Working Motherhood, Two Weeks In

First day back — soaking up extra snuggles with my boy before heading out the door.

What I've Learned in My First Weeks Back

I’ve been back at work for nearly two weeks now. The Sunday night before my return, I cried while staring at my sleeping baby, bracing myself for the next morning. Walking out the door that first day was hard — knowing I wouldn’t see him for eight hours — but once I arrived at the library, the dramatics felt unnecessary.

Getting back into the swing of things has been good for me. Work has always been a big part of my identity, and while I love being Caleb’s mom more than anything, I’ve learned I’m not built to be home full-time. I miss him during the day, but working gives me pride and purpose. It feels good to know I’m contributing, both financially and personally, to the life we’re building.

Gifts from coworkers, including the framed photo!

Here’s what I’ve learned so far about working motherhood:

• It’s rewarding. I get to be a mom, a wife, and have a career. I like playing all of those roles — even if one will always matter most.

• It’s exhausting. I work all day, then come home to the baby, then tackle the house and try to squeeze in “me time.” The laundry piles up, the reading slows down, the blog posts wait — but I do what I can.

• It’s empowering. I feel proud that I help provide for my family. Jerry and I make sacrifices — opposite shifts so one of us is always with Caleb — but we know it’s what’s best for him. I hope he grows up knowing his parents worked hard to give him what he needed.

• It’s relentless. Early mornings, late nights, blogging in bed at 11 p.m., reading long past my old bedtime — because night is the only time I get for myself now.

• It’s worth it. Nothing compares to Caleb’s smile when I walk through the door.

More sweet treats from coworkers!

Life as a working mom is hectic, but it’s also fulfilling. Being a mother is the best job I’ll ever have, but holding on to my own identity matters too. Work helps me do that. Yes, I miss him, but his little face is taped to my desk, reminding me why I work even harder now.

I want Caleb to grow up seeing that pride. To know that his parents worked for everything we have. To learn that most good things in life come from hard work and determination.

I’m a working mom not only because I have to be — but because I want to be. And I hope one day, my son will be proud of that.