A Changing Role

It goes without saying that a "momma" has one of the hardest jobs on the planet. To me, it doesn't matter if she works outside the home or makes the home her day job; none of it is a walk in the park. We mommas are spread ridiculously thin and wear so many hats. We juggle, we balance, we walk proverbial tightropes. We adjust, we make do, we hold it together. We change diapers, feed mouths, wash tiny clothes, kiss tiny foreheads and teach tiny minds. Then we wake up the next morning and do it all over again. Mommyhood is all-consuming, my friends.

But in such an awesome way.

To say I've been consumed by being a mom is an understatement. Baby girl has my whole heart. Ive never been so happy.

And back in December, we were discussing our plans for my return to work in January (this month), as well as Caroline's daycare schedule. We were both in agreement that we wanted her to get social time with other kiddos, plus I was ready to begin working again at the PR firm where I'm employed. (Mommas need their time out of the house, too.) That was that and we were at peace with everything.

Fast forward to a few weeks later when Stephen received some amazing news from his company. They were promoting him to a bigger role and, in addition to giving him greater responsibility, would also require him to travel frequently out of state.

About the time we found out about his new role at work, a part of me began to ache for a solution to keep my job outside the home and continue contributing financially to our household, but also be able to spend the majority of my week with Caroline. I wanted to be there for as many "firsts" as I could, while also still helping to put money in our bank account and doing a job of which I'm passionate.

(Remember in that first sentence when I spoke about juggling and balancing? Yeah...)

We prayed. We discussed. We prayed some more. And we talked with my employer.

At the beginning of this month, two weeks prior to my return to work, we got our answer. And Stephen and I were so elated.

Happy to get to spend most of my week with this beauty. 

Low and behold, the praying and planning paid off. My company offered me the chance to work part-time and, above all, keep writing for the clients of whom I've grown so fond. Most importantly, it allowed me the opportunity to be at home with Caroline in a larger capacity during the workweek. (I cannot thank my supervisor and HR director enough for their hand in coming up with a solution for our family. I am very fortunate to work for the folks I do.)

I really didn't know if I wanted to share this, only because it doesn't really matter unless you're, well, us, ha! But, I also have been very transparent about our life since Day One.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays I'm here with the little lady, (and today, since we're still in the throws of RSV.) But on Tuesdays and Thursdays I'm in the office. For us, it was the perfect solution. An answer to many prayers.

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How did your role outside the home change once you became a mom? Or did it? How do you balance everything? I'd love to hear what tips you all have, both working and stay-at-home moms, for juggling it all: the career, the babies, the household, etc.