Mr. Mom
February 24, 2011
As I was doing my weekly grocery shopping today, I noticed about 3 or 4 instances of the above photo. Each time I came across one of these dads in the aisles at Walmart (yes, I shop there) I couldn’t help but feel like I was face-to-face with my future.
If you don’t know, Natalia is going to continue to work after baby Mertinso comes, which means I will be playing the role of Mr. Mom, while also tending to some freelancing work. I’m filled with a mixture of emotions about this future. I’m excited to be a father and have a new friend to keep me company, I’m nervous about biting off more than I can chew, and I’m worried about living a lifestyle that, at times, feels quite contrary to the teachings of the Church and the pressures of Mormon culture.
When’s the last time you heard a father approach the pulpit and thank Heavenly Father for having a wife who does well enough to allow him to be able to stay home with the kids… and that being a Stay-At-Home Dad has been a choice calling..??? Moms? They say it all the time.
Natalia and I are at peace with our decision though. I don’t feel any less of a man, or that I’m contributing any less to my family, or to my marriage, by deciding to stay at home with the child. Is this a permanent solution? Nope. Natalia is a lawyer, and as such has the capacity to make much more than I, yet this isn’t about money. It’s about freeing ourselves from our financial obligations so that hopefully someday, Natty can take on the role of “Mom” and me as “Dad.” Although, even then, Natalia would still like to keep a toe in corporate world, and I completely support her in that.
I’m sure as weeks progress, I will continue to address this issue.
about 1 year ago
Ok. Listen: the cool thing about you guys having your own family is that it is your OWN. If you guys feel good about the situation then that’s all that matters. :)
about 1 year ago
Well, you know I’m not LDS, but I think this is a great solution. Gender roles are antiquated! I’m sure I would make a terrible stay at home mom lol. You’re so lucky to have situation that works for the both of you. You both have work your butts off for careers you love and neither of you should have to give that up! You guys rock.
about 1 year ago
You know, I think it’s great that you are going to stay at home. Like you said, you and Natalia feel good about it and so that is what is best for your family. I hate it when others look down on our decision just because it’s not the norm in the church. If you and your spouse feel good about a decision then that is awesome. No one else should have a say because it’s not their family. I feel this way about how many kids a couple should have. I just had my third and we feel good about stopping but so many people in the church have asked me, “Well, when are you going to have another one.” Really?! I just had a baby.
Anyway, my point is that I support you guys and there is no right way to do it. It’s all about everyone’s individual family. :)
about 1 year ago
I had my first child in my 3rd year of law school and my husband was able to arrange his work schedule so that he could watch our son while I was at school and let me just say that that was the BEST blessing EVER!!! Not only did I have peace of mind, but my husband got to spend precious time with his son and develop that relationship. When you have your child you and Natalia will both be glad that your child is being watched by a loving parent…And in your child’s eyes, it doesn’t matter if it is you or Natalia.
about 1 year ago
I cant wait to read all about your adventures! in a way, I am a little jealous. I miss my teaching career lots some days- and I wish my husband understood just how hard it is to be a stay at home parent, you will know! I think its a great situation for your family, what a blessing ;)
about 1 year ago
Awww. Warm & Fuzzy.
I already text you how I feel about this, so I don’t need to write it here. But all I want to know is, did you pick out a diaper bag yet??
I♥BabyMertinso
about 1 year ago
I think you guys will do great :)
about 1 year ago
Chilax. You guys are awesome! :)
about 1 year ago
Another girl speaking… but I understand why your mix feeling, and for me it is normal you feel that way, but remember this can be for a very short time, isn’t forever, children grow fast. And this changing can happen much early than you think. Do not worry, ask Heavenly Father to help you on that if you feel necessary, I say again, do not worry what people think about your choices, if they are righteous choices. This is the reason you need the special witness that is the peace of mind, when you have it, nothing will trouble you anymore.