Celebrating New Life and Rediscovering Old Roots

We’re blogging from the road today. This post is coming to you live from the middle of a family road trip, and it marks a monumental moment in my family’s story.

A Reunion We Never Expected

This week, we’re traveling to meet my biological grandfather for the very first time. For context: my dad had only met him twice in his life. Once when he was 8 years old and once when he was 18. After that, they lost contact.

Over the years, my dad tried everything to reconnect. He searched on Facebook, Google, and other online platforms, hoping for a lead. But he never had any luck. Then one day, out of the blue, someone reached out to him through 23andMe. They said they had just discovered they were related. After chatting, we discovered it was his aunt, my grandfather’s sister.

The reason they could never find each other? A one-letter difference in our last name. Our family spells it "Chapman" while my grandfather spells it "Chatman." That tiny letter stood in the way of decades of connection.

Today, we’re en route to meet my grandfather’s sister. Tomorrow, we’ll meet my grandfather and a whole side of our extended family for the first time. It feels emotional, surreal, and deeply meaningful.

Business on the Move

You might be wondering: how does one work in the middle of a family road trip? Simple tools: a laptop, a car charger, and a bit of determination.

No, it’s not a vacation. But it is a change of scenery. And sometimes, that’s exactly what your brain needs. I had my driving shift on Saturday, which freed up Sunday to get in several focused hours of work while riding in the passenger seat.

Emails? Sent. Client tasks? Completed. Team check-ins? Handled. It’s not the fanciest office, but it’s effective. That’s the beauty of a flexible business and a well-trained team, you don’t have to stop everything just because life takes you on the road.

Pro Tip for Business Owners on the Go

If you’re trying to stay productive while traveling:

• Bring a fully charged power bank or car inverter

• Use a mobile hotspot for reliable internet

• Preload tasks that can be done offline

• Schedule your calls around your driving windows

Keep a running note with quick-win items you can do on the go

Running a business doesn’t mean you’re chained to a desk. But it does mean planning ahead and knowing what can flex versus what requires structure.

A Sweet Celebration

Before we hit the road, I had the joy of attending the most amazing baby shower hosted by my wonderful client and friend, Marie. It was entrepreneur-themed—how perfect is that?

Jett is already soaking up the entrepreneurial vibes.

We all colored pages in an entrepreneur-themed baby book for him, and it was one of the most thoughtful, fun, and heartwarming events I’ve ever experienced. I feel so grateful for the people in our lives who are helping us welcome Jett into the world in such meaningful ways.

Looking Ahead

This week is about reconnection, legacy, and gratitude. It’s the kind of week that reminds you how unpredictable and beautiful life can be. I’m feeling every emotion as we make this journey, and I’m so excited to share more after we’ve met everyone and had time to take it all in.

We’re also inching closer to baby Jett’s arrival: just 6 weeks to go. I’m wrapping up final projects, delegating tasks, and prepping for maternity leave, even from the road. The balance isn’t always perfect, but it is possible.

Here’s to unexpected family, business on the go, and soaking in the story as it unfolds.

See you next week!