Tag: Motherhood

Back to Work

It’s hard to believe my 17 weeks of maternity leave is over. Harder to believe my baby is 17 weeks old. That’s like 4 months! I took last week and really soaked up every minute with Layla. I was anxious about going back to work and honestly wasn’t looking forward to it. The day came and I got ready, loaded all my bags up (moms have a lotttt of bags!), dropped Layla off at my parents house, and off I went. As I was pulling out of my parents’ drive way, I turned up the music, stepped on the gas, and felt a sense of freedom. This was the first time I’d been alone in 4 months.

I am so thankful to have supportive parents and in-laws who are able to take care of Layla while we’re working. It’s a huge relief to know I don’t have to worry about her and I know she’s in the best hands. I am also thankful that I work for a company that allowed me to take 17 weeks to bond with my new baby girl. I enjoyed every single minute of it but staying home can be hard and the days can get long.

With my first day back in the books, I’m ready to get back into the swing of things. I’ve always enjoyed routine and getting up, getting dressed, and getting moving. My corporate job gives me a purpose and sense of accomplishment different than that at home. It’s part of what makes me me and I’m happy to be back.

That time I pumped on the trail

I wanted to share this for all you mommies out there who are finding balance in motherhood. I believe it is so important to continue doing what makes you happy after bringing a baby into the world.

My man and I love riding our side by side. It’s actually how we met. When Layla was 10 weeks old, we took a trip back to West Virginia to ride and celebrate our anniversary, back where it all began.

I wasn’t sure how it would go. Fortunately, my mom encouraged us to go, so I left Layla and our dog with her, along with plenty of frozen breastmilk and off we went.

We rode, rode, and rode some more. Just the two of us, back where it began. We had to stop for me to pump right there on the trail. We had a fabulous weekend and came back recharged and reminded of how much we enjoy each others company. Have you taken time out for yourself and your partner? If not, you probably should. It’ll feel good and your entire family will benefit from it.