When we last left off, I was nine months pregnant. I didn’t know what I was having. I’m so happy to say that my husband and I now have a beautiful and sweet baby daughter. We are so happy.
As a freelancer, I didn’t — or couldn’t — take any time off from writing. I took on less projects for the month following birth, but got right back on top of it after that time was up. I am now just as busy, if not busier, than I’ve ever been.
Our baby came a few days early, so I was even working through labor. I had two articles due the next day, so how could I miss my deadlines? I’ve never missed a deadline in my life. I wasn’t going to let the contractions stop me. Plus, writing, a relaxing practice for me, helped me get through the pain of labor and kept me distracted.
As a new mommy, it is definitely so much harder to focus on my work and ensure I’m staying on task for the day. I’m often working much longer hours because I am constantly being interrupted. When she’s asleep, I still have to keep the house clean, take care of our seven pets, and cook food. My husband helps out so much, thank goodness, and he’s been making especially delicious and healthy meals for us lately. Still, there is always so much work that we both have to do now that we’re a family of three.
I’ve learned the importance of squeezing work in when I can, keeping to a schedule, and not being distracted by social media or my phone while I am working during the limited time I have throughout the day. I now have to write faster than ever and hope that I don’t make any errors (knock on wood, I’ve been able to keep up the quality of work thus far). Still, as she grows older, I know I’ll either have to slow down or hire help so that I can stay focused. Considering that my career keeps growing and I am attracting more clients than ever, I’ll probably have to go the latter route.
I absolutely love what I do. Even when I’m writing for a niche I may not be particularly interested in, the very act of writing is relaxing for me. I get great satisfaction out of completing an article, no matter what the topic. Thank G-d, at this point, I like all of my clients as well, so interacting with them is always a pleasure. I couldn’t imagine putting my career on hold. I feel like one of the best things I can do for my daughter is to keep working and becoming a more accomplished writer and businesswoman. Not only will I be a good role model for her, but I’ll do my best to support our family. I’ll show her that dreams can come true.
I love being on this ride of motherhood. I know it’ll only continue to get better and better. I can’t wait to see what else the future holds!