I’ve taken a long leave of absence from my blog, my first baby, to spend time with my new baby, my son. Despite endless “warnings,” advice and input from veteran parents, I had no idea how intense and all consuming a baby would be. I had this romantic image of parenting in my mind that was challenged at every turn as soon as I gave birth. Wait, no, as soon as I got pregnant and definitely when I went into labor. I thought I’d give birth, go hiking a few days later and fit into my jeans within a month. I thought my life would resume as it had been before except I’d be a hip mama toting a cute baby in a sling.

No.

That was not and is not my story. Becoming a mother changed me at the core and everything else around it. I’ll be exploring this in-depth in many blog posts to come.

I’m simply announcing my return.

But, only kinda’ because I am not my former self. After dealing with a huge shift in identity that is ongoing, I am announcing the return of  the Feminist Fatale in a new shape and form. What will unfold and the frequency of that unfolding is unknown. But I am determined to reclaim my independent voice even though I am forever changed by the sweet little man that rocked my world almost one year ago.

It feels good to be here.