I'm back !

Family first #mommyduty

I'm back! My apologies for going MIA these past few months, but the birth of my third child has kept my hands pretty full.

On paper, wanting to do it all seems very doable, but when reality kicks in, prioritizing becomes your new way of life. The reality of it all wasn't as apparent with the birth of my first two daughters. Since my girls are only 20 months apart, I found the transition between baby number one and number two quite easy and simple. I was already in the routine of changing diapers, doing Mom & Tot and let’s not forget being very sleep deprived, but with baby number three, I was back at square one after a four year break and kind of forgot what it was like to have a newborn again.

I had completely dismissed from my mind how much of a commitment breastfeeding was and how there isn't much time for anything else!!! Don’t get me wrong, breastfeeding (or giving a bottle) is very precious and a great source of bonding with your baby that doesn't last very long. In addition to knowing that my son was going to be my last child, I wanted to enjoy and cherish every moment! Nonetheless, I spent my summer in "babyland”, sleep deprived, breastfeeding, pumping my milk, changing diapers, singing lullabies, giving baths and taking care of my family as best I could. I want to thank my husband for being so awesome, you have been present more then ever for me and the kids, I couldn't do it without you !! 

I think every mother struggles to find the right balance along with the trials and tribulations associated with managing your family, personal and professional life.  In the midst of it all, my middle child started acting out, which is normal, I know, but it’s hard to watch your child go through a difficult time.  First and foremost, you want to be a good mom and try to get some good quality, one-on-one time with each child all the while running errands, preparing dinner, being present for your husband, have some sort of active social life, AND be a kickass blogger :-) It is a challenge and the struggle is definitely real!!  I do however want to give a shout out to the help I have at home with all the cleaning, laundry, ironing etc… I am fortunate to have that luxury in my life.

What I find particularly challenging this time around is finding the time to take care of myself.  Getting your body back is not an easy task, for me at least. One day you are pregnant and everyone oohs and aahs at your gorgeous belly and your beautiful glow, and nine months later, you’re just a fat woman with a baby, and to add insult to injury, some people still think you’re pregnant! Being 30 pounds heavier is definitely my motivation to hit the gym, but not only is it hard physically, it’s hard mentally and a good kick to the ego. I went from teaching trampoline classes, to hiding in the back because I can barely do it. And because I couldn't train during this pregnancy on the grounds that it was a high risk pregnancy due to multiple miscarriages (I will open up about it in another post), my pride definitely took a hit! So I am back at the gym and my motto is: no pain no gain. 

Besides letting you all know that I am back, the backbone of this post is the art of balancing it all. I did and do what I can and this summer I dedicated my time and attention to my family. Now that school has started and I'm settling into my new life, and my family has adapted to now being a family of five, I am back to blogging and happy to share it all with you :-)

Speaking of sharing, I went to New York fashion week last Tuesday for 5 hours. Yup, five hours people, but what a high it was to fly in and out on the same day! That’s about all I can do and manage with my new family life, and I'm ok with that. Five hours is better then none and it was a welcome change of scenery with a great post to come about the show I was invited to.  Stay tuned!

Happy to be back :-)

Mademoiselle Jules