* The house is messier than I want to believe it can be

* I can’t get ANY work done without wet knees (12 month old clinging, sobbing, to my legs while I try to work)

* I am lucky if I get a shower before having to meet with a customer – or even before dinner

* There is always too much to do, not enough time to do it, and too many people who think I don’t really work since I am at home

* No matter how carefully I plan my day, it can all go to heck in a handcart when my little dictator decides that she is teething, cranky, clingy, or otherwise refuses to cooperate. Or it can fall apart when some other family member needs me. Or when grandma can’t babysit so I can do something that the dictator doesn’t like (sewing) or is not safe when accompanied by a 30 inch tall octupus (making soap).

Trust me, I sometimes think back longingly on those days when I had my own office with no toys in it (well, at least all the toys were mine). Those days when someone else handled everything that was not “my job.” Bookkeeping? Not MY JOB. Cleaning the bathroom? Not MY JOB. Making lunch? Hey, not only NOT MY JOB – but a group of us could go out to a REAL restaurant without asking for a highchair. Olive Garden and Sweetwater Grill are much better at lunches than I am.

Despite all of the hassles of working from home, there are also things I love so much I don’t think I could give them up.

This morning, as I have worked, I am sharing the bed with my cuddly baby girl. We have both been sick all week, so she is sleeping later than normal. As she tosses and turns, she throws her head on my shoulder or puts an arm around mine. She knows she is safe and loved, even in her sleep. Her cute little wooly pants (made by mom!) are so soft and cozy, she has kicked off the covers and her little bare feet are so cute.

Why I love being a WAHM (work at home mom):

* I was there when my daughter took her first steps – from my arms to Grandma’s

* I can take a whole day off when my cranky, sick baby needs to be rocked and cuddled (ok, so I work while she sleeps, but I can still BE here when she needs me)

* We can take a day off to go with Grandma to the doctor if needed

* Licking Cheerios and sticking them to your forehead is frowned on in fancy restuarants. I don’t know why, it makes Eva laugh out loud!

Working from home is hard. Sometimes harder than having a job ever was. But I’ll gladly trade a (finally) sleeping baby for a conference room full of suits.

On the surface, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA) is a good thing. Who doesn’t want to protect kids? I’m a mom and I will do anything I can to protect my little girl. Hidden in the details though is a rule that can kill any business that makes items for kids. Especially if those items are handmade, one of a kind or specialty items. Even selling something as simple as a hair bow will become a felony on February 10, 2009, unless that item has been tested for lead. Have hair bows in 6 colors? That is 6 tests at $180 each, thank you!

The rule requires ALL manufacturers to test ALL finished products for lead if they are going to continue selling them after February 10, 2009. Lead testing is good, right? Yes, if it is applied correctly.

This rule requires every single product to be tested, even items that are really unlikely to contain any lead at all such as homeschooling books or handknit sweaters. Worse, if the same item comes in three different sizes, the law requires three different tests, even if they are made from the exact same fabric.

If you or someone you know makes ANYTHING intended for use by children under the age of 12, they are affected by this law. There is no provision in the law for craft boutiques, Etsy sellers, artists or anyone else.

If being able to buy or sell handmade toys, books from small publishers, unique baby clothes, funny-t-shirts, or anything else that is not mass-produced, it is very important that you contact your Representative. The committee is meeting on this issue WEDNESDAY, December 10. You can find more details on my blog www.wahmsolutions.com.