Happy Monday!
I am 35 weeks pregnant today – a month or so away from welcoming our precious boy. There is so much going through my mind right now – the excitement of a new baby, challenging thoughts about running Le Papier Studio in the next few months, and much more. I am also chin deep in projects that need to be completed in the next 3 weeks so that I can take some time off and enjoy being a mama to this precious boy.
Often I get asked what the plan is for when the baby arrives and I honestly don’t know. I’m sort of in the middle of figuring things out. I know creating makes me happy and I want to continue to do that as much as possible. But I would be lying if I said running a business, and raising a family isn’t a lot of work. I am proud of where I’ve taken my business as it stands today. Looking back almost four years ago, I would have never dreamed of building something so unique and rewarding. That gives me the strength I need to continue to grow organically – which in its all honesty, is what I’m looking to achieve this year. In an effort to put things into perspective for the next couple of months, I drew a list of tasks to accomplish before the baby arrives.
- Complete all Logo/Branding projects
- Launch the new 2012 Wholesale Collection
- Launch 2012 Spring Collection (I am so excited about this one – can’t wait to share with all of you)
- Discuss with assistant the plan about running LPS while on maternity leave
- Prep nursery/boys room (more details to be shared here soon)
- Finalize birth plan
- Prepare hospital bags
- Set up auto-reply for when I go into maternity leave
I tried hard to keep the list short by focusing only on what’s priority for now. Not sure if it’s the nesting instinct or what, but I tend to make looong lists – which let’s face it are so overwhelming and sometimes hard to approach:) I know many of you are mothers raising a family and working (whether in your business or for a business) – do you have any advise on juggling business and a growing family?
It has always been my goal to use this blog as a way to converse with you all and share my own experience on the balancing act. Do you mind sharing your thoughts?
xoxo
Vana
One day at a time. My obgyn gave me one piece of advice that I am still using almost five years later: don’t make quick, rushed choices. Sit on it, sleep on it, feel it out, then make a choice that feels right for you and your family. And that’s not just balancing work and family advice.
Enjoy these last weeks of pregnancy!
Katie -
Thanks for your advise! Your OBGyn was most right – we tend to make quick decisions when pressed for time, but it lands to no good. I am constantly telling myself to step back and take a moment before answering/attending something that would benefit from thinking and taking your time.
xoxo
V
All I can say is: don’t try to do everything perfectly & it will take time.
But also “take time”: take time to enjoy these last weeks and days of pregnancy, to calm down, breathe and simply wait for him to arrive, time to enjoy your little boy, to enjoy the interaction between him and his big brother. It will take time to find a new balance between family and work and it might be different from the balance you have in place now. But I’m sure everything will work out and will fall into place over time. Don’t get too upset if things don’t run as smooth as you would like them to. Mommies need their rest too.
Tania, thank you so much for your thoughts on this! I needed to read this – we often try to play the role of super moms, but after all we are humans first:) I am enjoying these last weeks left and can’t wait to see our little man. Thanks for your advise. I appreciate it very much!
xoxo
V
Hi Vana, I echo what the other commenters have said, take your time with life! Just enjoy those moments as a family and let the rest fall into place. It is not easy, it never is but you will know what is right for you and your family. The hardest thing for me has been letting go of trying to attain perfection. It is IMPOSSIBLE to be the perfect mother, perfect business owner, perfect wife, perfect friend, perfect homemaker ALL OF THE TIME. All we can do is try our best and that is ok.
Isa, wonderful advise! I am learning to be the best i can be and not perfect at all of those aspects. My family comes first – it will always be the case. Work will be there even if at a slower pace that before. Thanks so much for your feedback:)
xoxo
V
You are so very close to welcoming your new little one. I cannot wait to ‘meet’ him on this blog. I too have my own business as well as raising a toddler son, so like you, I know how difficult it can be to do both. The one piece of advice I’d give with a new little one is truly allow yourself a maternity leave. I did not do so with Gabe. My business was very much in full swing and we were just entering our busy season so I did not plan for any time off which meant I was answering emails in the hospital and processing orders as soon as we returned home. The first week I found myself crying on the phone to my mom several times that I just could not do both, but I had to because I’d already made client’s promises. So, for you, I’d allow your assistant to handle as much as possible for atleast 1-2 months so that you can take the time to really enjoy your new bundle of joy.
Thank you Shana for your thoughtful comment! I am going to be a bit firm with myself this time around and allow for a “real” maternity leave:)
xoxo
Vana
with a 2 year old and a 6 week old in my house, the only advice I can offer is the new born stage will pass (this can be a good or bad thing depending on your baby!) and you will soon / eventually get into a routine that suits yu, your family and your business. Unfortunately though babies have a mind of their own and as much as you try you can’t rush these things.
Best of luck for getting through your lists and you should add “enjoy sleep” while you can to the list.
zemer sa bukuur!mezi po pres te shikoj bukurushin tjeter te familjes tende te mrekullueshme…..te puth fort me shume mall e dashuri nga Tirana.te kam shume xhan