Upon Edie turning 3 months old, she has entered the adorable "bumblebee" class at daycare and I’ve returned to work at Holabird & Root—just in time to participate in this year’s Habitat for Humanity’s Chicago Women Build on October 10th!

We’ve got a great thing going on—Edie, Mike, and I—taking on the world together from the place we’ve renovated into our home over the last couple of years. I know I’m a lucky girl to have such a setup, and that motherhood and work would be nowhere near as doable without it. It seems like a great time to help some other mothers work toward the wonderful stability that is homeownership.

This will be the fifth year I build alongside my female coworkers. Many of you know what this event is all about since you’ve generously supported it with me over the years. In case you need a refresher . . .

Over the course of the five-day Chicago Women Build event this October, over 400 women will come together to help fund and build the home of a deserving family. Each event participant raises over $375 toward the cost of the home, and donates one day of labor towards the construction process. Simultaneously, the receiving family partners with Habitat for Humanity by completing 350 sweat equity hours, attending homeowner education classes, and saving up for a down payment. Once the home is built, the family is able to purchase it from Habitat with a minimal down payment and an affordable 0% interest mortgage, effectively boosting them out of the rent cycle. The process can truly change a life!

Will you help me make a decent home a reality for Britany and the other women-led families? Every little bit counts! :) Thanks ahead of time for your support!

Laura