Samhain Publishing Ltd Weblog

Breaks are Good

As some of you may have heard, I had my baby boy in the middle of July. Meet Jack. You’d never guess that face could cause any trouble. But the trouble is worth it because, I mean really, look at that face…

This being a mommy business—as all you mommies know—takes everything you’ve got during the first few months. It’s wonderful and exhausting and, at least in my case, came with an interesting side effect. I haven’t been able to write in six weeks. And you know, I really miss writing!

I was prepared to take a couple of months off from writing when Jack was born. I got most everything lined up so I could do nothing but baby stuff when he arrived because I knew he’d take all my time. I was right too. It’s hard enough getting sleep and time to eat properly, nontheless think about writing. Especially because, as it turns out, Jack doesn’t like to be put down so I’m almost constantly baby-in-arms.

Despite heeding all the advice I got, I was still pretty overwhelmed by the reality of taking care of a newborn. And for many weeks now I’ve been in a kind of survival mode mentality—living minute to minute (or in this case, feeding to feeding) trying to keep my fussy baby calm and figuring out how to take care of him as best I can. This has resulted in some wonderful moments—those peaceful times when you find yourself staring at that adorable little (sleeping!) face for hours. And I’m glad I gave myself the time to adjust and enjoy these early months with my boy.

But now that we’re starting to get the hang of things, I really really miss writing. I still can’t get to it—we’re still living moment to moment and my brain isn’t quite up to the task just yet. But the forced hiatus has reminded me how much I enjoy making up stories and getting those stories down on the page to share with other people. I’m excited about getting back to work now, and I wasn’t so sure I’d be saying that at this stage.

My son has brought me many joys and realizations already in his young life, not the least of which is that I chose the right profession. And when I do go back to work, it’ll be with a renewed sense of excitement and fun. Thanks Jack!