Becoming a stay-at-home mom of two little ones under two is a huge life shift on its own. But when you add a new puppy to the mix, every day feels like an adventure—a chaotic, exhausting, and sometimes hilarious adventure. Recently, I made the decision to leave my full-time job to focus on our growing family, and here’s a glimpse into the highs & lows of my journey so far.
The Highs
1. Unforgettable Moments with My Kids
Staying home means I’m there to see all the small moments that would have been easily missed in the rush of my workdays. I get to witness my toddler’s fascination with smelling flowers, watch her bond with baby brother, and soak up the milestones of their early years. Seeing my toddler share a toy with the baby or call out for the puppy with excitement fills my days with laughter & joy.
2. A Special Bond with Jaxson, Our New Puppy
Having a puppy like Jaxson has brought an unexpected layer of joy to our home. While puppies can be a handful, Jaxson has become a friend to my toddler and another source of comfort for the baby. Seeing my children giggle as he wags his tail or watching them try to cuddle him reminds me that he’s become part of our family in such a short time. I love that my kids are growing up around animals—it teaches empathy, responsibility, and a bit of patience, too!
3. Crafting Our Own Schedule
Now that I’m home full-time, our days have a unique rhythm. We’re not rushing off to daycare drop-offs or fighting traffic to get home by a certain hour. Instead, we can embrace a more relaxed flow, going out for fresh air when it suits us or setting aside time for indoor play on rainy days. This flexibility is freeing, and while it’s not always structured, it allows me to be more responsive to my family’s needs.
The Lows
1. The Never-Ending To-Do List
Juggling two young kids and a puppy can feel like trying to keep ten spinning plates in the air. My toddler wants snacks & attention, the baby needs cuddles & feeding, and Jaxson has his own set of needs, from walks to training. Some days, I feel like I’m constantly running from one task to the next without a chance to catch my breath. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when everyone seems to need something at the same time!
2. Missing the Structure & Social Interaction of Work
Leaving my job has meant letting go of the routine & adult conversations I’d become used to. Work brought a sense of accomplishment that was different from motherhood, and some days, I miss that feeling. Now, my “team” consists of my kids and a puppy, and while they’re endlessly entertaining, I sometimes miss the challenge of work projects and the camaraderie of coworkers.
3. Finding Time for Myself Amid the Chaos
Between the kids & Jaxson, personal time feels like a luxury. The puppy needs training, the baby’s nap schedule is always shifting, and my toddler has an endless amount of energy. Finding a few minutes to recharge can feel nearly impossible, and by the end of the day, I’m often exhausted. I’m learning to celebrate even the smallest moments of self-care, whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee before the kids wake up or a few minutes of fresh air while Jaxson runs around.
Embracing the Journey, One Day at a Time
This journey is teaching me resilience, patience, and the importance of finding humor in everyday moments. There are hard days where I feel stretched thin, but there are also heartwarming days filled with laughter and love that remind me why I made this choice.
For anyone else juggling young kids, pets, and the demands of home life, know that you’re not alone. There’s strength in our shared experiences and growth in learning to balance it all—puppy mishaps and all.
Thank you for joining me on this journey, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed in your own life, remember to take a deep breath. We’re all doing the best we can, one day (and sometimes, one nap) at a time.
Tiny Tribe Adventures 