As some of you may be aware, I’m getting ready for the greatest product launch of my life. A baby. I’m having a baby.
While I’d love nothing more than to take 3months off and not think about work, as a business owner that just ain’t gonna happen. I haven’t spent 3+ years building Copywrite Matters up only to let it languish!
So, being the terribly organised person I am, I’m preparing early. There will be checklists, I can guarantee that. I’m actually using this as a catalyst to systemise my business, cementing my business processes and, in some cases, developing them to begin with.
A business continuity exercise if you will!
Planning ahead
Because I’ve got a bit of notice on the launch, I mean birth, I’ve been able to start preparing early.
I started thinking about what I don’t want for the few weeks after the birth. I don’t want to be worried about meeting deadlines. I don’t want to let clients down.
For me, relief from stress comes from preparation. While I’m hoping that I’ll actually have the interest and the brain power to be productive, I don’t want to make that assumption.
So, I’ve been working out how my business processes can mitigate the need for me to be thinking about Copywrite Matters all the time.
Documenting my processes
The first step has been to create a Project Checklist covering every step from a first enquiry to the final invoice and beyond. This has two big benefits:
- No steps are missed. Ever.
- Someone else could, in theory, pick this process up later on.
For now, it means that I can always see what has been done, and what the next step is, without having to really think about it.
Preparing for unexpected schedule changes
When it does all kick off, the last thing I want to being worrying about is my email ‘out of office’. So I’m also going to create a Holy shit, I’m going into Labour Checklist.
I told you there’d be checklists.
I haven’t created it yet but I’m thinking it will be something I can get my awesome VA to action if the party gets started early. It will include things like:
- Set ‘out of office’ on all emails
- Check new enquiry submissions regularly and reply with autoresponder message, including references to other kick-ass copywriters they should contact
- Let anyone affected by my absence know what is happening
- Include dates and when everything will be back to normal
Or something like that anyway. The point is to make sure that people trying to connect with Copywrite Matters understand that I’m unavailable, not that I’m just crap at responding to calls and emails.
Outsourcing, like a mofo
At the moment I do all the client liaison and a lot of the copywriting for Copywrite Matters. I plan on continuing that once I’m back to ‘business as usual’ but that’s not going to be viable if I also want to take some time off.
Since the middle of last year, I’ve been building up a little team of really great copywriters I can outsource work to. Copywriters who share my attention to detail, my passion and ability to inject personality into all copywriting. They also share my belief in the importance of producing quality – every time.
I’ve been road-testing my operational processes from taking the copywriting brief (as I always do that) right through to final revisions and invoicing, working out what I have to do and what others can realistically do. Right now, it’s a pretty well-oiled process that is going to make life easy later on.
So when the littlest copywriter comes along, I won’t have to completely shut down Copywrite Matters or put lots of pressure on myself to unscramble my brain.
Just like the Project Checklist, investing time in systemising and documenting my processes is an investment in my business growth, and that’s gotta be a good thing.
Aside from copywriters, I’ve already developed strong working relationships with my Super VA, my bookkeeper and my awesome web dude. The point being that I know I don’t have to do everything and I don’t try to.
I’m sharing the load and it feels great.
Communicating. No radio silence.
I know there are businesswomen out there who have brought new life into this world and the people in their business network have been none the wiser. That kind of determination, organisation and energy is amazing and I salute it, but I’m not sure that’s what I want to do. I think I might just create a pressure cooker for myself.
If the ball is being dropped, I’d prefer people to know why so they can go AWWWW and smile. And send me cake. Hopefully there will be no ball-dropping, though (See Planning Ahead!)
So….
I’m writing this post so you all know.
I’m going to be contacting my team well in advance to let them know how much time I will actually be taking off (not long) and how I see the process working around that time.
I’m going to contact all current and regular clients for projects happening in the month prior to my due date explaining what might, or might not, affect them. I hear babies can be a little unpredictable when it comes to deciding when they want out, and I want to have all my bases covered.
Even though being responsible for a little person is a mystery to me, I can set realistic expectations for the people connected to Copywrite Matters.
Remember to be kind to myself
The reason I’m doing all the prep work is twofold.
I know that all this prep work will help the next stage of my business growth to be a lot smoother.Â
It’s also so that, when the time comes, I can rest and enjoy the time knowing that Copywrite Matters is resilient.
