So this is a post to both update you so you have a sense of what will happen and also serve as a bit of a confession.
MATERNITY LEAVE PLANS
I keep getting questions about what my maternity leave is going to look like and the truth is (here’s part one of the confession): I have no idea.
I will be taking some time off when the baby is here so I can fully disconnect and focus on him and our new family dynamic. (Not to mention personally recover from whatever the birth ends up looking like.)
Leading up to this point, I had fully intended on working right up until he was here and then taking time off. Especially since I have no idea when he’ll come, I figured I’d just work until I went into labor and then call it. The reality is that since my life largely dictates what happens on my blog, I’m struggling to keep things fresh… I don’t really want to shoot outfit/clothes content because I feel wasteful buying dresses I’ll only wear for a couple more weeks… (Plus, I just am not feeling 100% up for even taking photos of myself at this stage of the pregnancy.) We’re not traveling or venturing too far from the house while we wait. I’m not even really doing much besides cleaning and nesting like crazy at home– so much laundry!
I have my content calendar scheduled for the next week or so, and then….. we’ll see.
I think what’s most likely is a sunsetting of posts. Instead of getting up a post every single day, I might just pop on and off depending on what I have to say and share.
And then when baby is here, I will probably still have 1-2 scheduled posts a week plus a scattering of some guest posts from friends, but nothing crazy! (Anyone you want to see do a guest post or topic covered?!) I’m incredibly grateful to be in a position where I can take my time recovering and spend time quality time with my baby and family. It’s nice to know I can pivot and change my mind at any point without having to run it by anyone. I’m also grateful Mike has great parental leave from his job, and that when he is working it’s largely from home now for all hands on deck!
Honestly, I already feel that my priorities are shifting and as someone who usually can’t sleep without having blog posts and campaigns queued up and scheduled…. I really believe the important thing right now isn’t work. So that’s what I’m going with 🥰
So happy for you and Mike! I’m sure you will be incredible parents and I can’t wait to see you in these new roles!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Perfect “plan”! As someone who has a 2 month old, there are days where things seem low key and you could be doing more, and then out of nowhere the opposite is true…aka planning can be hard! Enjoy the rest of your time pre baby and the bliss of those crazy days (birth and home!)
Not sure if you’ve already planned this, but having a few posts from Mike would be interesting – his perspective on some things. I know my husband doesn’t have a lot of other dad resources and enjoys hearing stories or perspectives when he does. Not sure what part of the pregnancy/birth/early days he’d want to tell, but just an idea!
I like this idea a lot! I liked his cooking video that one time, and think he’d definitely bring an interesting and thoughtful perspective!
(Sarah again) it’d actually be super cool to hear from Meesh! I don’t know if that’s something she’d be interested in but she seems so cool and I love her style!
Came here to say that a post from Mike and Meesh would be great!
Content idea: show us everything you have needlepointed and what you finished it into. Other than pillows and framing and ornaments, I’m not sure what to make! But also- take time with your baby. Work won’t matter in 10 years but your bond will!
XO, a mom of 2
This “having no plan” actually sounds like the best plan! Since there is no way to tell how things are going to be it seems like the best approach to just wait and see and then decide 🙂 And although I love reading your blog posts I can totally understand if you take time off and fully enjoy this new phase of life. If you feel like posting something, great, and if you don´t…well, then we´ll just have to wait some time. That´s totally fine. Wishing you all the best for your family adventure 🙂
Take as much time as you need. If you feel like writing a blog post, do it, if not, we’ll be waiting. I’m looking forward to hearing what you have to say when the little man is born.
I also think it’s really great of you to write that you don’t want to buy clothes now that you might only wear 1-2 times, the world needs more people like you!
And last but not least: I would find a post from Julia Berolzheimer interesting.
I wish you a pleasant rest of your pregnancy and an “easy” birth:)
Carly, I’ve followed you since you were at Georgetown and I was looking at colleges. This post feels somewhat bittersweet because it makes me realize we’re really grown ups now. (I’m 28, when did that happen?!) I just wanted to say, (in case maternity leave eventually turns into just “leave”) your blog and other online content has helped comfort me and many others tremendously during difficult times over the years. Please enjoy the time off as much as possible! You’ve earned it. 🙂
This comment made me tear up a little because you and I are the same age and have been following along with Carly’s journey for the same amount of time. I completely echo your sentiments and wish you all the best in this new season of life, Carly!
