It’s something many of us do. We need to work in order to help support our families. I always knew I wanted to always have my career, well before I had children. I love to work and take pride in my job, so it never even crossed my mind when I became pregnant with the triplets. But it was a question I received a lot…would I continue to work?

After health complications and the deaths of two of my children, I knew that returning to the working world would be put on hold. I needed time to grieve and heal, plus care for our survivor. Peyton spent nearly 4 months in the Nicu and needed more care than normal after making it home. As the weeks and months flew by, and the calendar turned to 2014, I knew I was ready to make the leap. This week, more than 8 months after giving birth, I arrived back at my television station, ready to conquer my “new normal.” 

Peyton watching mom on the news

So what is this “new normal”? Well the days of sweatpants and no makeup are over; the real world (or at least my industry) requires a little more upkeep! I now wake up at 5am and get ready well before my daughter gets up. I search closets and under the bed, trying to find those high heels I haven’t worn in months. I flip through the clothes hangers and decide which business suit to throw on. I run around frantic, making bottles for the nanny and try to squeeze in a quick nursing session with Miss P. And all of this, within the first hour of my morning. How do other mothers make it look so easy??? 

Being a working mom requires a lot of planning. It’s a balancing act–trying to continue your career, all the while, trying to be a good parent. By the time I get home from work, Peyton is ready for bed. My husband and I have two hours of alone time, before hitting the sack and doing it all over again. I knew it wouldn’t be an easy task. After spending every waking moment with my daughter, I now have to cram my special bonding time into only a few hours. Having a career can be hard enough–the 9 to 5 job can consume your life. Add in a family and it becomes a puzzle. You try to find the perfect pieces to fit together. Separate, those pieces can look like a chaotic mess. But put together, it becomes a beautiful picture. 

As I get back into a routine, I am slowly figuring out all of the pieces to my puzzle. I know it’s going to take plenty of work, but I also know I can do it. And I know that it won’t always be picture perfect…instead a constant work in progress. Peyton is too young to understand that I’m busy advancing my career. But I look forward to the day when she will understand that I am proud to be a working mother. Even though I may not be home as much, I hope my daughter will look at me as a role model…balancing motherhood and a career.