I’ve also made a(nother) Sanity Checklist of personal reminders such as:
1. Ignore housework
2. Nap when possible (see point 1)
3. Enjoy the moment (see point 1)
4. Make time for myself, and my partner (see point 1)
5. Breathe and go with the flow; the world won’t end if an email isn’t sent
6. Ask for help
Ask for advice
This is where you come in. Mums and Dads – can you offer any tips on how I can prepare my business? I would love to hear them. Or maybe you can add to my Sanity Checklist?
Belinda
55 Responses
A fabulous post Belinda and all the very best with the rest of your pregnancy and the preparation of a little time away from your business to enjoy motherhood.
Thanks Kirsty. You know you’re a key part of my strategy don’t you?!
It won’t be much time away, which is why I want to make it really count.
Congratulations Belinda, motherhood is the single most
important job you will ever do! While your business was your baby, up until now, it’s admirable that you’re getting organised early to ensure you can handle both.
I have two boys, 4 and 8 so I remember well the early days,
the sleepless nights as well as the joys little babies bring to your life. I found reading about what to expect throughout pregnancy really useful, so when you grab a moment get one of the popular books like ‘Up the duff’ or ‘What to expect when you’re expecting’ or even sign up to online updates.
When the baby comes though, it’s a ‘feel your way through it’
kind of exercise. If you are blessed with a great sleeper, and not many are, then you will be able to get a whole lot done when they are sleeping. If not, then you’ll need to cut yourself some slack, and probably more than what you have above. I remember the first 3 months being hard work; my brain just didn’t function because of lack of sleep. My first baby woke up twice a night and slept through until 4am from about 6 weeks, but my second baby was a far greater challenge. He continued waking up 2-3 times per night until he was 6 months old. Even simple things and events used to tip me off. When I look back now, I was a real zombie. By the time we hit the 6 month mark, I was well and truly over the night time feeds and chronic fatigue set in. We stopped night time feeds at that point and I welcomed the newly found energy!
From there things got easier, but working around toddlers can be a real challenge. It’s a very frustrating exercise to try and get some
work done and concentrate when you know there is a little person waiting for you or needs your attention.
So, if you are planning to get into work early on, look at babysitting options, day-care or any other arrangement that works for you and your partner. That way the time you spend with your baby/toddler can be a truly dedicated and precious time and the time you spend on work will be a lot more rewarding. This also minimises the guilt most mothers feel. If you don’t have the guilt yet… you will soon 🙂
Good luck
Billie
Thanks Billie!
I’m hoping that the more planning and prep I do now, the more scope I’ll have to feel my way through it without feeling stressed about business stuff. Cutting myself some slack is something I’m very aware of and I’ll be very careful to (try and) do.
If I can put my order in now for a great little sleeper, that would be great 😉
Thanks again for commenting and sharing your tips.
As you know, Belinda, my little boy entered the world six weeks ago. Five weeks early, I hadn’t quite put all the finishing touches and processes in place regarding the business and baby juggle. The night he was born, I was in hospital emailing clients and more – so being extra prepared certainly has its benefits.
The thing that’s surprised me is how easily I’ve been able to maintain my businesses – granted, I have a pretty settled baby, but he’s still demanding, needs attention, feeding, bathing, stimulation, walks, as well as appointments to get to. I truly believe if you’re organised, you’ll cope – and in most cases, cope more than fine. My household runs like a business – systems in place and calendars in full swing – and to me that has made all the difference. When you’re organised, you can do anything.
What has surprised me most, however, is how much more determined I am to keep doing the things I love and be even better at them now that I have a baby. Many people told me they went into a baby bubble after giving birth, they cocooned themselves inside, never left the house, and lost all will to do anything but fold tiny jumpsuits. I thought I would be exactly like that but I’m not. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been folding tiny jumpsuits with love, and reading stories with Oscar snuggled in my arms, and going for walks, and taking him out, and loving every little piece of him…but there’s still been time to pursue the things I love and I have wanted to do them. Losing myself in emails or planning or writing or whatever it may be – during sleep times, or at night – is something I love. It relaxes me, it inspires me and it gives me energy. Even in hospital, my laptop was by my bedside the entire time and during “rest time” I was on it non-stop. The midwives didn’t really get it, and how can you explain to someone that you love what you do so much it doesn’t feel like work?
I think you’re being incredibly smart and organised about it and I’ve no doubt you will flourish in both roles when the time comes. Just remember that life may change after a baby, but in my case it’s only been for the better. I don’t feel I’m missing out on anything, I feel I’ve gained so much; remind yourself there is always enough time. Enough time to take a break, enough time to do it all, how you like it…
You know you’re my inspiration Sandi! I’ve already put in an order for a baby just like little-O.
