It Takes a Village to Raise a Family
It takes a village.
This phrase has never rang more true to me since becoming a mom.
For those who don’t know, two months ago my husband and I packed up our two-bedroom apartment, left Massachusetts (where we met, lived for the past 10 years, got pregnant and gave birth to Isabella) and moved back to Connecticut to live with my parents for the time being while we house-hunt.
The main reason we moved back home was to be closer to family — and once Isabella was born we knew we wanted to do it sooner than later. As a hybrid between a stay-at-home and work-from-home mom, I’ve been busy this past year taking care of our baby and taking care of business. It’s not perfect, and I’ve started to realize I can’t do everything 100%, 100% of the time. And that’s OK.
That said, it’s been difficult not having close family and friends nearby to lend a hand, cook a meal, or even just be there to remind you that you’ve got this or for some good ol’ fashioned adult conversation. For the most part it’s been me, myself and baby.
Since moving, the past month or so has been a huge game-changer for me, and I am so grateful to have so many people in my circle to lean on. With hubby working from home, I am able to escape for mid-day naptime runs/groceries/errands, and have finally started to feel like me again. We’ve also taken family trips to the farmer’s market, blueberry picking, and coffee shops.
Living with my parents (for now) enables us to escape for impromptu date nights once we put the baby to bed, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee and breakfast together, which is so important to have that bonding time with your partner.
Isabella loves her family — especially the pups — and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I am so grateful she’s able to grow up around people who love her so much and that I feel so supported.
It truly does take a village, and as a new mama I encourage you to find yours and hold onto them tight. After all, you deserve to feel supported!
