Mother’s Day is always a special time of year in the Kristen Baird Studio, and not just because we’re super busy. It’s a time to celebrate lessons learned and blessings received in both life and in business. And with three amazing moms on our team, it’s also a time to celebrate ourselves!
This Mother’s Day, we’re sharing OUR stories. Here’s to motherhood on our terms!
What is the most challenging part of being a working mom?
Emily - I’m the proud mama of a brand-spanking-new baby boy… who unfortunately has colic. I never know when he’s going to start crying, how long he’s going to cry, or how to get him to stop. This is pretty exhausting and it makes trying to get on any sort of work schedule next to impossible. Fortunately, I have an incredible support system and an amazing client (Kristen) who completely understands the circumstances. This too shall pass!
Jeana - The most challenging part of being a working mom is that the lines between work and motherhood can become completely blurred, especially when working remotely at home. There’s no real 'off' switch. I’m not just juggling a job and parenting; I’m homeschooling, running the household, and some days I take on a little extra while my husband serves in the military. It’s a lot to carry, and some days I’m not able to give 100% to any one thing. At the same time, my work is my creative outlet. It helps me hold on to a part of my identity that’s just mine.
Kristen - Real talk: it’s hard to maintain mental flexibility when my entire game plan for a workday gets tossed out the window due to a kiddo getting sick. At the same time, I’m immensely grateful that I can switch focus from work to my children at the drop of a hat.
What is the most rewarding part of being a working mom?
Kristen - It is so rewarding to have my boys around the studio…seeing their respect for my space, the tools, my jewelry, and “what mama makes”. The older they get, the more interested they are in what’s going on in the studio on a daily basis. They understand that their dad and I work so they can be provided for, and that’s really special for us.
Jeana - I get to show my daughter that it’s possible to keep doing what you love in all circumstances of life. Nothing is out of reach if you work hard and pour your heart into it. You really can find the balance, even if it looks different every day.
Emily - I want to show my son that parenthood doesn’t represent an “end” to your dreams, but a further source of inspiration. I want to counteract the narrative of motherhood as “sacrifice,” and instead, for him to know how much he has added to my life.
What is an unconventional way you maintain work/life balance?
Jeana - Something a little unconventional I’ve done to create work/life balance is making a point to show my daughter that work can be fun. I talk to her about the projects I’m working on and how they let me use my creative side, and I celebrate both the time I spend working and the time I spend with her. It’s not always perfectly balanced, but showing her that I can love my job and still be fully present as a mom is a powerful thing.
Emily - I still haven’t figured it out! My husband is still on parental leave, so I’m able to gradually adjust to working while being the primary caregiver to our baby. I’m so grateful for the slow transition. I guess my “unconventional” advice is simply that more men should take as much paternal leave as they are offered!
Kristen - I’ve started working really early morning hours. This allows me to switch to cooking “from scratch” breakfast and being fully present when my boys wake up in the morning without feeling guilty. I’m trying to do this more often.
What is one piece of advice you have for a new mom going back to work?
Kristen - Have a game plan but be ready to toss it to the side at any point because the family comes first. It’s a bonus when you can tailor your work to your family life and be surrounded by clients/colleagues who “get it”. I truly couldn’t be more grateful for the client base I have formed over ten years and this little internal team that has been together for three years now.
Jeana - Here’s the thing: find a job that values family just as much as you do. When you work with people like Kristen and Emily who get that being there for your family is non-negotiable, work feels a whole lot better. It’s all about finding a balance where you can be proud of the work you do and present for the moments that matter. So go chase your passions, love what you do, but also know that when you clock out, it’s time to be 100% there for your family. Life is all about doing what matters and doing it with a full heart.
Emily - Thank you both for the advice. I’m so grateful for both of you as well, and especially thankful to have a client who understands the madness of new baby life and is more than willing to go through this journey with me.
What is one motherhood lesson you’ve learned in the past year?
Emily - Not a lot of lessons to share right now! I’m still very much in the newborn fog. I’m trying to do my best to enjoy this phase and soak it up as much as possible (even with the crying), because I know it goes by fast.
Kristen - Kids watch and absorb so much. And my, do they say the darndest things. I repeatedly realize I need to slow down and soak it all in because it truly flies by!
Jeana - One lesson I’ve learned in motherhood this year is that life is always changing, and sometimes that change can feel overwhelming. But as a mom, I feel so blessed to be a constant in my daughter’s life, especially with the unique challenges of being a military family. My love, my support, and my protection are things she can always depend on, no matter where life takes us. That sense of stability is something I hold close, and it feels like a true gift to be that rock for her.
How do you celebrate yourself on Mother’s Day?
Kristen - Try not to repeat Mother’s Day 2021! I was about 6 months pregnant with Preston and Paxton was just over 18 months old. I, Paxton, and Drew all got the stomach flu. It felt like near death! It was chaos. Drew’s dad dropped off egg drop soup on our porch, which I will always be extremely grateful for. It was a day that will go down in history for our family!
Jeana - For Mother’s Day, I kick things off with a little quiet time just for me, whether that’s a massage, grabbing coffee at my favorite spot, or a peaceful stroll through Target. It’s my chance to hit reset before the rest of the day and a little quiet time is always appreciated. Then, I spend the day with my husband and daughter, my real reasons to celebrate. We’ll usually head outdoors and enjoy the sunshine together. Honestly, they’re my biggest supporters as a mom and the reason I am blessed on this day. Just being with them makes me feel the most celebrated as a mom.
Emily - This will be my very first Mother’s Day! I asked my husband for breakfast in bed and (if I’m lucky) an extra hour of sleep. Then, we will go to church and have a celebration with the whole family. I’m looking forward to being one of the honorees!
Every mom’s story is different, but love is universal. We’d love to hear from you - share your lessons learned in the comments!