It’s been so great to chat to other mums and mums-to-be about how they keep their business running smoothly and stay enthusiastic (and sane).
I really love your mindset and it’s one I’m adopting. I’m already very organised so that is part is easy. It’s being kind to myself that I think I might find tricky. But I’ll figure it out.
Approaching the work that needs to be done with a positive mindset will hopefully make all the difference.
Can you feel the ZEN?!
The more you can prepare the better I think – it means you can have a longer break after the birth and that is seriously worth it. For you and bubs.
I did whatever I could ahead of time – for example, I wrote newsletter articles and blogs posts in advance (for myself and clients), started regular projetcs early and even wrote the email for my husband to send out (if ony he had remembered to edit boy/girl into girl…).
I also kept a running list of projects (eg annual report draft 4 is with this designer) so my husband could see where things were at if I suddenly disappeared and clients wanted docuemtns or suppliers wanted direction. My clients and suppleirs were aware of what was happening, too, and were prepared to work directly as requried – cc’ing me in so I could quickly catch up when I returned.
Good systems will also help when bubs gets a bit older and you find it harder to sit and work uninterupted for hours at a time 🙂
Thanks for sharing your prep Tash! I’m getting my VA to help out with many of the things your hubbie did. I think as long as you have someone who can be an extra brain, it eases the pressure a bit.
I’m planning on halting new work as of the end of July so in the weeks leading up to D-day I’m just finalising work. That’s the plan anyway.
I’m trying to remind myself that while I don’t want my business to suffer, it IS ok to slow down for a few weeks. Copywrite Matters will survive and more importantly, the world will keep on turning.
Thanks for commenting!
Fabulous post, and just what I needed to read as I enter the third trimester! Still worried about how I’m going to balance being a mum for the second time with maintaining my business and blogging, but the key is preparation as you say – which I haven’t done much of yet, whoops. You have really motivated me to start planning Belinda – thank you!
Thank You Michelle! You have the benefit of knowing what’s coming so you’ve done a little more prep than you give yourself credit for.
As it’s all a bit unknown for me, I’ll trying to control the things I can to give myself the time and energy to freak out when it all kicks off 😉 Not that I will. I intend to be an island of calm. HAHAHA.
Such an exciting time Belinda! Just be prepared for anything to happen. Having that state of mind will see you better equipped than any list 🙂 I like your ignoring housework and napping stealth plan. Be kind to yourself, trust your instincts and find a friend who is happy to talk to you at 2am in the morning about anything at all! Exciting times x
Thanks Jasmin. As I enter the third trimester it really is starting to get exciting. I actually feel pretty calm in that I know it will be unexpected and that I can’t control everything – and that’s ok. Things will come up and I’ll deal with them.
I’ve got a great support base and for that, I’m grateful.
As for my 2am friend, my bestie lives in the UK so that will work out perfectly!
Thanks for commenting.
Hi Belinda – Another thoroughly enjoyable post but, this time, with a charming life-changing baby twist! Best of luck with the new baby. As for tips… I’m a great one for routines, systems and procedures in all areas of my life. I’d be lost without them!
Thanks Lindsay! It’s great to hear from a fellow process-nerd 😉
Great post, just remember time goes incredibly fast when they are little, thou at the time it may not seem so.
Enjoy every second of it as they grow before your eyes, you will never have that time with your bundle again.
Out source what you can as clients will come and go and be there. Babies however grow! I know I am repeating myself but my big girl is 16 my little one is nearly 17 weeks!
Planning ahead is key and asking for help with baby too. Remember you cannot break he/she.
Enjoy the gift that motherhood is and your new addition to your beautiful family x
Thanks Lorna!
This is worth the investment. Definitely helps with sleeping.
http://ergopouch.com.au/portfolio-view/baby-swaddles-wraps/
Thanks Lorna. I’ve picked up a few of similar things, different brand. Good to know they are recommended!
Congrats! And you sound like you are very well planned. I somewhat
optimistically did things the other way round, baby, then business but that’s just life… my two cents on that here – http://www.freezecheese.com/writing-and-babies/.
My main advice is just go with the flow. You may have a newborn who sleeps round the clock for the first month (I did) and you’re twiddling your thumbs, or you may be shell-shocked by day 3. Have a horde of blog posts lined up, just for show, just in case. It can be impossible to think and write with little sleep and a baby. Good luck, it’s a wonderful journey :)?
