My name is Maria Orozco and I am excited to join the Fairfield County Moms Blog contributor team! Something I love about being a mom is the friendships and connections I make with other parents. Reading posts from other moms forms a special connection and mutual understanding with the sharing of stories and experiences.
I am a mom of three children (Cecilia, 8; Ileana, 6; and Xavier, 20 months) and I work part-time from my home office. I love working from home despite the many distractions because of the flexibility it allows me to spend time with my kids. I started my own law practice in 2007 and have continued to work for myself after having kids. I also love to write and would like to continue to write as much as possible.
My husband and I both grew up in the Midwest. We met our freshman year of college at Miami University in Ohio. We moved to Boston together for graduate school and then to New York City in 2004. We had our first child while living in a small Brooklyn apartment. At first, we had no intention of leaving the city. But, as our daughter was approaching her first birthday, we realized it was time to move out to the suburbs.
I think the big moment of clarity for me was one particular evening when my daughter refused to go to bed (bedtime was a long and drawn-out process with her for a long time!) but my husband and I wanted to enjoy a glass of wine and a movie. We closed our glass French doors which served as the only separation from her and our living room. As long as she could see us, she would scream. We slid down from the couch to the floor with our wine so she couldn’t see us. We looked at each other and said “time to move out.”
Being from the Midwest, we grew up with lots of trees and green grass, so it was inevitable that we would raise a family in a similar way. We visited Greenwich and loved it. It’s a great community with lots of opportunities and activities for kids and families. We also love being near the water and take full advantage of it during the warmer months. We love living on the East Coast with the exception of being far from our families. The travel is difficult from both sides, but we make it work. I envy those who have parents and siblings close by! Especially as a family with young kids.
Both my daughters are in elementary school but my son, currently 20 months, is home with me. I am thankful to have my nanny so that I can work and find time for myself, as my husband works long hours in the city. After having my third, I realized that having help is essential. Life with three kids is chaotic…but wonderful at the same time (when everyone is getting along).
When I’m not working, chasing after my son, or driving my kids to their activities, I love to play tennis, hike, or run. I also enjoy reading or writing down story ideas in my journal and I always make time to go out with friends or a date night with my husband.
I truly enjoy reading the articles on FCMB and find them inspiring and relatable. It helps to discover that other moms are going through the same experiences and challenges. As the holiday season is upon us, I like to reflect on what I am thankful for. Of course, I am thankful for my family and friends. Also, being that this is my intro post, I would like to say that I am thankful for this opportunity and to be a part of a great community of other moms and writers.
