Diapers & Deadlines: Making Room For Life

When I started this column three years ago, I was six months pregnant with so many questions running through my mind about birth, motherhood, working, childrearing and ice cream – specifically, to eat or not to eat Ben & Jerry’s at 2 a.m.! Today, I have a beautiful little boy whose personality continues to reveal itself day by day … but I’m still asking that question about ice cream.

I can say without a shadow of a doubt, motherhood is one of the most joy-filled, fulfilling and exhilarating things I’ve ever experienced. But, having been a working mum the whole time, I can also tell you it’s full of challenges. And sometimes, I’ve had to make decisions for the greater good of the family that weren’t necessarily what I would have wanted … like giving up this column.

If you know me, then you know my schedule. If you don’t, just trust me when I tell you my schedule is hectic. I’m one of those people who when asked “how are you?” answers, “I’m super busy, but doing great,” year-round. And this year, I want to be doing less of that. This means giving up some writing to make room for bigger things in life, like bath-time and bee stings. It also frees me up for date nights and dancing with friends!

You see, as much as I love to write, you have to experience life to have things to write about. And at the rate I’m going, I won’t have much to share if I don’t stop and smell the Febreeze. So, that’s what I’m doing. I am making room for life. And I’m also making room for a wonderful human being named Tashmica to take over and write about motherhood. And she has three boys! She’ll have way more to share than I have.

But thank you so much. It has been quite the ride, and I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to read this column. If you’re looking for me, I will still be writing and editing professionally around town — and over at my blog “Poppy on a Kite” about self-image, confidence and more at www.poppyonakite.com. Come say “hi!”