Ps. One other thing… If working is the last thing you feel like doing post-baby, don’t stress. There’s a zillion hormones and other factors turning your world upside down, you may not even recognise yourself. This is completely normal. Take some time out, talk about it, don’t worry about it and don’t compare yourself to anyone. Motherhood is a very personal thing and there’s no right or wrong way to do it. All the best.
Thanks Liliani, that’s some great advice. I’m assuming I won’t want to write so I’m starting to bank those blogs posts now! think I’ll have a constant mantra to go easy on myself. I’m absolutely planning on winging it!
Thanks again for your fantastic reminders to make sure it’s right for me.
Big congrats Bill! The really important thing to remember is that babies are unpredictable (as is how you will handle being responsible for a whole other person). As a fellow control freak, I am here to tell you that being a parent will test every checklist you have ever made. So don’t be upset/surprised/disappointed if the best laid plans fall in a big heap. After my first child came along, I could barely remember my own name for the first 3-4 months, so there was no way I could have gone back to work. Then I got bored and was ready (I went back to work when he was about seven months old – my husband then took a couple of months off). While Copywrite Matters is an important job, it doesn’t even come close to the importance of the new path you are about to take. And when people come to see the new baby (and they will) give them jobs to do! (hanging out the washing, breakfast dishes, making the bed, holding the baby while you shower etc). They honestly won’t mind. If you don’t take care of yourself, there is no way you can take care of someone else. (I’m full of platitudes today!). Good luck!
Thanks Nicole! Rest assured, my checklists only take me up to labour. After all, I’m free styling, which is why I’m trying to do all this prep now so I’m not worrying about the business as well as figuring out what the hell I’m doing!
I plan on taking a few weeks off completely, but then I’ll be starting to get back into it. I’m also possibly moving during that time so being organised will be critical!
Great tips though – thanks for sharing them. Any visitors will be put to work!
I’m sure you will be brilliant! I was really surprised how dead my brain was after childbirth and caring for an infant. I don’t think it’s ever fully recovered.:)
Congratulations on both the baby news and your organisation. Sounds like you have it all in hand, especially the “ignore the housework” point. Too many new mums put unrealistic expectations on themselves and think that they can do it all. Good luck with your preparations!
Thanks Dorothy! Ignoring the housework will probably be one of my biggest challenges, as silly as that sounds.
I hate housework but I find mess hard to ignore. That said, I’ll be reminding myself to get over it or hire a cleaner so I can do more important things, like sleep or cuddle my little ginger nut.
Thanks again for commenting and your congrats.
Hey Belinda.
I’m in agreement that children can ruin the best laid plans – but then after one month of having my first child I realised that having something to do when they’re napping or feeding in the middle of the night was a GOD SEND and I happily asked my employer at the time to send me work. Once I started working for myself after the second, I found this was no different. Babies are cute and unpredictable, but they can also be very boring (yes I said that). They don’t talk. They don’t play. That’s one of the reasons why new mothers internet usage soars through the roof. You’ll find time to focus on Copywrite Matters if you love it and it’s great that you’ve already built your network so you can take on tasks at your own pace. Working for yourself already provides so much flexibility and control – clients don’t know whether it was written at 9am or at 3am – as long as it’s good!
I would recommend factoring for slightly longer deadlines on anything you decide to write because of the effects of sleep deprivation. In the later stages of pregnancy and the first year or so of having a child. Some days it can be pretty hard to concentrate, spell or recall your vocabulary. Important for a copywriter!
Hey Karen – thanks for commenting. And great tips.
I’m planning on avoiding any serious writing – apart from emails and social media updates – for at least a month and will leave all the heavy-brain work to my excellent team. Then all I have to focus on is project management and quality control as it goes out.
That said, pushing for longer deadlines is a GREAT tip. I might also keep a thesaurus nearby 😉 Thanks again!
Gosh – a heartfelt subject with all these replies. It’s all been said by everyone, but one phrase in your great blog did stand out rather ominously, Belinda – ‘when things get back to normal’!!
I’m here to say that things will never get back to normal – not at least the way they were! 🙂 As everyone including you has said, you do just have to go with the flow. And once you’ve got a kid, you never, ever! stop being a parent – worrying about them, giving (mostly) asked-for advice etc. Even your 20 somethings – particularly girls I find!
