Working Mom

I guess now I have a title, I'm a "Working Mom". This week is my second week back at work after having Sophie. I have very mixed emotions! It is so hard to leave her for 8 hours everyday, and feel like I am "missing out" on things she is doing, and being with her. I do have a good job, though, so that helps me get up each day and move forward.

I feel like maybe I have been a complainer, and have been a little negative about this. (Not intentionally, of course!) I am trying my best to be positive- that is what I want to do on this blog, and that is what I want to do in my own life. Don't get me wrong, I still cry, and sometimes feel sorry for myself, but it helps to think each day of things I am grateful for, and how blessed I really am (See my last post if that sounds familiar). It also helps to have LOTS of pictures on my phone, to look at them often, and to show them to anyone who is willing to ooh and aah over her with me! haha.

Although it's hard sometimes (in my limited 2 weeks of experience...) to work full time and be a mom, I am in awe at how many women actually do it, and how much support I have received from so many people! I have had so many tell me I can do it, that it gets easier, and other positive feedback. This has helped me remember how good and kind people are, and that no matter what, people are there for you, and you are not alone.

I am grateful to have a great job and co-workers, and to know that I am appreciated. I am also grateful they all ask about Sophie, and let me show them pictures!

I am also so grateful for the wonderful family members who are taking care of my baby girl, and how they are sacrificing their time to care for her during the week. I am grateful that they love her, and I know she is in good hands! I am so grateful for so many other family members and friends who have offered to help, and know that I have people to call on when I need to.

This has also made me even more grateful for the gospel in my life; for the knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father, and Savior Jesus Christ who know me, and know what I am going through; that I am never alone. I am grateful for the power of the Priesthood, and Priesthood blessings, and the peace that they bring to me.

I am so grateful for a wonderful husband, who listens to me, and lets me cry, and always supports me. I am grateful for his love, and enjoy seeing how much he loves Sophie.

So, if you are a working mom, I'm going to pass along the message so many others have given me: You can do it! You will always miss your little one, but you will get used to it, and it gets a little easier to go every day! (Still telling myself this).

No matter if you are a stay at home mom, working mom, or whatever situation in life you are in, remember that you are not alone. There are others out there going through similar things that you are, who I'm sure are always willing to give their love and support. And you have a Heavenly Father who loves you, and wants the best for you.

And since you're reading this, I assume you want to see pictures of Sophie, too! ;)

 

(I've been taking pictures of her every morning before we leave, and this is one of my favorites!)

 

 

(Love her smiles!)

So Blessed

In the last few weeks, (3 and 1/2 to be exact) I've been able to think about how truly blessed I am. I think a lot about it while looking at this cute face:

I think many times we focus on the things that we don't have, or the things that aren't going right for us in life. For example, I sometimes dwell on the fact that I have to go back to work after having Sophie. On the other hand, I choose to focus on the fact that I have been able to spend 3 1/2 weeks off with her, and get a few more weeks to be with her daily. Also, when I do go back to work, I have wonderful family that will take care of her, and love her like she was their own. So if you are a mother who is blessed to stay home with your children, remember to be grateful! If you are a working mother, be grateful for the job you have, and the opportunity you have to have good people, no matter who they are, to help take care of your little one(s). 

I sometimes think about how life didn't turn out exactly like I planned, and every day, things happen that don't fall in line with the "plan" that I have. However, I am SO GLAD that life didn't turn out according to my plan, it is so much better! Heavenly Father truly has a plan for all of us, and He knows us so much better than we know ourselves! I am so blessed to be married to a wonderful man who takes such great care of Sophie and I, and I am humbled each day at all he does and is. He is the sweetest, kindest, most caring person I have ever met, and I love him so much. I am grateful for, and so blessed to have my little family. 

I am also so blessed to have a WONDERFUL family who I love! It's been great to have my parents visiting from Hawaii, and to be able to learn from them, and spend a lot of quality time with them while they have been here.  

I also have AMAZING in-laws, who I love, and who are so much fun to spend time with. I truly couldn't have asked for a better family to marry into. 

I have many wonderful friends, family members, neighbors, and co-workers who I get to interact with daily. I am grateful for them, and all they do for me and my family. 

Life isn't always easy, in fact, many times it can be very difficult. It can be hard to not focus on what is going wrong, or the problems that we are faced with. It can also be hard not to compare ourselves to others, and wonder why life isn't working out as "perfectly" for us as it is for them. We never know what others around us are struggling with, and so we should always be kind, help others along the way, and strive to not judge what we don't know. I  know I am going to try and be better at counting my blessings daily, and remembering that I have so much to be grateful for. This is something that is not always easy, but looking at my sweet baby girl each day will be a good reminder for me. I hope everyone else can do the same.