Whoa, Baby

Friends, this is a “see you later” post. I’m about to embark on a grand new adventure.

My husband and I are getting ready to welcome our son in mere days, so I will be taking a break from work for a few months while we adjust to being a family of three. 

My friends with kids have warned me that there’s really no such thing as a “plan” when it comes to new babies. What’s the saying? Make a plan, God laughs. But there are good intentions (yes, I know the expression about the road those pave).

So my intention is to take 3 months to dedicate solely to my boy, my family, and my recovery – a new mama needs to take care of herself! I’ve informed my clients and contractors that I’m not going to be checking my work email during this time. I am determined to stick to that commitment. Being able to set and maintain boundaries has been essential to me as a business owner, and I’m told it will be helpful to be as a mother as well. With other people, of course, not my child. Apparently, “boundary” is a completely foreign concept to a kid until he’s old enough to slam the (literal and figurative) door in my face?

That said, I don’t know how I’m going to feel over the next couple of months. I’m committed to not having any work-related expectations, from others or from myself. I might want to do nothing but lie on the sofa with my son. He could be a colicky child who burps in the face of sleep and I might be completely out of my head. Or maybe he’ll be a perfect dream. Maybe I’ll miss talking about design and branding or just having adult conversations, and I’ll chime in on LinkedIn or Instagram while he naps. Or I won’t. For the next few months, I’m taking it one day at a time.

I’m beyond excited. He has a name, a semi-finished nursery, and a wardrobe full of striped onesies. My loved ones know me well. 

I’m a little nervous. I know it’s going to be a steep learning curve and a lot of challenges. By the way, Internet, you can slow your roll on how tough it is to be a mom. Hashtag #NotHelpful. I’m lucky to have a lot of support.

Like I said, I’m about to embark on a grand new adventure, and I don’t know what it’s going to look like (mentally/spiritually, but sure, physically too). I’ll be looking through a different lens.

I can’t wait. 

Wish me luck.

I’ll see you soon.