Sometimes life hits you hard– even in a good way — and taking it one day at a time is the best way to handle it.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, then you already know that I started a new job. I’m the Executive Coordinator at a local nonprofit here in Durham that focuses on teen health. I love it. I’d even go so far as to say that this is my dream organization because I’ve honestly been trying to get a job here for half a decade, AT LEAST. And I’m super passionate about the work the organization does and the impact they’re making for teens in my home state of NC.

Nikki by example | www.nikkibyexample.com

Already on the phone with IT

My job responsibilities will involve coordinating board meetings, executive team functions, some donor relations, and basically keeping everyone on track to meet our goals. I’m the CEO’s right-hand woman and I like it. As this is only my second week, I’m still getting settled. I don’t have my own office yet because we’re waiting to kick some interns out (kidding, I’m waiting for them to finish up their summer projects in the next few weeks) and then I’ll be able to get all cozy in my space.

The transition at home with Sebastian is a work in progress because my mom stayed with us for the first two weeks to babysit and help us out while we all adjust to the new routine. The first few days were rough because I was gone all day after being with him 24/7 so there were lots of hugs and cuddles. When I got home after the first day, he threw his arms around my neck and hugged me for a while, then the morning of my second day, he didn’t want to let go when it was time for me leave the house. Yeah, I cried a little… The second week he got used to me leaving, but he was still at home with his Nana so we’ll have to go through another adjustment period when he starts daycare.

And he was supposed to start daycare today but the poor little monkey came down with a fever of 102 degrees yesterday so he has to stay home to rest and recover. That means I’m working from home today, and I don’t hate it. But I do hope he feels better soon.

Nikki by example | www.nikkibyexample.com

Poor sick baby

On top of all that, we’ve been battling ants and at least two mice in my house! Pest control has been here at least three times in the past two weeks but we can’t figure out how to get rid of the ants. The bait we’re leaving for the mice is attracting more ants, and, because I’m a big ole softy, we’re catching and releasing the mice instead of killing them, so the entire contents of our pantry are temporarily housed on the kitchen table. It’s a chaotic mess!

In all honesty, I have so many emotions about everything right now. Fortunately, they’re mostly positive but I’m still feeling all the things. I’m excited to be back at work utilizing my professional talents, but I miss being home, playing and laughing with Sebastian all day. I’m a little sad that he has to go to daycare, but I know that he loves playing with other kids and will learn more than I can teach him right now so I’m extremely grateful for that, even though I worry about the normal things like whether he’ll sleep and eat enough. Also, routine will be good for all of us, but I’ll miss getting to run errands and do other things during the week day. And I’m already exhausted trying to run a household through all of this!

On the flip side, I get to wear all of my cute outfits again! I actually look forward to getting up in the morning to get dressed. The outfits are probably my favorite thing so far about going back to work. At my last job — the one I decided to leave at the beginning of the year — I had to get up so early (and fight traffic every single day) that my spirits were always down and getting dressed was just another chore to make me late. My new office, however, is only 10 minutes from my house so mornings actually feel good again!

Nikki by example | www.nikkibyexample.com

I think being a working mama will be good for me and my family. I never really pictured myself as a stay-at-home mom and, while I actually enjoyed it more than I thought I would, I know that working to make a positive impact in the community AND being an awesome mommy to my Sebastian is what will truly fulfill me. When Sebastian gets old enough to ask me what I do, I’ll get to tell him that I’m his mommy first and foremost, but that I also help keep kids like him and his friends safe and healthy. And that makes it all worth it for this working mama!

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