It’s been a little bit since my last blog post and I have a big update! I recently accepted a job with the Army Corp of Engineers. Our plan was always for me to go back to work eventually, and this job presents an amazing opportunity. As I write this, I have been at the job for about three weeks and it’s been going really well. While I am very excited about working outside the home again it is really hard being away from the girls. It makes me think a lot about the duality of motherhood, how we can hold two conflicting emotions at the same time with each being equal as valid. I love using my mind and working through problems at work, and at the same time I love the slow day to day rhythm of being home with the girls. One of the reasons I took the position is that I was able to have a long chat with my supervisor before I accepted the job. She is a mother of two teen girls. We talked a lot about balancing motherhood and work and how family should always come first. Going back to work after spending a whole year at home with the girls is hard, I know it’s been a difficult transition for the little ones and it’s hard not spending as much time with them. The bright side is we found an amazing in-home daycare where the girls get to go on hikes and build fairy houses. I know they are in good hands. I feel better about the situation when I think back to how both my parents worked. Although I had two working parents my memories are filled with all fun things we did together. I also remember being proud when I told other kids what my parents did for a living. With that in mind I intend to make the time we have together extra special. Staying home the past year has been such an amazing experience but I am excited for this new chapter with our little family.