Marriage
One of the first things I did was confirm my plans to return to work after maternity leave. Before becoming a mother, my career had been an important part of my identity. Somewhere along the way, I had started thinking that putting my own plans aside was simply what I was supposed to do. But becoming a parent did not mean I had to stop being myself. Returning to work would give me confidence, structure, and another part of life that belonged to me.
I also reviewed our financial documents and the agreement we had signed before marriage. I contacted a family-law professional so I could understand my options and make informed decisions rather than reacting emotionally. The conversation reminded me that preparation was not the same as deciding to end a marriage. It simply meant understanding my circumstances clearly. I also wanted to make sure that every decision involving Sophie would remain focused on her well-being.