What’s the hardest part about juggling parenthood and your career?
Learning to be forgiving of ourselves. With a new baby, a pandemic and remote work, the first year of Wiley’s life was nothing like my wife and I imagined. Even in the best of times, being a new parent can be a challenge. Taking care of our home and our family while quarantining has meant
little or no time with our extended family. Instead, it’s been the two of us trying to work, keep up on chores and raise our son. Things do not always turn out the way we want, and it can be overwhelming at times.
What makes trying to balance both easier?
My colleagues at the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore have been so supportive. I work with a great team that has kept projects like Mr. Trash Wheel moving forward even while my hands are full with bottles and diapers. I feel very lucky to work for a Baltimore nonprofit that is so supportive of its employees.
What do you love about being a parent?
Sarah and I waited until later in life to have our child, and I was not sure what to expect. It turns out that all the clichés are true. The love I feel when I look into my son’s eyes is incredible. The pandemic has given me the chance to be there to witness every little victory as he learns to climb, walk and dance. I will forever be grateful for that. Sometimes I wonder why we waited so long.
What’s your biggest parenting fail?
We fed him spicy Thai food. He loved it and things were going great. But, of course, he ate with his hands and then he rubbed his eyes. Nobody was having a good time after that.
How has your family been handling the pandemic?
When the pandemic first hit, daycare shut down, but my wife still had to go into the office every day. That meant I had to take on all child care duties. Now, 10 months in, my wife has lost her job, and I’m working remotely. We’ve been paying for daycare to hold our spot but trying not to use it while the virus is surging. We are still making it up as we go.
What’s the one thing you hope your child learns from you and your career?
To follow his passions and do something that he loves. I was not satisfied with my career in my 20s and it wasn’t until my 30s that I figured out how to fix it. Following my passion for water and the environment was key.
FAMILY FAVORITES
Meal: Mild Thai food
Dessert: Chocolate cake
Book to read together: “This Is Baby” by Jimmy Fallon
Way to spend a weekend with your son: Hiking
Vacation spot: Traverse City, Michigan
