Embracing a New Chapter: Navigating Entrepreneurship, Pregnancy, and Maternity Leave
Hello, wonderful community! It truly feels like an eternity and yet simultaneously just yesterday since I last shared a personal update here on the blog. While my presence might have seemed quiet on these pages, I assure you, my professional world has been anything but. This summer has been an exhilarating whirlwind, deeply immersing me in the vibrant landscape of food blogging through the lens of hundreds of recipe videos. These projects, predominantly for my valued clients, have kept me constantly creating, editing, and producing content at a rapid pace. Consequently, my personal corner of the internet, this beloved blog, has admittedly taken a slight backseat – a temporary pause in our regular programming, if you will.
Being an entrepreneur and charting my own course as a business owner comes with an abundance of incredible advantages and profound joys. There’s an unparalleled sense of freedom and creative control that fuels my passion every single day. The ability to shape my own destiny, pursue projects I genuinely care about, and witness my vision come to life is truly a dream realized. However, this rewarding path also presents unique challenges. One of the lesser-known trade-offs of being your own boss is the concept of “days off.” In reality, they’re non-existent in the traditional sense. While I possess the flexibility to schedule breaks whenever I wish, every moment away from work often means either unpaid time or, more commonly, tasks simply shifting to late nights and weekends. Yet, I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything. My love for what I do, the dynamic nature of content creation, and the connections I build through my work far outweigh the occasional demands on my time.
Despite this deep immersion and unwavering dedication, a monumental shift is on the horizon. The very fabric of my daily life, my work schedule, and my priorities are about to undergo a beautiful transformation. Why, you ask? Because, prepare for the exciting news: Baby Britnell is officially due in a breathtakingly short amount of time – LESS THAN TWO WEEKS! Yes, you read that correctly. It still feels surreal to even type it. The anticipation is palpable, and the reality of becoming a mother is finally sinking in. This impending arrival has been the primary driver behind my recent intense work ethic. To ensure a smooth transition and uninterrupted service for my clients, I’ve been working tirelessly to prepare for a planned two-month maternity leave throughout August and September. This involved an ambitious undertaking: cramming approximately four months’ worth of videography work into a compressed two-and-a-half-month period. It’s been an absolute marathon of filming, editing, and delivering, but seeing all the projects come to fruition brings immense satisfaction. Now, more than ever, I am truly ready for a well-deserved break and to fully embrace this next, most precious chapter.
Nesting and Nursery Dreams: Creating Our Little One’s Sanctuary
Amidst the flurry of client work and personal preparations, creating a sanctuary for our little one has been a heartwarming project. I’m thrilled to report that the nursery is now about 95% complete, and I absolutely adore how it’s turned out! It’s a space that truly reflects both my husband and me, perfectly blending our individual styles and preferences. Surprisingly, it’s nothing like the specific vision I might have conjured a year ago, but that’s part of its charm. We initially started with a loose space theme in mind, envisioning celestial elements and dreamy starscapes. However, as we journeyed through the nesting phase, the room organically evolved. It became a beautiful collection of adorable baby items and pieces that simply caught our eye and resonated with us. This organic approach allowed the nursery to develop its own unique personality, making it feel incredibly personal and comforting. From the soft textures to the playful accents, every detail has been chosen with love and anticipation, making it the perfect haven for our baby.
For those of you who, like me, find joy in peeking into others’ homes and drawing inspiration from unique designs, rest assured: a comprehensive nursery tour is definitely on the agenda! I plan to share all the details, decor choices, and perhaps even some DIY tips once our little one has made their grand debut. Consider this a sneak peek, building up to the full reveal!
The Journey’s End: Reflecting on Pregnancy in the Final Weeks
As the countdown to meeting Baby Britnell continues, a common question arises: “How are you doing as your pregnancy comes to an end?” And honestly, my answer continues to be one of genuine amazement at how well I’m feeling. Throughout this entire journey, my pregnancy has consistently defied my expectations. I had always envisioned the final weeks as a period of significant discomfort and extreme limitation – perhaps permanently affixed to the couch, moving only when absolutely necessary, and constantly monitoring the clock for that imminent hospital trip. Yet, I’ve been incredibly fortunate. My experience has been remarkably smooth, an easy and relatively comfortable pregnancy from start to finish. I’m deeply grateful for this blessing and understand that not every expectant mother shares this experience, and my heart goes out to those who’ve faced greater challenges.
However, that’s not to say it’s entirely without its nuances. In these final stages, carrying a precious six-and-a-half-pound mini human certainly comes with its own set of aches and pains. My body is working tirelessly, adapting and preparing for labor, and I feel it most intensely in my back, hips, and feet. My initial strategy was to complete all my video commitments early, allowing me to take it easy and stay off my feet for this last month of pregnancy. Interestingly, the reality has been quite the opposite. I’ve discovered that sitting down for extended periods, especially at my computer, is far more uncomfortable than gentle movement around the house. I find myself needing to stand up, stretch, and walk around every hour and a half or so to alleviate the pressure. This unexpected physical demand has certainly presented a challenge to my ambitious work schedule. While I had hoped to finalize all client projects today, I’m currently running about a week behind schedule. It’s a gentle reminder that even the best-laid plans must adapt to the incredible journey of pregnancy.
The Final Countdown: Anticipation and Readiness
With all this in mind, I am wholeheartedly hoping that our little one decides to stick to the schedule and doesn’t make an early grand entrance into the world. There are currently no signs whatsoever indicating that I’ll be delivering anytime too soon, which gives me immense relief. It feels like Baby Britnell is indeed cooperating with my rather ambitious, self-imposed work schedule, allowing me to cross off those final tasks before shifting my complete focus to motherhood. Of course, I’m acutely aware that when you’re 38.5 weeks pregnant, things can change with astonishing speed. The unpredictability of labor is a well-known phenomenon, and while we hope for a timely arrival, we are equally prepared for any eventuality. The hospital bags are packed, the car seat is installed, and our hearts are overflowing with readiness for this profound new chapter.
On a lighter note, can I just pause here to confess something? I genuinely cannot take myself seriously in these maternity photos! The sheer joy and perhaps a touch of awkwardness always surface when I’m trying to pose for a serious shot. Despite my own amusement, I absolutely love these images and am incredibly thankful to Britnell Photography for capturing such a beautiful and fleeting moment in our lives. They truly did an amazing job, even with my propensity for spontaneous laughter. Authenticity, I suppose, is part of my personal brand, and a perfectly serious pose just doesn’t come naturally to me!
Looking Ahead: Guest Bloggers, Instagram, and New Beginnings
As this Friday morning draws to a close, I wanted to share a glimpse into what you can expect here on the blog during my maternity leave. You won’t be left without fresh content; in fact, you’ll likely be seeing MORE action around these parts starting in just a few weeks! I’ve been incredibly fortunate to line up a handful of truly awesome and talented guest bloggers. These individuals will be sharing their unique perspectives, delicious recipes, and engaging stories, ensuring that the Food with Feeling community remains vibrant and inspired while I’m away. I’m so excited for you to discover their fantastic contributions!
In the meantime, and to stay connected with my day-to-day happenings, especially once Baby Britnell arrives, please make sure to give me a follow on Instagram HERE. Instagram stories have become my current obsession, offering a more casual, real-time look into our lives, behind-the-scenes moments, and soon, all the adorable baby updates you can handle. I promise to share snippets of our new family life, the joys, the challenges, and everything in between. Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and for being such an integral part of this incredible journey. I’m truly looking forward to sharing the next chapter with all of you!