds us in bright, flashing, neon lights that this is a wonderful way to spend our days because we stand the very best chance of catching those first steps, first smiles, first drawings and first everythings. The things that make parenting something even sane people think is worthwhile.

This stuff is worth all the mayhem in the world.