the balance.

When I first decided to start this little space and get back to blogging, I was nearing the end of my maternity leave. We were adjusting (and we still are) to being new parents since Mac was only a couple months old. I had a list of unknowns and questions I found myself asking about how our normal routine would be once I went back to work that I wrote about in this post. I knew at the time of writing the post that "we'd figure it out" as people told me, (ps: thanks for the tough love people) but the unknown is always a little nerve racking.

I've been back at work now for 6 weeks, and I think we're adjusting just fine. Mac is loving daycare, and mommy is enjoying being back in the office. We've found a good balance, but as with anything there's always room for improvement. We're "figuring it out" and it's working well so far! I have to take a moment to brag on my husband because I could not do it without him, and that's a fact. He's my biggest supporter and helper. He helps with our morning routine, and on most days he's the one who picks Mac up from daycare. He also helps in the evenings when it comes to bath and bedtime. Basically whatever needs to be done or where ever he's needed, he's there. He's a very hands-on daddy, and for that I am grateful. Becoming parents has made our relationship grow, and also forced us to communicate better. We've always made a good team, but parenthood has made us even better teammates!

I'm coming up on my one year work anniversary, and I couldn't be more happy with the decision I made to make a career change. Leaving a workplace I was at for 5+ years was not easy but as Pastor Craig preached one weekend last year, "sometimes it's easier to stay when it's better to go." When I was contemplating making the change and feelings of fear would come over me, I would hear that line from his message in the back of my head. Over the past year I have grown not only in my personal life, but also in my career. I've learned new things, conquered new challenges, and have done things I didn't know I was capable of doing. I've advanced far beyond what I ever imagined I'd be able to do in a year. (mind you, 12 weeks of being on maternity leave)  

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I came to the conclusion while being on maternity leave that staying at home wasn't for me. I cherished every minute I was able to have with Mac during those 12 weeks, but I also looked forward to returning to work. After being back in the office and in the swing of things again, I still feel the same way and I will not ever allow myself to feel guilty for being a working mother. For me, having a career helps me keep life in balance. 

Returning to Work + A Weekend of Celebrating

This mommy is officially back to work! Last Monday was my first day back, and my first week back couldn't have been better. I was welcomed back by my coworkers, and it felt good to be back in the office. I also got "bumped up" and have a new title with new job duties, so that was exciting to come back to as well! I was a little anxious of how the first week would go with our routine at home, but we are all adjusting just fine. I believe it'll only get better and easier from here on.

Mac has adjusted from part time to full time daycare just fine. He loves going to Mrs. Cindy's house! It makes this momma feel at ease when I take him and as soon as he sees her and his friends he gets a big grin on his face. :)

After work Friday evening, we loaded up and headed to Tulsa. Clete's brother's girlfriend turned 21 last Thursday, and we went to visit them and celebrate. Friday evening Mac and Honey stayed with my sister. Mac had his first sleepover at Aunt KK and Uncle Kyle's house! I'm sure it'll only be the first of many. Since we had a sitter, Clete and I were able to go out on the town to celebrate with Kelsey!

{Please ignore the poor quality of pictures, they were all snapped with our iPhones.}

Saturday morning Clete golfed, and my parents brought Mac and Honey to me. They were headed to the lake for the weekend, and dropping them off was on the way. I was so grateful they volunteered and saved me a trip back to Tulsa. We spent the afternoon and most of the evening celebrating Kelsey's birthday at a pool party her family hosted. Mac LOVED the pool! He loves bath time, so it was no surprise. I think he's going to be our little water baby.

This morning we got up and around early to head home. We went to church and the grocery store, and have spent the afternoon and evening relaxing. I've also been trying to get caught up on laundry for the work week. This past week has been a good one, and we topped it off with a fun weekend! Hope yours was a good one too!

balance.

In just a few more weeks, I return back to work. I have very much enjoyed my time off with our little man, but I also am starting to look forward to being back in the office. For those of you who don't know me well- I am very strong willed and independent, so I don't think this staying at home thing would work out well for me. Yes, I'll probably shed a few tears my first day back {I'm getting a little teary eyed writing this.} but I know that me working is what's best for our family, and I refuse to feel guilty about it. So that leads me to this rambling post... balance.

Although I feel like I'm ready to go back to work, I do have questions and uncertainties floating around in my head. How will I find the right balance once I go back? How will I juggle being a good wife, a super mom, and having a career? Will there by any time left for just me?

Before Mac, Clete and I both worked our jobs and came home to do whatever we wished. If I needed to run errands after work or wanted to go get a pedi, it was no big deal. I got home when I got home. After all, Clete is a man and can take care of himself. Now, things are different. Mac in a sense "rules the roost" because we have a feeding schedule to keep to, an evening bath to give, and a bed time to get him tucked in by. No, I wouldn't change it for anything in the world! But it will require finding balance to wear the many hats I do, and wear them all well. I will have to find the balance between family, home, work, and play.

I know there's no right answer to my questions. Life doesn't come with a rule book or directions to follow, it just happens and takes time to find the answers. The answers are different for us all, and that's okay too! But sometimes it would be nice to refer back to the directions. ;)

On a lighter note, it's Friday! Yay for the weekend we've all been workin' for! Happy Father's Day weekend to all the baby daddy's out there. Be sure to let dad sit back and relax a little. Have a good weekend y'all!