Enjoy your time! I would love to see a guest post of a “week of outfits” or styling ideas for people who wear business casual but still need to move (health care, teachers). I am a new physical therapist and would love some professional outfit ideas that involve pants that allow comfortable bending, no V necks, and good shoes. Thanks!
Seconding this! Would love to see weekly posts from different people in different professions! A teacher one week/ Realtor one week / accountant one week / nanny one week etc
What a fantastic idea! I’m a former teacher/current PhD student so I’m happy to help. 🙂
Carly, congratulations again on the baby. Take as much time as you need, and thanks for continuing to be an inspiration.
Happy Maternity Leave, Carly! We will miss you but you have soooo earned this time. Sending prayers for a safe delivery and recovery.
Having no “plan” (especially when it comes to having a baby) saved my sanity and let me just be at peace with whatever happened. Less chance to be disappointed or mad that my “plan” didn’t work out how I wanted. Babies are the epitome of man plans, god laughs. Wishing you both all of the best with this next big amazing journey!
You have done a terrific job balancing your work and real life during this family time.
I wish you good luck and know you will find the perfect harmony between work and Baby.
You are truly blessed. May everything go well. I look forward to the birth announcement.
Good luck with everything! How about a guest post from Kelly in the City…or even from Mitch. I love his posts on her blog!
Love this.
SO happy for you in this new chapter and very glad for you to take time to connect with your new little one in a few weeks! As far as guest posts, I always love the recipe posts from Living Lou!
Such a great plan! If she’s up to it, a guest post from your mom about her experiences with motherhood and watching you become a mother could be such an amazing thing for you both to look back on!
Yes! Would love to have guest posts from your mom and perhaps from your sister too! I wish you nothing but the best on your next chapter in life. You and Mike are going to be amazing parents. This little man is going to have the best life.
It’s such a special time, so don’t rush it – but your daily voice will be missed!
Also, you’re going to have to explain your pond club. We definitely don’t have those where I live. Are they natural/manmade? What happens when you get a ton of rain? I had never heard of these before!
Love this “plan”! I know how hard it can be to let go a bit and simply allow yourself to pivot so I am so thrilled for you. I am so excited for sweet baby boy to make his debut and follow along. Sending you all the good vibes for rest and grace for yourself! You got this.
I love this! I’m so glad you are going to take time away because you SO deserve that special time with baby! ❤️
You look amazing in this pic! And from a mama of 2, take the time you need. The blog will be here when you’re ready to return. As things shift, you’ll learn more that family is your highest priority, and it’s OK to take time to adjust to the new normal. I’m excited for the coming weeks, and how much your heart is going to grow for your son and husband. Much love and many prayers. Xo
Take care of yourself and your family! We will be here whenever you get back.
Regardless of how long your maternity leave is and how the blog may change after bebe, I’ll look forward to whatever your return looks like. I have also been reading since your college days and as we’re the same age its been so fun to go through similar life changes together.
As for content suggestions. I love hearing about women who change their career path later in life go back to school after kids, write the first book at 60, etc. Its so inspiring!
Your “plan” is perfect, and I can’t wait to catch up with you whenever you feel ready to post! Just so excited for you and Mike to welcome baby boy and take all the time you need <3 Would love to see a guest post by Simply Elsa!
I’m so proud of you! You will savor each moment leading up to having your son and every moment after. Take care of you! We will all be here ready to read when you are ready to write!
I completely feel this! I am due in the next two weeks and just started my official maternity leave with work. It has been so nice to take a day or two off and focus on home things that have been ignored while I worried about work. Take the time you need and know we are excited for updates as you get them and will all be waiting patiently for your return!!
As for posts—would love to hear from Kelly Larkin on things she enjoys most about being a mom? Maybe throw in some Mitch-isms for being a dad? I’m all for the sweet sentimental stuff right now! So excited for y’all and wishing you all the joy with your little one!
Love the Larkins! That would be such a fun guest post
Great idea!!
Hi Carly! So excited for you as you prepare to welcome your baby boy. Regarding guest posts: would love to see one (or several haha) from Melissa Smrekar! Found her through you and am obsessed with her content! Xx
So happy for you two!! And hats off to you for giving yourself some leave and making room to adjust to your new family.
