What's the book corporate America doesn't want you to read? Find out now -- or you could get scammed.

To the islands

April 28, 2006

I am off to the islands to finish a long-overdue writing assignment on Sanibel and to spend time with my family.

I always seem to return to Sanibel at a major turning point, when I am about to make a big change in my professional or personal life. This time is no different.

Yesterday, we saw the ultrasound images of baby #3. Kari’s due date is Nov. 2.

I finally realized that Kari and I would soon be outnumbered, and that’s a scary thought. The idea that we’ll have three kids under the age of four — also frightening.

But more to the point, I am realizing that some big changes need to be made that go beyond buying a house with more room or getting a bunk bed for the older boys.

I can’t spend every evening in front of the computer, making phone calls and filing stories. The boys need a father who doesn’t just emerge from his office every few hours to use the restroom. I need to do more than block out the weekend for them.

I have known this for weeks. But yesterday, seeing the baby, I knew it had to happen soon.

So this week, I have a difficult decision to make. What’s next?

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

6 comments

  • Marge Purnell

    You are right, Chris. Your boys DO need a father so you’ll need to back away from the computer. It will wait but the boys won’t. Take it from me; before you know it, they will be in college! Time flies – nurture & enjoy your family. The rewards are tenfold.
    PS – Can’t wait to hear about baby #3. Will you find out if it’s a boy or girl?

  • Kathy Werling

    I am sure you will do what you feel is right. Kids are adaptable. I can remember working from home and my little ones would be in the same room.

    Congratulations on baby #3.

  • Judy Guffey

    Three kids under four…yes…can be frightening but I’m here to tell you I’m sane (tho’ with white hair) and I traveled on a prop jet military charter plane from California to Japan with 3 children under 5 and 7 months pregnant. Whew!…but I made it and came home with 5 and pregnant (but that’s an entirely different story.)

    When you have two already…a third or fourth or fifth doesn’t seem to make much difference except for housing. Good luck! Aloha.

  • Roy Lowey

    WOW! #3……way to go Chris and congrats……sounds like it’s time for the older one to start looking after the younger ones….otherwise if you get them a job to keep the cash flow going you won’t see them until they come home from work anyway. Keep at it and move closer to their grandparents…..

  • Robyn

    Eight years ago, I had a job that I truly loved, but that required a lot of travel. With one baby, a wonderful husband and an abundance of first-time grandparents ready and willing to pitch in when I was out of town, it was manageable. Finding out (while out of town — another story in itself!) that I was pregnant with baby #2 got me reassessing my career choices. The fact that baby #2′s anticipated due date coincided with the date my current contract ended seemed like a big cosmic hint that it was time to come off the road. Since then I’ve always worked very hard to hold positions that allow me the flexibility I need to be the Mom my family needs. I know there are people who are able to make this type of situation work for them and their families. I just know mine was not one of them. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for your family as well.

    Enjoy Sanibel & Captiva! Definitely two of my favorite places for getting in a little beach time!

  • Carrie Charney

    Please add my congratulations to you and Kari as well. If you think three kids under the age of four is scary, wait till you have three kids in college at the same time!

Previous post:

Next post: