Maternity leave is over: It's the Eye of the Tiger...

Well know i know what you are saying. Well Le Donna Has it all wrong. She and baby nugget are wearing leopard print. Hahaha You would be correct. But our Pandora station is playing Eye of the Tiger and now The Lion Sleeps tonight.
Both for me songs of motivation.

I know you are asking. Le Donna why do you and baby need motivation. Well it's because my maternity leave ends today sunday night. After almost 3 months of leave. A journey to baby nugget of almost a year. My life at 43 has profoundly been changed. I thank each and every single one of you who has been on this journey with me.

If you have looked at pictures, left a comment or just lurked. Thank you for adding to the tapestry of my journey now, our journey. You have helped me to navigate more than just this fashion journey. Time will be more precious as I return to work but I promise to read and when I can to comment.

Thank you Angie And my fellow fashion mavens for ER'THANG.

Now on to our what we wore.

Who does not like a great print? Oh my goodness. I was gonna go full on print for the both of us but my sister pulled me back from the fashion victim edge. Cause GRRRRR BABY!!!!!!.

While I sported a wideleg pinstripe pant and kente cloth heart shaped earings and denim loafers. Baby Zi'Joy wore denim leggings and a colorful hat and socks.

Our day was filled with adventure on this Sunday. My Auntie's took Zi'Joy & me out to brunch after church. I visited one of our Thrift group buddies Sassy Thrifters. I purchased this beautiful decorated water canister. Just the return gift I need to take on the work force. We also did our 1st trip to the supermarket

Well Zi'Joy was a perfect baby going out in the differnt environments. I'm so proud of her. She is fearless. I hope to nuture that and watch her grow into the fullness of the woman GOD has her to be.

As always all are welcome. There is a butt load of pictures to follow. Cause we love pictures.

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43 Comments

  • Penny replied 6 years ago

    Wishing you all the best with the return!  I have been back at work for about a month after spending six lovely months with my new daughter, and it's been terrific, although certainly has its share of challenges.  

    You both look fabulous in all the photos! :)

  • Sal replied 6 years ago

    All the best for Monday Ledonna. You both look brave and fun and smart :)

  • replied 6 years ago

    Aww, the leopard print outfits seem very appropriate, since your little cub is so lucky to have such a fierce, loving and protective mama!
    Your aunties are lovely!
    Best of luck tomorrow - there will probably be a lot of emotion - exhilaration, worry, the comfortableness of returning to a familiar environment. Be kind to yourself.

  • SandyG replied 6 years ago

    Love the leopard everywhere! Good luck tomorrow with the adult human stuff, I'll be thinking about you.

  • rachylou replied 6 years ago

    Best mother-daughter matching outfits ever. Happy first day back at work :)

  • Jane replied 6 years ago

    I'm with Rachylou! These are great matching outfits.

    Thinking of you as you return to work. As Ryce has said, may be quite a lot of emotions. Hold steady and keep on going.

    Fab, fab outfits!

  • Bijou replied 6 years ago

    You could not be more adorable, both of you. Thinking of you both today, you are one lady that can "hang in there and dig deep" (that is what my karate instructor says when the going gets tough).

  • Jenni NZ replied 6 years ago

    Hope you found a wonderful daycare in the end. You look so happy in these pics and you will miss her a lot. It's great I found to get extra adult interaction though when going back to work. Your hair and figure are looking amazing- pic 18 especially x

  • replied 6 years ago

    This is a perfect ensemble for both of you.  You have never looked better.  

    I want to second what Ryce said.  The emotions may seem overwhelming at times.  Be good to yourself.  Best of everything going forward.  

  • Summer replied 6 years ago

    Fabulous as always, Ledonna.  You are a brilliant mother, and little Zion'Joy is a treasure.  She's going to have a happy, fun-filled life with you as her mum.

    Good luck with your return to work.  Just pop in when you can.  Take care.

  • Style Fan replied 6 years ago

    Baby Zion'Joy and you are the cutest, fiercest mother daughter couple going.  I just love the leopard print outfits.  Good luck with returning to work.

  • Momo replied 6 years ago

    Roar!Good luck today ! I know how hard it is to leave the little ones xoxo

  • Chris987 replied 6 years ago

    Wow! Such awesome leopard prints on both of you. Especially love the hot pink belt/ribbon thingy on Zi'Joy. I really need some morel leopard print this fall!

    Best to you in returning to work and the next chapter of your journey!  

  • Suz replied 6 years ago

    KILLER looks -- WOW!! You two are amazing. I love love love leopard print gauzy thing on you and the little pink ribbon on Zi'Joy and her matching pattern mixed hat.  What a way to celebrate this special day. This child is going to be the most stylish in her class. 

    I know it is a tough time of transition to go back to work. Hoping all goes well for you. 

  • JuniperGreen replied 6 years ago

    I'm WILD for these looks :D
    Best wishes for your return to work - watching my friends go back to work I know it's full of ups and downs but you know your fellow Fabbers are thinking of you!

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    Thank you all Today, Monday was not as bad as I thought.  I was able to slip back in gingerly.  Although I'm sure it will speed up by the end of the day.  Turns out baby nugget does not miss me as much as I think.  It is harder on the mom going back to work.  We do what we must.  I spent most of the day just putting together my cubical.  I share an office with 2 men.  It's not bad they are very neat and organized.  They shouldered most of the workload today. 

    Thank you for the comments about our fits.  I just loved them.  Both were light and breezy for the summer heat.  

  • Joy replied 6 years ago

    So much gorgeous female power here. You and Zi'Joy make a happy stylish pair. Love your colorful cubical.

  • Angie replied 6 years ago

    OH MY WORD. The two of you in matching leopard print = Killer to the Power of Killer.

    It has been a joy to live your year long journey with you and Nugget, Ledonna. Thanks for sharing.

    Good luck transitioning back to work. We are here if and when you need us. Much love to you. xo

  • Aquamarine replied 6 years ago

    I'm glad today went well for you both. Love seeing you and your beautiful daughter no matter what you are both wearing.

  • Scarlet replied 6 years ago

    Good luck, Ledonna! My heart goes out to you because it's hard on a mom to separate from a wee baby nugget! I love your joyful tone and matching leopard print! What could be better for gearing up for a new phase!

  • Jaime replied 6 years ago

    Oh wow, you two are the ultimate dream team! Good luck going back to work, I am sure it will be very hard, but you are giving Zi'Joy everything all the time regardless.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 6 years ago

    You take mother-daughter outfits to a whole 'nother level, Ledonna! Your leopard outfits are gorgeous. Looks like Zion Joy is rocking out in her little basket in 26. And what a precious picture in 10. I feel for you, heading back to work now. It seems so soon. You will undoubtedly have a different perspective on work now!

  • Kate replied 6 years ago

    Matching leopard patterned outfits!! Awesome. You look gorgeous in your long breezy leopard topper, Ledonna, and I love the addition of the pink belt to Nugget's spotted dress. Thank you for sharing your journey into motherhood, and your precious little one with us all.

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    Thank you all so much.  I'm still in transition mode.  My sister whom is a teacher is off for the summer until mid August is watching Zi'Joy.  The 1st day back was just set up.  I will be strapping on my seat belt because this is going to go full throttle very soon. 

    I really like these fits out of all the mother daughter combinations.  I cannot wait to see what style Zi'Joy will have.  It is very interesting my sister sent me a picture of her yesterday when at work and I loved her little fit. 

    You all be well Included a snapshot of my full day.  Thank you all again.

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 6 years ago

    That was a quick make-over of your office! It looks great. You look terrific, Ledonna.

  • Amy Isabella replied 6 years ago

    LOVE LOVE LOVE your matchy matchy leopard print outfits. Lots of luck with your transition back to work Ledonna. Hopefully, knowing that your your precious little bundle is in the safe hands of your sister for the first few weeks will give you a bit more peace of mind while you adjust.

  • unfrumped replied 6 years ago

    Y'all are adorable! Transitions back to work ARE tough on mins. But sounds like lil' nugget is well - cared for so you can focus and then double-snuggle with her after work.

  • Barbara Diane replied 6 years ago

    Good luck with this next step of your journey. You two are styling!

  • tulle replied 6 years ago

    "Tapestry" is the perfect word for the richness conveyed by these photos, Ledonna.  So much life, so much beauty, so much joy. It's always hard to think of mothers and babies having to separate during the work day, but I'm guessing that some of the strong and lovely women in these pictures will be stepping in to help? I hope the transition goes smoothly for you and Zion Joy.  Follow your instincts, and sleep when you can!

  • anchie replied 6 years ago

    You both look gorgeous in matching leopard print. Enjoy while you can to dress her as you like, sooner then you think she will have style of her own ;) All the best in transitioning to the new phase of your life. 

  • replied 6 years ago

    Thanks for sharing. You both look fab in leopard print! I have truly enjoyed reading about this new stage of your life. Baby Nugget is adorable.

  • Lisa replied 6 years ago

    I love animal prints and leopard is near the top of my list.  A fun print that never goes out of style.  You look lovely on this and so does the little one too.

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    Mommy & me prints--awesome!

    Three months is so much shorter than many countries allow every child to have with their parents. Your continued weekend adventures look great. If you're anything like me, those daily reunions are precious and an instant uplift.

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    We love our print and color.  lol I won't complain hearing that some don't get paid at all or other don't get any leave and have to quit or work through it.  The system knows it is wrong and maybe one day it will be corrected.  I will not hold my breath.  I will just be thankful.

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    LeDonna, got to be grateful for what we have! In our case, it was 2 weeks, extended to three because he had jaundice. That short time didn't harm our relationship that I can tell. We are more closely attached than any other parent-child pair I know!

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    I think it is the quality of time and not the quantity that matters the most. I certainly don't want to be a helicopter parent and I don't want her to be a latch key kid like myself.   Each parent finds their flow right now I'm taking it one day at a time. 

  • SarahTheWhite replied 6 years ago

    Awww, I loved seeing all of your wonderful photos and love your matching prints on a different scale. Your sweet baby is so cute I can't even stand it!! I hope your transition back to work will go smoothly. I'm sure it is bitter-sweet... Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It has been wonderful to be part of your excitement and awe over the wonder of motherhood.

  • Laurie replied 6 years ago

    First step out the door is the hardest....   It's nice to be part of your journey and I join the YLF in wishing you the very best in your new role of Working Mom.  Guessing you're going to rock it!

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    Thank you so much everyone I've been at work for about 4 weeks four and a half weeks something like that. The journey has been really great actually documented and took pictures but I haven't had a bad time it is challenging being a single working mom. But I find myself more relaxed more laid-back just genuinely happy I think if I can take customers and adults being upset about communication problems I can change a dirty diaper. Thank you again for journeying with me with us

  • Stagiaire Fash replied 6 years ago

    Dirty diapers are nothing compared to grownups squealing and squalling about computer problems!

  • Jenava replied 6 years ago

    I remember that time in my journey.  You are so right, all about finding the flow.  Things change, sometimes dramatically, but the pace you set know is the baseline.  So sweet to see you.  Single motherhood is hard work.  Hang in there!

  • Kari replied 6 years ago

    I was not active when you had your baby, so please accept a very belated congratulations! You are both so beautiful. Wishing you so much joy and resilience as you are learning this new phase of your life. Zi'Joy Is blessed to have such a strong, loving mom.

  • Ledonna N. replied 6 years ago

    Thank you all again. This phase is a next in an already joyful life. I'm thankful everyday.

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