I would love to do a guest post about wedding planning if readers would be interested! (I offer virtual planning services and a la carte packages, so I often help couples just with starting planning, just design, etc). @aisleassistant
Totally understand not wanting to take outfit photos and taking it week by week! Even if you went silent for a few weeks, I’d still be here to support and cheer you on when you come back!!! Praying for you and your delivery!!! <3
Katie
Would love to see another 1 girl 5 outfits! Maybe from a college student, like myself! That would be so fun! Or whoever, I always enjoyed those posts!
It would be downright amazing if you could get a guest post from Claire Saffitz! I know it would be a challenge and most likely not able to happen but it would be so interesting.
Would love to see guest posts on fitness, nutrition, finance, getting back into routines for fall, etc! Also, would love to see some of your “most popular posts ever” type of roundup – I always think that’s fun to bump up some older content. Thank you for being so thoughtful – so excited for you and your growing family!
I love this for you! While I will miss seeing you pop up on my Instagram and reading your blog as part of my morning routine, I am so excited for you to embark on this fun adventure with Baby boy! I’d love a guest post from Maxie again! Her Monday posts used to be some of my favorites!
Good for you! This is such a special time for you both and your families!!!! Enjoy every moment it is truly fleeting. As a boy mom to 3 awesome men… savor the highs and the lows my baby just turned 18… eek!
This is an exciting time for you and Mike! Glad you have flexibility in doing your blogging. We’ll be excited to hear from you of course but no pressure from here! Sending love and good vibes and looking forward to seeing all the good things that will be happening!
I love this approach, Carly! Sending you all the support. A great guest post in my mind would be Grace Atwood sharing her favorite hotels! Like a hotel bucket list 🙂
As a longtime reader (like been here since you were at Georgetown and I was in high school!!) I am so proud of how your mindset has shifted from a work-life balance standpoint! I hope I can do the same when I decide to start a family. I have nothing but good vibes to send you, Mike, teddy, ham, and your new addition!
This is actually a very smart – and realistic! – plan. I had every intention of returning to my job after my baby was born; my boss had even hired an assistant to help take the day-to-day pressure off me being in the office, I’d work from home at least two days a week – you get the idea. Then – SHE arrived three weeks early (during my baby shower!) and I had complications that required a four day stay in the hospital. My boss was wonderful and kept saying, “Take all the time you need, your job will always be here but your daughter will only be an infant for a short time.” Fast forward nine months and I finally said, “That’s it; I’m not going back. You HAVE to hire my replacement.” They finally believed me and I ended up being a stay-at-home mom for a decade, which I don’t regret in the least. I promise that you won’t regret stepping back for a bit. Your followers – like me! – love you and will always be here for you. Best of luck during this home stretch and I can’t wait to read all about everything you want to share.
Can you have guest recipe posts or have mike do a weekly recipe?
So happy for you, Carly! Thanks for bringing us along in your journey. <3 For a guest post, I'd love to see one from Ambitiously Cierra. I found her blog when you featured her here, and I think she's awesome!
I loved those 1 girl, 5 outfit posts for additional guest posts!! Enjoy your time!
As always, love that you stay true to yourself! It’s why I keep coming back for content after years and years. I love the guest post idea – also, would love some flashback/memory lane/nostalgia posts from the early days with a 2-3 sentence reflection/intro! Could be so fun!
I remember getting to the point in my pregnancy where I felt like I needed a forklift to turn over in bed. Or when a bobby pin that I dropped on the ground was lost to me forever… The point is, you’re creating a human and it’s completely reasonable to go easy on yourself – it is genuinely hard at this stage. You don’t owe us content. If and when you decide to come back, we will be here.
Not sure how this works in the blogging world, but it would be fun to see some guests posts from some of your friends who are bloggers themselves!
But honestly, even if you took some time off and popped in every so often if an update here and there – you would be on maternity leave and it would make complete sense! Have followed you for years, and I’m so excited for you and Mike and this next step in your life. Sending you positive wishes!
Regarding guest posts would love to see some on sustainability, climate actions, steps we can take as individuals, etc.! Hope you have a fantastic mat leave! Wishing you and yours the best 🙂