From stay at home mom to stay at home working mom.

I have a master’s degree in education. Am I using it? Nope. Did I use it for a while? Sure did. Nine years as a public school high school special education teacher in a large school district, and I loved it. I miss it every day. I miss my kids (they will always be my kids), I miss my colleagues, I miss my awesome co-teacher bestie, I miss the fun lessons, and I miss the schedule. I’m a person that thrives on a schedule, unless I’m on vacation. So, it was quite the lifestyle change for me when my husband and I decided that it would be best for our family if I stayed home to raise the kids after our first was born.

I would have never of survived it if it wasn’t for this group of women I found called New Mom’s Coffee. We lived in Moon Township at the time, and this supportive mother’s group met in Cranberry, every Tuesday morning, and I was there without fail. It was there that I learned what it truly meant to support other women, no matter what. I learned that everything you go through in motherhood is normal. The sleep deprivation, the emotional roller coasters, postpartum anxiety or depression, disconnection with your partner, feelings of failure… all normal. For me, I struggled with an identity crisis: going from being an educator (which was basically the only “adult” job that I ever knew) to being a mom… and I had zero training for it. Zilch. Well, that group was associated with a pediatrician’s office and has since dissolved, but from that a new group has formed, called Empowering Moms. They still meet virtually, as well as in person, schedule play dates and moms night out, and pull together as a group to support each other. You will never find a more non-judgmental, kind-hearted, supportive group of women, and I am so thankful for them everyday.

Since then, I’ve become an ambassador for the group and I am the one that schedules playdates for moms in my area, moms night outs, and other fun activities. We are now a family of four, and motherhood has been easier the second time around. I didn’t feel so panicked over little details. Pretty sure my daughter only had two baths the entire first month of her life. But we’re happy, everyone is healthy, and I picked up a new hobby along the way to re-find myself. I now dedicate certain days and evenings to making women feel beautiful, and have a pretty good work/life balance with my kids and my husband. I may miss the classroom, but I’ve never felt more fulfilled than I do now. Come hang out with me!