mama, smitten: that funny little question

I'm officially on maternity leave, and officially realizing how horrible I have been at blogging! And now that I'm on maternity leave, I keep getting the same question asked over and over again, "So do you just not know what to do with yourself?" Every time this gets asked I just laugh. If only that were the case, because to be quite honest…things have been crazy busy in the LaFuze household. And I'm learning how to finally take a bit of a break, but it has been a journey.

Last week at work was intense. I wish being a teacher and going on maternity leave were two things that made sense together, but they don't. Leaving your students for three months is a lot of work! On top of that, I had parent-teacher conferences before and after school, leaving little to no downtime. I basically had to tell myself that I wasn't pregnant so that I could get through the week, and solely focus on work. Every time I thought about something that I had to do to get ready for baby, I would write it down for next week. By the time Friday night came around, I was filled with such a mix of emotions. You see, I've worked since the age of 10 with no breaks. Not even in college. So working is a large part of my identity. Saying good-bye to that part of my life on Friday was very challenging for me, and the whole ride home I finally let it out and just cried. I know that what awaits me is just going to be beyond amazing, but it was definitely challenging to finally wrap my mind around the fact that now I had to get ready to have a baby.

Now everyone keeps asking me this silly question. And the reason why I laugh is because I have so much to do! Work consumed so much of me, that now is the time I can finally focus on preparing for our sweet baby boy to arrive. This week alone I have gone to the chiropractor, a doctor's appointment, goodwill, put some final touches on the nursery, had our carseat installed and inspected, met up with a friend who I'm helping with a photo shoot, made dinner for my brother and sister in law, wrapped all of our Christmas gifts and shipped packages that need to go out. Today is packed with more appointments. So maternity leave hasn't been very restful and relaxing as I'd hoped it would be, but I know that after this week things will finally start slowing down. (And hopefully someone will start coming soon.)

Even though there has been so much business in our lives, I love seeing all of the beautiful moments we have had.

Like Minnie snuggling on me whenever I sit on the couch...

Or having Lindsay over for a girl's night which involved eating way too much food and indulging in sugar cookies and hot cocoa...

Or braving the crowds for December Nights at Balboa Park...

Or finally feeling a little bit better after rearranging the gallery wall in the nursery…

(PS: In case you can't find your husband's leveler, remember that there is an app for that!! It is so nifty and I used me phone to check that all of the frames were level!)