A Little History

If you're especially astute, you may have noticed there's been a bit of a changing of the guards over here at the toddler mom blog. This blog used to be written by Maureen Ryan, who happens to be a first rate editor in addition to being a really fabulous mom. Maureen moved on to a new company and so I am lucky enough to take over her blog.

Maureen and I worked together for much of my four years here. We were also pregnant together. Her daughter was born two days before mine. Amazing. I can assure you we did not plan this. We shared an office upon returning from maternity leave -- and more than once we closed that office door and shared a few tears, too. It was such a gift to have someone right there who was going through the same challenges I was. Together we wondered if we were making the best choices for our babies, if we were doing our best at work, and talked through our difficulties and triumphs. We made different decisions about some things, but always found a way to respect each other's path. I think back to that time and I really don't know how I would have gotten through it without her.

And now things have changed, as they tend to do, and Maureen is a mom of two and I work on a different floor from the office we shared. We still get together, for play dates and birthdays. We email. And I think we'll always share that bond of figuring out how to be moms and professionals at the same time. Not that either of us would say we have it all figured out. Nope. I guess what I've figured is:

• You do the best you can.
• You reinvent the plan so many times you're really not sure it can even be called a plan anymore.
• You try to remember to give yourself a break because you really are hard on yourself.

Me and Maureen are both very lucky. We have beautiful, smart, healthy children and we get to work in a profession we feel strongly about and we both have supportive partners who make it possible to get through the day.

That's the story of where Maureen has gone and why I'm here now. What's your story? I'm all ears.

Comments

[Kristin Kline]

I just wanted to say that I'm really enjoying reading these blogs from you. My life is a bit hectic with an 8 year old, a 2 year old and a 1 year old and it's great to get some new ideas and activities to do with my kids. Keep on blogging. You're awesome!

[Amy]

Thanks so much, Kristin. It's so encouraging to receive your comment. I can only imagine how hectic your life is with two little ones. I applaud you! I'm glad that you're enjoying the blog and I hope you'll come back and comment when you can grab a moment.

[Maureen Ryan]

I couldn't be happier that my blog has passed on to the best mom I know!

And on the topic of "signs that you're a working mom" -- I have a Mr. Potato Head in my desk and left the house with different shoes on (and it wasn't done as an intentional fashion statement).

...But when I get home tonight I'll dance the hippety dance, answer the question "why" at least a dozen times before bed, and watch my boy have banana for the first time ever (and I know he'll love it!).

I can't wait!

[Amy]

Well, hello there guest star! I especially like that you wore two different shoes. That's impressive. And I love Mr. Potato Head -- I'll play with that. Thanks for visiting our blog. It's nice to see you here.

[Kristin Kline]

i work at scholastics as a customer service rep and in my spare time, they let us get on scholastic.com and i check your blogs. i guess i'm gonna have to invest in a mr. potato head for my kids, aren't i? :)

[Amy]

Hi Kristin! Yep. I'm afraid so. Sounds like Mr. Potato head is fast becoming a work desk necessity. I've got an orange sippy cup on my desk again today!