Will add one bit of advice to your Sanity List – luxuriate in your pre-baby state! Go to as many movies and dinners as you can now! Can you take a mini break before the birth/have one planned? And be prepared, I hate to say, for a shift in your relationship with your partner – and not always for the good in those ratty, emotional topsy turvy early days.
Anyway, what I’m trying to say is – expect the worst and then it’ll be wonderful, which it is in an extraordinarily crazy way! Good luck!
Great replies and great tips!
You make an excellent point though Charlotte – normal will obviously be getting a big face lift/transplant! I guess I meant “settles down” more than anything.
I also like your tip about luxuriating in the freedom of the remaining months. Take nothing for granted for soon… it will be different. very very different!
Thanks for commenting.
ps Re the partner/relationship bit – ‘challenges’ rather than ‘changes’ is probably a better choice. i.e. you don’t feel like even pretending to be a sex goddess when your tits are leaking milk! 🙂
BAHAHA. Thanks for making me spit my tea out Charlotte!
You’re welcome!
I started my copywriting business when I was 5 months pregnant (good timing right?) I had to give up my big fat well paid job as General Manager of an ad agency and find something to do PDQ.
I squeezed out mini Toon and was back typing 6 weeks after he arrived, with one hand, as I breast fed, sleep deprived and a bit mental. Ah good times (not!)
I wish I’d been as organised as you. WELL DONE.
I agree re pre baby state, a baby moon perhaps? But yes do nice you things for you like getting your toes done and eating cake.
When the mini FHL appears be prepared to forget everything you’ve written here and find it difficult to form a sentence. My son is three now and I’m only just recovering.
My main tip. Have a box of baby wipes in every room, you can do anything with a baby wipe. I’ve often cleaned myself, the baby, the dog and the house with baby wipes before an impromptu guest visit.
Great tips Kate. Baby wipes in every nook. CHECK!
Thanks for sharing. You’re definitely going to be on the list of awesome copywriters I recommend to enquiries while I’m off in baby-land.
Congratulations Belinda. Being a soloist from home I believe is the ideal way to bring a child into the world – we offer our kids inspiration, connection, we are there and yet we are great role models and so much more (when we get it right). I started my business in 1997 and my daughter was born in 2003 and her life and mine have both been so enriched by great systems, interesting business and this wonderful life working at home for oneself. I think its the best combination ever. My partner of almost 4 years also works from home too and we have all now combined our household to make it even more crazy and wonderful.
Enjoy!
Trudy Brunton
Thanks for stopping in and sharing Trudy! I feel confident all the hard work of setting up Copywrite Matters will definitely pay dividends in the short And long term.
Thanks again.
You’ll be fine. And hormones are wonderful.
Hi Belinda, Congratulations! I have 4 children, and my rule is that there has to be a few weekly activities for the kids that are not to be interrupted for work. For example, with a small baby, playgroup or mother’s group once a week. You have a much easier conscience attending to work, if you know you’ve already attended to your child’s social needs!
Great tip Kirsten – thank you!
I work closely with a businessownermum and she takes one day a week, just for her kids. No emails. No phone calls. I’m thinking of stealing that one a bit further down the track as well!
Aww! Great Post as usual Belinda . . . and well what fabulous news indeed. It was my 1st Baby that got me started on my Business so that I could still ‘do what I love’ and be around my baby. I think living in the online world we live in today gives women so many more opportunities to run your own business. In 1995 when I had my 1st baby the internet had only just begun!
Well that baby turned eighteen this year, has started her 1st year of Uni and just taken off on her 1st solo trip to Europe. You’ve heard it all before I’m sure but the time does whiz by. Enjoy every moment! I guess the biggest challenge is finding the balance between baby and business . . . but you seem well more prepared and organised than I was 🙂
Congratulations and Keep us posted!
Thanks Irma!
hi belinda – as a fellow copywriter, mother of two, lover of lists and former control freak, this is my advice (you must be wondering why you asked now, after 41 comments, which I haven’t read yet!)…
1. expect the unexpected – unless you are ‘booked in’ for the birth. both of mine were early, bless them. first was two weeks, the second was three weeks early. miss three (three weeks early) made herself known at 5pm on the ‘last day of work’, after a nice long lunch and a cheeky half glass of champagne, as i contemplated at least a week of more lunches, a massage, a haircut and a facial. waters broke in the office while i was writing a direct mail letter. as it was the second, i said ‘oh s…t’, finished the letter, then called my husband.
