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5 things you didn’t know about me ;). Here they are.
1) I bite my nails and cuticles. I know it’s a terrible habit. I’ve done it since I could remember. I think it’s brought on by stress and I go through times when I stop completely and my nails get really long but it’s only a matter of time before I rip them all down. Ugh. I do a lot better when they are painted so I try to paint them often. Loving this color.
2) I have endometriosis. I found out when we were going through infertility treatment before I got pregnant with Jack. I’ve never talked about that part of my life here and have thought about writing more about it but it’s a pretty personal subject and am not sure how to even start it. Maybe someday I will have the words.
3) I have “mom guilt” about Jack going to daycare, pretty much everyday. I know he goes to an awesome, trustworthy place but the guilt is still there. Lingering in the back of my soul. I could try to justify being a working mom but the fact is that it makes me sad to leave him.
4) I have to wear a night guard. My dentist confirmed that I grind my teeth at night and pretty much scared me into getting one. It was a pricy little thing. Oh and very attractive. Ha Actually D says he doesn’t even notice it – it’s clear and pretty small so I’ll do whatever I can to protect my smile!
5) For the past year I’ve struggled with where to take my freelance design. Remember this post? I have come to the realization I can’t do (and don’t want to do!) everything. I’ve also took some time to process what I actually WANT to do which sometimes gets confused when I get requests for things I thought I had tossed out.
Anyway all that to say, I’ve decided I’m going to be focusing on branding. That’s where my heart and passion is. While I love designing wedding stationary and photography, I don’t get as excited as I do when I help a client achieve their goals. I am not completely saying goodbye to wedding stationary though. I have a separate plan to eventually open a store to hold my designs. I would love it if it also had art prints too. That is a 5-10 year plan though ;). Photography is always something that will be a part of my life. I love taking photos of Jack, our life, our house, etc. But I won’t be doing any professional photography anymore. It’s one of those things you do on nights and weekends and takes away family time so I feel like it’s the right decision. I’d been thinking about it for a long time and when I moved to Minnesota I cut way back. It was just really hard to make a definitive decision. (and scary to say out loud!) I’m sure there will be exceptions for very special people 🙂 but I’m happy to finally have some clarity. Eventually I want this website to reflect those decisions.
There’s 5 for ya. Some of those were hard for me to write. Blogging is scary sometimes.
I’m happy for you Kelly! Decisions like that can be scary to make but it’s also liberating when you can feel in your heart that it’s going to be the right one. All the best of luck!!!
Thank you Hope! That is encouraging for you to say!
This is my first time commenting but I really do hope you open up about infertility. As someone who struggled to conceive (I have a 3 yr old thanks to modern medicine!) I like reading about other women’s infertility journey, it makes me feel less alone. Unfortunately, we’re having the same struggle with baby #2 but I have faith that it’ll happen someday 🙂
Sally – thank you so much for sharing. That would be the reason for sharing my story. I also enjoy reading others’ stories so it makes sense to share mine. Love your outlook. Thank you for the encouragement!
Hi Kelly,
I wanted to say, you go girl! For sharing about your endometesoisis or endo as I call it. I found out I have endo a month after we got married and that was a difficult time to go through. I had a surgery two months into our marriage to remove it just to relieve the pain it caused me. Then two years later, it came back; so we decided to go ahead and try to get pregnant. I got 2nd surgery to remove the cysts then 3 months later I got pregnant with our son 🙂 he is now nearly 3 years old. We have been trying for another baby for 2 years now. Every day I thank God that He blessed us with our son because I’m pretty sure we won’t be able to have another child. Your Jack is so adorable and I love all of your blogs! I’m glad God blessed you with your son 🙂
Sarah – Thank you for sharing your story! It is nice to hear from another who has endo and also gone through obstacles to conceive. Our stories sound similar and I love your perspective – focusing on the blessings is what’s important! I’ll be thinking about you!
It’s my first post, so it’s not easy to comment your decision… But, I wish you the best, to you and your beautiful family. Your photos are so nice. And open a store to hold your designs is also good idea. God bless you.
Kelly, I also have been struggling with fertility issues. Not endro but ovulation issues. It is a tough road but it helps to know what others have been in the same boat. I would love to hear your story if you decide you feel comfortable sharing it. It is so personal and such a sensitive subject. God Bless xo
Kelly, thank you so much for sharing! I know it must have been tough to talk about infertility, and while I don’t have the same issue as you, I did have some health problems this year that could result with issues having a baby in the future. I have never written about it on my blog because, like you, it feels so personal. I wouldn’t know where to begin.
Thanks for sharing a bit more about where your design business is going too. I think it’s great that you’re going to go ahead with your true passions. I’m sure it’s hard to let go of other aspects of your job, but like you said, that doesn’t mean you will stop completely.
Anyway, great post:)
Every time I read more about you I feel more identified with your life, we are both designers and have small babies and work, many do, but I feel an affinity with you kelly very nice.
Thanks for sharing your moments of life with us, I like to read you and learn from you.