Never in a Million Years…

Never in a million years did I think I’d be a stay-at-home anything—lol. Honestly, this wasn’t the plan, especially in the economy we’re living in today. (I’ll talk more about that later.)

So where was I? Oh yeah—never thought I’d be a stay-at-home mom.

Just to catch you up: I had Mateo in August and came back from maternity leave on November 7. I worked through November, December, and January. Then, toward the end of January, I was let go due to budget cuts and my department not doing well.

Of course, I cried. I had just had a baby, and my first thought was about how this would affect my family. I was freaking out. But thank God I have a wonderful spouse who, at the time, was juggling two jobs. That soon transitioned into one full-time job—which turned out to be a blessing sooner than we thought.

When One Door Closes…

Normally when people lose their jobs, they start job hunting immediately. But in my case, I was fortunate. My spouse was able to support us financially, and I had some savings and benefits from the layoff. That made me stop and think:

Should I go back to a 9-to-5, or should I take this time to pursue what I really want to do?

Even before the layoff, I had already created my blog, so I was already mentally leaning toward becoming a blogger and entrepreneur. My original plan was to keep working until my blog took off—then dedicate all my time and energy to it. But life didn’t unfold that way.

I prayed and asked God if this was my time to focus on myself, reevaluate where I was headed, and figure out the next path. That clarity itself was a blessing. Most people don’t get a pause button like that.

Three Months In: Falling Into a New Rhythm

I’m now three months into this stay-at-home mom journey—and I think I’m finally getting the hang of it.

To be honest, I’m starting to fall in love with this lifestyle. So much so that I don’t want to go back to work unless I truly have to.

BUT let me keep it real—it’s not easy. Being a stay-at-home mom is its own full-time job. I don’t have unlimited time or energy, and I certainly don’t just lounge around all day.

And yeah, sometimes when I’m having a long day, I think about going back to work. But then I remind myself of what a blessing this time is. In just a few months, I’ve learned a lot—about balancing my marriage, motherhood, content creation, housework, and everything in between.

You’d think staying home means you get everything done, but nope! Especially with an unpredictable 8-month-old who naps when he feels like it. 😅

I’ve had to build a routine for my own mental health and Matteo’s. Now that I’ve officially transitioned from a “temporary” stay-at-home mom to a full-time one (😂), here are a few ways I stay grounded and productive on slower days:

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How I Stay Busy as a Stay-at-Home Mom

1. Get Out of the House—Every. Single. Day.

This is probably the most important thing I do. I noticed that when I stayed in for days at a time, I started feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and like I wasn’t doing enough. Getting outside—even for a short trip—helps me reset.

You don’t need to spend money either. Here are some of my go-to free or low-cost options:

• Go to the park.
• Grocery shopping or curbside pickup.
• Hang out in the backyard with some music and lawn chairs.
• Meet a friend or family member for lunch (budget permitting).
• Visit the local library.

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2. Know When It’s Family Time vs. Social Media Time

We all know how easy it is to get caught up scrolling—and suddenly two hours are gone. It’s okay to scroll and unwind, but I try not to let it take over my day.

Sometimes, I just want to be present with Mateo. No phone. No YouTube filming. Just me and my baby soaking up the moment.

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3. Clean the House (aka: Constant Reset Mode)

No lie, it feels like I clean every day. I sweep and mop the kitchen almost daily. I do laundry constantly (because babies = endless laundry), and I always try to keep the living room and kitchen tidy.

I also like to have a hot meal ready when my husband comes home—not because he expects it, but because I’m so grateful for how hard he works. It’s my way of showing love and appreciation.

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4. Engage Matteo with Daily Learning and Play

Every day I make sure Matteo is learning something new—whether it’s a word, a song, or just playing with textures and toys.

When I need to get things done (like dishes or taking care of the dog), I keep him close and engaged with:

• His jumper
• His walker
• Balls and toys in the playpen
• His favorite shows (Cocomelon, Miss Rachel, Tabitha Brown)

Watching him grow, learn, and interact is one of my favorite parts of this season.

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Final Thoughts

This chapter of life wasn’t part of the original plan, but it’s turning into one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had. I’ve been given time—not just to care for Matteo, but to rediscover myself, reconnect with my goals, and redefine what success looks like for me.

It’s not always easy. Some days are hard and messy. But every day I’m learning more about balance, grace, and purpose.

If you’re navigating your own unexpected life shift, just know this:
It’s okay to pivot. It’s okay to pause. And it’s okay to dream again.

You’ve got this. 💛

~God Bless~