When I first went back to school after having Lillian I thought it would be easy. She napped all the time, was quiet, happy, she also wasn’t anywhere near crawling. I now have an eleven month old who crawls, pulls herself up on things, and wants to play all the time. My perfect idea of being able to do school has been altered as I now figure out a new way to be a mom, wife, and a student.
I am not the only mom doing school, I know that, there are many doing school, work, school and work. Some are married, some are single, but we are all trying to achieve similar goals of furthering our education, or career. It may not be glamorous, but it is a life to be proud of.
So, plans change all the time. Planned to graduate in Fall 2017 got pushed back when I got pregnant. My plan to do four classes online a semester got rearranged when I realized it is harder to do a lot of classes with a baby. Plans change. I have now decided two to three classes a semester is more realistically what I will accomplish with a little one. To you moms out there that do twelve plus credits a semester, you are awesome! Send some tips my way…
The first week of this semester was a whirlwind. I remember looking at Tanner and thinking wow, we are going to be so busy with everything going on. I contemplated dropping out at least twice that week and then at the end of the week thought about getting a Masters’. This is just life right now.
It is hard for me to realize that I probably need help with my homework, or that I may need to have someone watch Lillian for a few hours a week so I can get assignments done. I think there is a lot of pressure to be able to do everything and do it “perfectly”. I am a pretty prideful person and I don’t want to have to ask others if they can watch Lillian for a few hours a week so I can get assignments done, but I have asked and it has made things SO much easier. I think that letting people help you is another way to bond more and create better friendships with those around you (just a thought).
The good news is the first week of fear is over with. I am actually feeling a lot better about school and I am taking it ONE DAY at a time. Taking things piece by piece is something I struggle with. Another amazing thing that has helped me not be as stressed is to not put homework assignments off until their due date. Schedule in your time for assignments and FOCUS on your homework. Stop checking your phone. It is also great to go sit outside for a while, or go for a walk. Clear your head a bit and then go back and tackle a bit more school work. If you are a mom in school you probably already know that being outside will help your little one feel better and burn off some of that energy.
Whatever you are doing, just know that success isn’t going to be a straight shot. You will have your peaks and valleys. It is okay to feel discouraged at times, but don’t let that discouragement keep you from continuing on your path to success.
I loved this! I don’t know how you’re going to school with a baby. It’s hard enough to just do school! That’s so awesome that you’re doing that. I’m honestly so impressed! And it sounds like you’re figuring out what works best the longer you do it. I’m sure it’s frustrating at times, but it’ll be worth it! You’re so inspiring!
Thank you so much! It is hard, but I am glad that I am doing both, it keeps me busy!