2013 has been a year full of big news for my family.
... in February, we moved to our first rental home...
...in September, I shared that we are pregnant with our second baby...
...later that month, I shared that we are having another little boy...
...and even later that month, I shared that we had sold (kind of) our old home and were moving to a new rental house....
Phew. I'm tired just reading all of that. That's a crazy busy year! Guess what? I've got one more piece of big news to share with you to cap off 2013. After much prayer, reflection and analyzing what's best for our family, I have decided to quit my full-time job and spend some time at home over the next few months.
Most of you know that I have a career practicing law. I'm a real estate attorney at a small firm outside of Atlanta. Ever since HDawg was born, I've been incredibly blessed to have a flexible, "part-time" schedule where I work approximately 30-35 hours a week both in the office and from home. This schedule worked great for me, as I felt like I had the best of both worlds getting to work but also to have a day or two at home each week with H. Unfortunately, I oftentimes have nighttime hearings that keep me out way past HDawg's bedtime (meaning there are some days I don't get to see him at all) and, as I'm sure you can imagine, an attorney's job can be quite stressful at times. Even in a great firm, it's simply a high-pressure job.
One of the scariest parts about the move to our current rental house back in October is that it put me about 70 miles away from my office. But it was worth it knowing that we were so much closer to David's office and HDawg's school; it was definitely time to move our lives closer to that. So we bit the bullet, made the move and I modified my schedule at that time so that I was only going into the office (ie. making that lengthy commute) twice a week.
And then, all of a sudden, I was 7.5 months pregnant and really not enjoying that long drive, those late-night hearings and the general pressure of working a professional job. My doctor advised me to rest... and I looked at her and said, "like, when?" Rest just didn't happen for me. In between working, caring for my family, chasing after my adorable 15 month old and getting us settled after our move, I didn't have time to relax, focus on being pregnant or anything like that. I was living quite the chaotic life. I am sure that many (if not most!) of you can relate.
Of course, there are a bunch more personal factors that go into play here. For example, my sweet husband's completely rational fear that I will go into labor 70 miles away from home/him/our hospital and doctors. So, ultimately, David and I discussed and prayed about it, and we decided that the best fit for our family was for me to leave my current job at the law firm at the end of the year. In fact, today is my last day!
I absolutely intend to go back to work after my maternity leave. I am due March 2nd, but I had H about ten days early, so I expect to deliver sometime in mid-February. A three month maternity leave takes me to mid-May. At that point, I plan to go back to work full-time somewhere closer to our new home. I will spend some of my maternity leave focusing on that job search and finding a new fit for my professional life. As much as it is bittersweet to leave my current firm (that I've been at for five years as an attorney and two more before that as an intern!) it's also very exciting. I can't wait to see what's ahead for me in terms of my professional life and the opportunities for growth I'll have there.
Until then, I have about six to eight weeks until baby #2 makes his appearance. That will give me a lot of time to spend loving on HDawg, focusing on our family of three (for now!), preparing our home for our new family member, focusing on my freelance writing (I currently write for BabyCenter, ForRent and Houzz- check out my articles!) and, maybe... just maybe... time to take a nap or two! : ) And then, of course, come March, I'll have plenty of time to welcome our sweet new baby boy into the world and help my family make the transition to a family of four.
So, that's what is going on with my family lately. 2013 has been a pretty exciting year of transition for us and I think that 2014 will be just as exciting and filled with so many new adventures! I can't wait to see what lies ahead in our little lives. Thanks so much for following along with our crazy adventures.
Stay tuned, I'll be rounding up my favorite 2013 projects and posts later this week!
Good for you, mama! I hope the transition goes well and you enjoy your time at home with your boys. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWow! That is so exciting. Your little Hdawg is going to love having you all to himself - for a little while at least.
ReplyDelete:) Congratulations, girl!
That's awesome! I'm sure it was a hard decision but it sounds like it's definitely the right one for your family. Enjoy your time home with your little ones, and good luck with your new job search!
