My choice as a mom

Frankie is 18 weeks this week which means that this week mommy's leave is up. So that means it is time to make a choice, return to work or stay home with the best little girl in the entire world. The past 18 weeks have been the best weeks of my life. I'm still not sure how 18 weeks can go by so fast but I'm now a firm believer in the whole time flies while you're having fun thing.

Anyway, I love what I do for my career. I get to represent the sport I love, travel the country and run the social media program at the NHRA. I have an amazing audience full of the most passionate, loyal fans in all of motorsports. I've had the opportunity to turn my ideas into very successful projects that are still going strong today even without me in the office. I get to work with great media outlets, teams and drivers and over the past two years I have learned so much but it doesn't even compare to what I've learned over the past 18 weeks.

Over the past 18 weeks I've learned about love at first sight, I've learned about unconditional love, I've learned about selfless love, I've learned that I come second or third or fourth sometimes and that's no problem at all, I've learned that my husband is a wonderful father and loving provider, I've learned that I'm totally okay with being spit up on and even pooped on, I've learned that a baby really does change everything, I've learned that blessings come with a baby, I've learned that no matter what's going on, things will always work out and I've learned what is truly important in life. (As well as a million more things I don't have time to list.)

I'm pretty sure I've given away my decision but just in case, I'm choosing not to go back to work at NHRA. As much as I love what I do and I love the sport of the NHRA as well as all those involved, I love Frankie and my family more. I can't imagine dropping her off at daycare or Nana's house every single day during the week. I don't want to miss all these precious moments I've gotten to witness and experience over the past 18 weeks. The way I look at it is I can always go back to a career but I can't get a do-over with raising my little girl. Luckily, my husband agrees.


Sure it might be tough for a while... I might get bored, frustrated or miss the extra paycheck at times but I won't miss my little girl and to me, that's most important. In the end, it all will be okay, we'll learn through struggles.

All you moms who go back to work are very tough cookies! I just can't do it.

When one door closes, another one opens so who knows what my future holds on the career-front but I know on the mommy-front I'll be as happy and fulfilled as I could ever imagine.

If the next 18 years are anything like the past 18 weeks, it's going to be one fun, emotional, and exciting ride! I can't wait.

"You have a lifetime to work, but children are only young once." ~Polish Proverb