One of the "Moms in Legal Profession" blogs I read is by Lag Liv, who I've mentioned before. Anyway, she has some really comforting words about going back to work and I wanted to explain my view a bit too.
I love being home with Eden. I treasure every moment. Really. Even when she's stuffy and crying because she is sooo tired but can't sleep, I am glad I am here, experiencing it (though honestly I do sometimes wish I wasn't here, experiencing it, alone - just having Bryan here to take over walking and bouncing for a few minutes makes a world of difference...). But I think part of why I love it so much is that "All-Eden-All-The-Time" has an end date. I am going to be working soon, and so I am soaking up every sweet little moment I can. I honestly don't think I'd be happy doing this all day, every day, forever. Especially because I just spent 3 years and way too much money on a law degree that I know I will love using.
Like LL, I think I'll be a better mom for having my career. I thrive on the balancing act. I know it will get frustrating and I know there will be moments when I think it's all going to topple over, but I get a lot of satisfaction from living a very balanced life. That's how I did law school. It was a struggle to remind myself to stay balanced, but I think I did pretty well. I think (and I hope) that working will be much the same. I'll work hard, enjoy it, and then come home and be with my little family. I'm sure that I'll miss things, and I will be upset about that, but I know that overall I'll be happier when I'm doing what I love. And Eden's going to be great - she will hang out with Daddy all day, and they'll both love that. And once a week, when Daddy works at the office all day, she'll hang out with Angela (our friend and nanny!) who is really great too. And when I get home, she'll play with Mommy. And we'll make it work.
Dear Eva (12 Years)
1 year ago
4 comments:
I've been able to enjoy my time with Jacob a lot more (even at midnight crabby feedings) just knowing he wont be this small for very long. I'm a little worried about maintaininga balance when i go back to school/work but in the back of my mind I know it will work out.
This post totally reflects the feelings I'm having. I can't wait to use my law degree (after I finish it) and I can't imagine giving it up to stay home all day - as much as i would love spending that time with jacob.
I'm glad you found me! Thanks for the advice and words of encouragement :)
I think if you give yourself a chance, you'll probably love working. It seems to me that making it work is not so much about "balance" but just living your life the best way you can. No matter how you set up your life, you will find setbacks and have regrets ... but these don't have to control how you feel about your family and career. I look forward to reading how it all goes for you!
You're going to do great, Katie. You're an amazing Mom and wife. Bryan is a great dad and husband. It is all going to work out for the good. And I am excited to see you practice law and enjoy what you've worked so hard for.
Eden will be proud of her mama!
I keep stumbling upon your blog and then forgetting where it is and then refinding it again (this time through your comment on Magic Cookie's last post). I feel honored to be featured in a post and I'm glad that my words have offered some comfort for you. Like leo (and you), I think it's just living your life the best way you can and through that effort things work out. I imagined work to be filled with angst and sacrifice, but really, life is much like it was before- living each day giving as much to my family as I can while still staying true to myself.
I can say that I both love my time with Landon and that I can't imagine ever wanting to stay home with him full time. That used to bother me, but now I know that he's happy at daycare, I'm happy at work, and we're all doing great :) I no longer have to justify it to myself and others, it's just how our little family operates! Good luck to you as you head down that path - I'm going to bookmark you so I don't lose your story again!
Oh, and your daughter is gorgeous- such great pictures!
Post a Comment