2. yes, enjoy the moment, even the crap ones. it will all pass in a blur even though at first each day seems long. i was looking at photos of miss three the other day and felt so wistful as i was so busy with the business when she was small, i feel i missed a lot. there was a lot of rocking her with my foot while i wrote at the kitchen table. it’s the small moments that matter. try and soak them in.
3. write about what’s happening with the littlest copywriter. grab a notepad and write it down. with my first i have documented not only first sighting of a tooth and first words, but first skinned knee, first splinter… with miss three, i was not so efficient.
4. assemble a trusted team to help with the business. i wanted to give everything a final read over before it went to a client, but there were times i just couldn’t. You need to know you can trust that person to represent your business like your own, especially dealing with clients. i was lucky, i had four subbies who were fantastic and made me feel safe.
4. hook in with Parent Wellbeing. Utterly superb book and supportive online community. they have a new course for new mums! http://www.parentwellbeing.com
5. take every single offer of help unless it is a person you have no patience for. this may be lacking due to sleep patterns and you don’t need any more angst at this time.
6. go with the flow. things will go wrong, things will go right, the road will weave and wind, there will be illness and laughter and tears and you will feel like a whole new human being. but if you adapt as you go along, it will all be OK. i had to completely let go of controlling things as babies don’t get that. it is hard to begin with, but if you accept this, it will be much easier to cope.
7. let me know if you’d like to add another copywriter to the team! 🙂
Anne
word and web
Hi Anne and thanks for such amazing advice!
I know I’ll be reading all these comments in the weeks following the birth, just to remind myself.
Number 1: Letting go of control. Letting go of some control. Ok, letting go of a little bit of control. hehe
Thanks again. I might just take you up on your offer as well!
well done belinda. repeat after me, let go of control (start with a little!) 🙂
oh and one more thing… have you organised childcare yet? 🙂
RE: child care. Unfortunately both our families live elsewhere so apart from my folks visiting for a few weeks, it looks like we’re on our own for a while!
But I do have lovely neighbours who have offered their help if we need it. A night out here and there might be the sanity checks we grow to rely on!
That was a great CYA for ball-dropping, not to mention a really well-written post.
I totally see what you’ve done with bolding above. Makes finding your points so easy. Very nice.
Thanks Greg!
I loved this post! I haven’t scrolled through the gazillion replies, but my suggestion would be to try and find a babysitter. Someone who can take your baby when you need a break is worth their weight in gold.
In theory I wholeheartedly support the ‘ignore the housework’ point, but in practice that has never really worked for me. I don’t actually do the housework, but the mounting mess becomes enormously stressful. So…time to get a cleaner as well??!
Good luck!
I hear on the housework. It sounds easy but ignoring mess isn’t really something I do well. I can live in the mess, it just bothers the HELL out of me. But I’m sure I’ll quickly redefine what “neat” means 😉
Thanks for commenting Mel! I’m sure I’ll be tapping you for more tips as I go along.
I just had to comment on this!
My wife and I had our first child this year and the fact that you compare it to a product launch literally had my wife and I in tears laughing (my poor wife has been through more of my product launches than she deserves).
I love the “outsource like a mofo” line too 🙂
Thanks Michael. Anally retentive about being organised? Just a bit! hehe
I appreciate your kind words. Cheers!
HAHA! If anything you are being super smart about it all.
Hi Bill, I’m going a little against the grain here and suggesting that if the mess is bothering you, just effing clean it up. I used to get really stressed from trying not to clean up, because I was supposed to be resting and letting the housework go, which defeated the purpose entirely. Sleeping in the day never worked for me either. So I gave up and did long walks with the pram instead.
Say yes to all offers of help when you have visitors, people are totally wonderful and newborns are very cute (in fact, yours will be the most beautiful baby ever born), get them to make the tea and put the wash on when they visit and then let them have a cuddle.
And finally, if you have a sleeper you’ll find you have quite a bit of time to work at first, but once they are a little older and spend more time awake, opportunities to work won’t happen as often.
Enjoy your new normal. It can be boring, and tedious, and frustrating, but it’s also the most mind blowingly wonderful thing ever. And I know all your planning will pay off and Copywrite Matters will continue to be the fabulous business you’ve worked so hard to create.
Bec x
Thanks Bec!
I think you might be right about the housework. Thankfully my folks are travelling from interstate to spend a few weeks with us and I suspect my wonderful mum is going to earn her keep helping out with all that kind of stuff!
Thanks again for commenting and sharing your wisdom!