The Expats- Working from Home

This month's book club novel is The Expats by Chris Pavone. The book is about a former CIA agent Kate, who moves abroad with her family for her husband's new job. While in Europe, Kate discovers her husband has secrets of his own. The book is filled with lots of twists and turns... at least what I've been able to read so far...

When I accepted the book club book, I thought I could do it all. Newborn & 6 year old, 4 jobs, planning a bday party, AND reading a book... no problem! I'm super mom- right?? OK, I was until both kids got really sick last week and E missed a lot of school- I read from the carpool line :)

The book began introducing Kate and her "situation." Before Europe, Kate basically had a nanny all week and played with the kids on the weekends. She had previously wanted more time with her children.

"But now? Now it was every day after school, every evening, every night, every morning, and all weekend long. How was anyone supposed to amuse them, without spending her life lying on the floor, playing with Legos? Without the kids killing each other, or making an unbearable mess, or driving her crazy?" - The Expats

After reading that, I couldn't help but wish that was my problem. I'd love to have nothing to do but worry about how to amuse my children! I went back to work 1 week after Keenan was born. Granted working from home is different than being in an office. But now I'm realizing how much I'm missing with baby K- even though I'm right here!

When E was 5 weeks old, I had her in Gymboree Music & Play. We had baby playgroups. We walked the mall with other new moms. We socialized constantly! I loved being a stay at home mom, always finding ways to amuse her. Now, with baby K, our "getting out" consists of picking up E from school or a trip to the grocery store. Baby K coos from my lap while I type- not from the mommy and me yoga class or from the stroller as we walk the park.

I would love to have the chance to live abroad while staying home with my children- work free. I know being a SAHM isn't for all people. I love to work too and totally get it. But kids grow up so fast. That's why it's taken me 2 months to write baby K's birth story- hopefully to come this week! It's easy to let go pleasurable things like reading and writing- to go amuse your kids. So I'm going to end this post to go listen to my kiddo coo and hopefully my super mom powers come back for the next book club book I accept!

This post was inspired by the gripping mystery thriller novel The Expats by Chris Pavone. Kate Moore happily sheds her old life to become a stay-at-home mom when her husband takes a job in Europe. As she attempts to reinvent herself, she ends up chasing her evasive husband’s secrets. Join From Left to Write on Tuesday, January 22nd as we discuss The Expats. As a member, I received a copy of the book as inspiration for this post.