Dress: Old Navy [exact]
Necklace: Baublebar [exact]
Tomorrow, Bryce will turn 12 weeks old. Wow, that went fast.
And that means that my maternity leave is officially over. But after a lot of thought, I have a new game plan…
I am staying home with Bryce.
That’s right. I’m leaving my communications job in “Corporate America” in favor of staying home to raise my little love. Being a stay-at-home mommy is no easy task, I’ve come to find out. It is challenging and rewarding all at once. And I wouldn’t change it for the world.
For our family, it was a relatively easy decision. T and I always agreed that if we have the financial means to do it, I would stay at home with our child.
But truth be told, I wasn’t in love with my job either, so that certainly helped in my decision. But on top of that, I am a busy body by nature, and although I have this blog as a nice outlet to engage myself, I often find myself thinking (and praying) about “what’s next” for me.
I want to maintain my skill set in marketing/communications/social media and continue to build my career for when I go back to the workforce (likely when Bryce is in school.) And I crave that adult interaction, too. Ideally, I think finding a part-time gig or freelance/consulting work would be ideal so I would have a healthy mix of career/family.
I’m always thinking about my game plan and want to be really picky about how I spend my time now that I have a son to think about, but I feel that something is “missing” so to speak. Sometimes I feel selfish thinking that way when I have a beautiful baby boy to take care of, but it’s all about finding balance for myself, right?
So…what does that mean for the blog? Well, I’m definitely sticking around these parts. I enjoy blogging, but always want to be mindful of the time I am devoting to it and make sure that Bryce is my priority. So some weeks, you’ll see several posts, and other weeks, I may not get to writing any…but that’s just real life.
The Style Files has also evolved to be so much more than a “fashion” blog when I started it three years ago. I feel like it has become more of a “lifestyle” blog, albeit my personal style in food, decor, fitness and of course, fashion, among other things, like parenting.
You may also notice a few more sponsored posts here and there. I’ll be honest with you…now that we are on a single income, I look to the blog to bring in some extra moolah. Everything helps when you are on a budget! However, I will do my very best to be authentic and transparent and ensure that I only do sponsored posts that are a good fit for this blog, my lifestyle and my reader’s interests.
So there is my flow of consciousness for you. In the end, I am so incredibly blessed to be able to stay at home with Bryce. I love that little nugget more than I ever thought I could. And I’m sure I’ll find that happy medium where I balance my passions with being a mother as time goes on. All I can say is that I appreciate you following my little ‘ol blog. It’s a labor of love and has been a blast to develop over the past few years, with great friendships and opportunities along the way! So thank you. I really enjoy blogging and hope you enjoy it too.
And hey, as Maya mentioned in her blog post, you never know- blogging may launch my next career move. So if you know of any opportunities, let me know! It’s all about networking and putting yourself out there. I’m a firm believer in it.
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Yep, I’m pretty lucky to stay at home with this little studmuffin! I mean come on….who can resist that face?!
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Your little man is so stinking cute!!! Congrats on the new change!! I went back for the month of May while the Hubs stayed home so it was easy to go back but I am already starting to stress about the middle of next month when we both go back. Even though I work 70% it so hard to balance everything with both kids!!! Can’t wait to hear more about the journey!
Thanks Laura…so sweet! Balancing everything is so tough, but us ladies always seem to rock it. :-)
Way to make the call!!! I’m looking forward to some play dates when I’m on my leave! :)
Thanks Katie! And absolutely- looking forward to it!
Congrats on the big decision!!! Enjoy every minute of it! Going back to work was one of the hardest things (in a very unexpected way) for me. Enjoy being with your little man!
That bow tie is soooo adorable (so is Bryce).
Thanks Kristin! It’s a big call, but we all gotta do what’s best right?! You are so sweet!
Wow – that’s really exciting! I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time with him and definitely find ways to make time for yourself. :) Being one of two working parents, I can assure you that sometimes it feels like life is whizzing past us and we’re not even really experiencing it. We’re just going through the motions. I often wonder if staying home would offer more balance for our lives and an opportunity to slow things down (which I’d really like to do most days). Now you’ll be doing just that and I’m sure you’ll love it!
Thanks so much for the kind words Jen. I totally see both sides of working vs. staying at home. It’s a tough decision with lots to weigh, but us ladies always figure it out :-)
Congrats on making such a big decision! :) Your little man looks so cute, I can see why you wanted to spend more time with him!
Thanks so much :-) Really appreciate it!
It’s so awesome that you have the opportunity to stay home with Bryce – he’s only young once, and the workforce will always be there! And I don’t think it’s selfish to be thinking about your next move. Yes, you’re a mom first, but wanting to have a career long-term once Bryce is in school is setting a good example for him. Good luck with your next adventure! :)
You’re right- work is ALWAYS there…Bryce, on the other hand, only hits those milestones when he is little once and I am thrilled I get to be there for them! Definitely want to go back full-time once he is in school…I wouldn’t know what to do with myself all day HAHA!
How fortunate that you get to do this! And you should NOT feel guilty that you want to keep up your skill set. If you can find something that keeps you engaged in the workforce on your terms that’s the best of both worlds.
Super fortunate for sure. I’m sure things will work out eventually where I will have the healthy mix of baby and work!
That’s so wonderful that you’re able to stay home. And that little guy is so stinking cute! Totally worth it, I’m sure!
Thanks Kelly :-) So thrilled I get to see this little guy all day, every day!
Go you! I imagine what a struggle that decision must be, but you do have to appreciate the opportunity that only comes once to watch him grow. I can’t wait to hear more about your side opportunities as you figure those out!
It’s so true..such a tough call but oh so worth it! Thanks Lauren!
How exciting! So glad you are able to stay home and enjoy those early years with your little man!
We are so happy about it too- only get to see these milestones once so glad I can be home for them!
Both you and Bryce look so happy with your decision! You’re right, staying home as a mom is no easy task but you are going to be a rockstar mama! I’m excited for you and your newest journey :)
Thanks so much Becky– so sweet!
Aww, yay! So happy for you guys and that you are able to stay home with him! :)
Thanks Kim! We are thrilled!
so exciting! I had always planned on staying home and now that the kid is 2 months old, I’m so glad I don’t have to think about going back soon.
So happy you are staying at home too! I couldn’t imagine going back full time..taking care of this little guy is tough work!
Welcome to the SAHM club!
I joined 12.5 years ago and never looked back.
Be careful, though…I’ve found that if you have too much fun, you just may end up homeschooling! (Then, “When my kid goes to school…” becomes “When my kid goes to college…”)
;o) Becky in OR
That is too funny! Thanks Becky!