No WAHMy

My new boss

A working mother once told me this story:

When I was first married, my husband worked and I didn't. I asked him for $10 and he asked why. I said to myself, 'This is the last time anyone will ever ask me that question.'

I think of that story often when I think about being a working mother. As nice as it sounds to not work, contributing income to my family and having my own money is important to me. But now I am about to become a WAHM - or Work-At-Home-Mom, as the lingo goes. I'm nervous about it. 

This week is my last week of full-time employment at CBS Interactive. I've been looking forward to having this job in my rear-view mirror for a long time but now that the end is nigh, I am starting to feel a little anxious. 

How do other WAHMs do it? How do you prioritize your day so that you are able to feel successful and accomplished in both your personal and professional life? 

I have received an overwhelming amount of encouragement from colleagues, friends, and viewers. I'm so grateful for that. But of course the little demon on the left shoulder keeps haunting me. 

What if you become a cautionary tale? What if you don't get work and no one ever hears from you again? What if you become a bunny-slipper-wearing-hair-in-curlers-soap-opera-watching housewife asking Clayton for $10 so you can buy a latté and an éclair!?

And then I breathe. 

I know better than this. I am choosing the brave option by leaving my "cush job." I am leaving in pursuit of greener pastures. I believe that I can do meaningful work while still trying to be the best mom I can be. I am excited to set a good example in the choices I am making! I just have to keep telling myself that. 

I have a new agent and I am excited about the work that he is bringing my way. But in symbolically "sticking it to the man," I now work for two men: my husband Clayton and Baby Mo. So how do you do that and make this WAHM thing work? Tips! Please! Save me from the bunny slippers and curlers! 

Quitting My Job

Hosting Loaded with a little interloper! Are you quitting your job to be a full-time mommy?

I've been asked that question a lot since I announced my resignation from CBS Interactive on Thursday. It's a natural question but the answer is no. Sort of no.

I've been a full-time mommy since my son was born. You don't get a break from being a mommy. So the question is not "Are you going to be a full-time mommy?" but instead "Are you going to stop pursuing a career and just be a mommy?"

And the answer is still no.

While I've always fashioned myself as a woman who needed a successful career, the idea of focusing all of my energy on my family is surprisingly appealing. I never thought I'd be of that mindset. But when I think of giving it all up in order to join daytime Mommy And Me music classes and putting my Beaba Babycook into overdrive, I know that isn't the right thing for me either.

I want things. I have goals that I have yet to accomplish. I want a pursuit outside of this family and I want my family to be proud of me. But I do want to focus more energy on my family too. I am looking forward to more time and flexibility with my husband and Baby Mo.

I'm still not sure how my work/family life will balance out but I am trying to focus my energy on finding a new challenge that is flexible, lucrative, and rewarding. I am willing it with everything I have!

A lot of people have their derisions about why I would leave a good job like the one I currently have and whether or not I should stay home with my baby. I appreciate the concern and speculation but the truth of the matter is this:

• I don't have another job lined up. Really!
• I am not leaving for TWiT. I haven't even been asked.
• I will not be auditioning for The Real Housewives of New York City.
• I already am a full-time mommy. But I have a career too. Even if no one is paying me for it yet.

Last Minute Hot Toys

Here is my CBS News Eye On Parenting segment featuring award-winning toys this season. I want that spycam!

Cloth Diapering 101

Here is this week's CBS News Eye on Parenting segment with an update to my 30-day cloth diapering challenge. My producers were not all that keen on doing an update to the first diapering segment we shot a month ago but after a month of cloth diapering, I had to insist because there is so much to show! I am really proud of this piece. I think it is a great run-down of the modern cloth diapering options. I'm so grateful to all of you in the CD community who helped me learn the ropes!

I plan to post a review of the various types of diapers I have used soon so stay tuned!

Are We There Yet? A Few Tips For Traveling With The Kiddos