Balancing Act.........

 Hey loves! I've been busy trying to get my life together and I have had a busy few days. Between job interviews, mom duties and trying to fit a bit of me time into it all, I've been  up and down and all around.

For the last year with Covid-19, I've only been able to work part-time and the other part of the time, I'm Lukas' mom. I must say, I have had tremendous support from my partner and father of my son, his family and my older sister, so the work doesn't feel to be too much.  With Lukas being almost two now helps too because he is growing into his own person and figuring out the small elements and details that make up this life. He's still gets fussy as to be expected because the reality is, toddlers lack emotional intelligence. Hell, even some adults do. So I know as he gets older, things will get easier.

So, let's go back a bit in time. When a mom finds out she's pregnant and expecting her first child, and maybe her only child, it's overwhelming but exciting all in one. Mentally, you know your life is going to change and things will not be business as usual. However, no one tells you how much it will change and that is A LOT. There are certain decisions that need to be made and things you may not even realize you are uncomfortable with or about until you have to make them. For example, the typical mom usually has to go back to work after only two or three months of maternity leave. As this time draws closer to getting back on the grind, the fear kicks in and the uneasy thought of another person caring for the baby you've come so attached to since birth seems extremely nerve-racking. So the question lies, do you take unpaid leave and stay home longer or do you send the baby to daycare or hire an at home nanny? Decisions, decisions. So busy preparing for the arrival of your bundle of joy without thinking at all about anything else after when the baby actually come. Ladies and gentlemen, this was me.

It's been almost two years, and however better, the balance act stars the show every single day. Some days I don't have to think about it as much but best believe there is always a schedule or routine to follow. I've also realized the importance of the occasional outing with friends to actually socialize with people my own age and get away from the home in which I also work from every other day. I believe this is good for my  mental well-being and overall health. 

Balancing it all is definitely not easy, but it's doable. One of my friends sends her son to a local daycare named, "It takes a village". I asked her what it was like there, what it offered and where it was located. At this point my son was still very young and the thought of outside help scared me a bit. Since those early months, I actually started my son in a nearby daycare after his first birthday, and it has help  my son a lot especially with words and numbers and overall learning and socialization and also afforded me the opportunity to work part-time at home and seek full-time job prospects as well.

 One thing for sure that stood out to me was the name of daycare my friend takes her son to. A lot of times, new moms think everything having to do with a new child should be started, processed and completed by MOM but as time passes, you realize that isn't the case. It literally takes a familial and/or even friendship tribe to nurture and care for your little people as they grow each day, each month and years to follow. My advice is this, you will always be mom and no one will ever take your spot. Even though you have a child, never totally neglect yourself as the best moms are happy ones. Always keep that in mind. 

Until next time. Xoxo.