ReplyDelete-Erin @ DIY on the Cheap
Congratulations! You really had a whirlwind of a year. I'm thrilled for you that you will have some quality (relaxing?) time with your family of 3 before baby #2 arrives.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a sweet New Year!
xo
Patti (@Easton_Place)
Congrats! That's so exciting!
ReplyDeleteI am also a lawyer who has been working for 5 years at the same firm, and I'm currently commuting 70+ miles each way after moving to be closer to my husband's job (I also switched offices within the same firm but I'm still over 70 miles away!). I'm due with our first in late June/early July and I'm already dreading how that drive is going to go in the third tri! I'm constantly torn about whether to stay or find something closer to home, but I've been there so long and I really like all of the people there. I totally understand how tough of a decision that would be... Good for you for praying about it and taking the leap!
In January of this year ( 2013) We moved from New York to Nashville ( also into a rental) and we decided that it was time for me to stay home with our 3 yr old. It was the BEST decision in this universe!! time is flying by, and I am so blessed to be a part of the every day things with him!! ALSO, I started my own interior Design Studio once he started Pre-school. SO many (more) HUGE things ahead of you!!! Congratulations mama!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats as you take some well deserved time off to enjoy your family! And yes….take a few naps:)
ReplyDeletesuch exciting news - congratulations!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! I hope you enjoy your time at home with your family! What an exciting year you've had! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome slow down for your family! Best of luck with the transition!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle! I've been lurking for a while but never commented and finally had a minute to do so! (Yay!). Did you go to Haven? Can't remember where I connected with your blog, but regardless... beautiful! I stopped working when we had our 3rd child and it was BIG adjustment as you can imagine. :) I loved the balance of a part time schedule, but with each child, it just got harder and harder. And more expensive!! I've been home for a year now and still struggle with the identity of a stay-at-home mom, but love that I'm not missing a thing. (Although sometimes I'd like to miss a few things...). Good luck with Baby #2 and congrats on making this big step! xxCharlotte (Ciburbanity)
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle, I've been a long time reader, but this is my first time commenting. I was a real estate attorney for 4 years with the same firm (plus two summers during law school). About 8 months ago, I took a non-legal job with the federal government and I haven't looked back since! We aren't at a point finacially where I can stay at home with our 2 year old, but with my new job I never have to bring work home, or work late (I'm done at 4:30 on the dot everyday), or work on the weekends, and the stress level is dramatically lower. It has been such a positive change for me and for my family. I think you'll find you made the right decision. And congrats on your growing family. - Sara
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for you guys!!! It is a time you will always treasure, and never regret the choice!! Xoxoxoxo
ReplyDeleteThat is such great news for you and your family!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Michelle! I am happy for you and I think this change will be good for you and your family! Enjoy the time off!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! What a great move for you and your family. I can't imagine that you'll regret it for a second. Most important job on earth. :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats on making such a big decision that sounds to be the perfect choice for your family. You are awesome and I know you'll enjoy these months with H dawg and your new little guy. And you'll be rearing and ready to go back to work when the time is right. Happy 2014.
ReplyDeleteMany congrats to you. I hope it all works out the way you wish. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing year!! And congratulations!! Enjoy every. single. minute of it! :)
ReplyDelete2014 does sound exciting already! Good for you for making the decision your family needed. I can only imagine how uncomfortable that long commute must have been! Enjoy the extra time snuggling your one (soon to be two) little ones. Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteso happy for you! enjoy your well deserved hiatus. i am looking forward to following your blog. :)
ReplyDeletewishing you the best of luck with everything, michelle! i know it will all work out for you!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! What an exciting feeling! If you ever get bored (yeah, right), then I can send you over some stuff to help me with! :) But really, how exciting for your whole family!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you! Sounds like you have a great plan for you and your family. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteCongrats Michelle. I know making those kinds of decisions are not easy. However, you won't regret spending the time with the family before baby arrives and a bit once he does. Best wishes on your new endeavors!
ReplyDeleteAs a professional with a 1.25 hour commute each way, I can relate. Now it’s time to take a much needed break for now and start the new chapter. Congratulations and I am sure you will find the perfect fit when the time if right!
ReplyDelete