Today marks 13 months since my last social media post…at least any posts that are actually about my life.
My last post was the announcement that we were expecting our son, Jacob Paul, who arrived in September.
I have been on a bit of a long sabbatical from social media. In 2018, even before my last post, I was really struggling with the overwhelming feeling that everything I was doing–social media, journaling, writing, development–was all work. And rightfully, some of it should have been.
I needed to take break to get away from my monetization mentality. I was trying to figure out how to make a buck on everything I was doing.
I wanted to get to a place where I could do things for the joy of it again.
And I am getting there. The past 13 months had a lot of challenges to them. Like many people, there are a lot of things on hold right now. But I’m taking a hard look at my life and trying to figure out how to do some of these things on a small scale again.
Here is the highlight reel of the last 13 months:
Pic 1: In 2019 I got to do some awesome traveling, both with work (Bahamas), my family (Destin Florida), and just me and Paul (New Orelans Louisiana–which I don’t have a picture of). I am laughing like a total nerd in the photo with my family, but I love it.
Pic 2: Paul and I were so blown away and blessed by everyone who came out to love on our growing family and help us get ready for Jacob’s arrival. We had an open house style shower which I totally recommend.
Pic 3: He arrived! Paul and I are now parents and I couldn’t ask for a better man to be on this journey with. He is so great not only with Jacob, but with helping me manage the crazy as I learn to be a mom. I am so thankful I get to do all my adventures with him.
Pic 4: Hospitals!! Lucky for me this all happened before the COVID outbreak. In November, I had pancreatitis and an inflamed liver because of Gallstones. I had my gallbladder removed during a three day stay at the hospital. In December, a routine follow up procedure triggered a case of pancreatitis. This was the most painful thing I have ever experienced. It beat out child labor hands down. I was in the hospital for 6 days and was released on Christmas Eve. Since it was flu season, Jacob wasn’t allowed to come up to my room either during either hospital syay. So once I was able to walk around, my parents brought him to the hospital and we hung out downstairs for a little bit. So glad I had a nurse who helped me escape!
Pic 5: I went back to work at @automattic in November. I have to say I work for the best company. It’s so great to be able to work from anywhere and be close by if my family needs me. Of course, I couldn’t do it without the love and endurance of Jacob’s Teta and Oma. He keeps those ladies busy for sure!
Pic 6: This has been our most recent adventure. In March 2020, we put on offer on a home and are working through escrow. It has been a long purchase process because of everything going on in the world. However, we’re in the home stretch (hehe – that’s punny). We are less than 1 month away from getting the keys and 5 weeks away from being able to move in–just in time for Father’s Day. As you can imagine, Paul and I have been doing a lot of daydreaming and browsing for our new place.
PS: The Beastie, our 36′ Fifth Wheel which has been our home for the last four years is for sale!
Those are the big things. You are all caught up. Thanks for sticking with me!
Jess Boctor 
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