What My Baby Taught Me | It Takes a Village
I’ve always heard ‘it take a village’ to raise a child… and that line is proving to feel increasingly true as I attempt to juggle work and mom life.
I brought Ev to New York Fashion Week this month. It marked our second trip to the Big Apple together for work, and this time around was really, really different from September’s trip. He’s bigger now, more aware, and certainly makes me feel a little guilty every time I leave for the day… (ugh, does the mom guilt ever go away)?!
This photo is by Leroy Jenkins
I brought a serious village with me, knowing my days would be long and broken up. I’d kickoff hair and makeup (on days of events) right after we nursed in the morning, around 7, and some nights I wouldn’t be back in the room until after 9. Our sitter joined us on the trip, who is been with us from the day we brought Ev home. She is a sanity saver, and I’m so grateful for the help. My own mama bear also flew out for a few days, to give Ev some sweet family time on days that were particularly long for me. With Summer Fridays launching soon, I’ve been busier than normal, and my mom is trying to alleviate some of that stress of balancing things.
I have been really open to accepting help since the early days, after recognizing I was a much better mama when I had the support (thank goodness for grandparents)! A lot of you reach out on Instagram, asking how to do it all. I don’t really think you can, unless you’ve got a few sets of hands. Whether it’s a nanny, a sitter, a mom, a sister, a daycare… or whatever form of help works for you and your family. I think we all prioritize as best we can, and make choices along the way that feel best for us — whether it’s deciding to stay home full time (which I did for several months), head back to work, or begin a new adventure that allows you to do a bit of both.
Fittingly, here’s this week’s “What My Baby Taught Me” video…
Mamas – do you bring your kiddos with you on work trips? I decided I’m going to leave Ev back for the first time, when I have a two-day trip to NYC next month, because I think it will be too tough on him (and me!). My heart is already breaking over it. Keep the suggestions coming… I love hearing your mama tips!
