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Kelsey Smythe

@bykelseysmythe

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Making a full life work better.
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Working mom of two. Enthusiastic researcher.
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Still dreaming about our Fall Break trip to Plymouth, MA to visit Aunt Sara 🍂🥰 Such a treat getting that one-on-one time with Quinn. Already planning our next adventure 👀#fallinnewengland #motherdaughtertrip #PlymouthMA by @bykelseysmythe

Revisited an old blog post I wrote with fall book recommendations the other day and had all the cozy nostalgia. Updated it with some newer favorites and felt like I couldn’t keep these to myself. 🍂

Five favorites here, depending on your mood. The full list is on my blog—tap “Fall Book Recommendations” in my bio.

Next on my fall reading list: We Have Always Lived in the Castle 👀 Gonna be honest though, it might end up being too scary for me.

Have you read it? Am I going to need emotional support? by @bykelseysmythe

We lost our favorite little buddy a few weeks ago, and it still feels like an impossible reality. He had been a constant presence in our lives since Charles and I first brought him home, fresh off a plane from Thailand, in 2019.

He was our very first foster cat, and I had to work hard to convince Charles, a self-proclaimed dog person, to let us bring him home. We opened his carrier and he did a quick perimeter check of the apartment before flopping down at my feet for pets. Half an hour later he was snuggled between us in bed, and Charles looked at me and said, “They can take this cat away from me over my cold, dead body.” Needless to say, we adopted him.

He was there when we brought our babies home, and in the thick of things for every major moment and holiday we celebrated. He loved visitors, and even non-cat people loved him. He was always up for cuddles, forever climbing onto Charles’s shoulder with purrs and headbutts.

I know it might seem strange to write a eulogy for a cat, but he was truly our best friend, and we miss him more than words can say. I hope everyone gets to experience the love of a cat like Reg at least once in their lives. by @bykelseysmythe

Do you want to build a snowman? ⛄️

First Halloween together in the books ❤️ by @bykelseysmythe

Happy International Black Cat Day 🐈‍⬛ by @bykelseysmythe

Introducing Maxwell Griffin — great stream, strong lord

A year ago, we never could’ve imagined this season. But God has been so kind — redeeming, restoring, providing. Maxwell is such a gift and a living picture of grace after a hard couple of years. 💙

Quinn is the most adoring big sister. She is so gentle, helpful, obsessed. She calls him “my baby” and couldn’t love him more. I love watching her thrive as a sister! 🥰

Charles is the best parenting partner a girl could ask for — best labor coach, present, supportive, always anticipating our needs. I wouldn’t want to do this with anyone else.

And Maxwell himself is an absolute dream. I prayed the whole pregnancy for a good sleeper, and so far God has delivered. He’s a happy little guy, and we do not take that for granted.

God has been so, so good to us. Our hearts are full beyond measure. ✨ by @bykelseysmythe

Happy Father’s Day to our leading man — steady, silly, and the best partner in this wild ride of parenting. We’re so lucky he’s ours. I can’t imagine life without him. by @bykelseysmythe

Life update:

In February, I shared I’d been terminated as a federal probationary employee. It was one of the most stressful 5½ weeks of my life—job hunting while very pregnant, watching my husband’s funding for his job slowly dry up, debating keeping Quinn in daycare vs pulling her out to save money, and cutting all extra expenses. Survival mode left little space to prepare for our baby.

Then in March, a court order reinstated me—and just like that, we reversed course. Some stress lifted, and I was INCREDIBLY grateful to be working again.

It still hasn’t been simple. There’s been a lot happening in the federal space that still makes things feel uncertain for me. Returning wasn’t seamless—jumping back in after everyone moved on without you is hard. I didn’t share the good news right away because it didn’t feel like it would last.

Now, a few weeks later, things are feeling a little more stable. I’m 37 weeks pregnant, steadily checking off my baby prep list, and slowly letting myself exhale.

Grateful. Humbled. Still navigating a lot. God has been faithful through it all. And any day now we’ll be welcoming our sweet baby boy 💛 by @bykelseysmythe

Nearly 9 years ago, I started as an FAA contractor, thinking it was temporary while I finished my degree. But I grew in my role and found my footing. By 2023, this wasn’t just a job—it was a career I loved. I was making a difference in air safety & national security, and I was good at it. Moving back to OKC was partly so I could grow my skills in person. My office created a fed position, and my hard work paid off—I got the job. Last March, after 8 years as a contractor, I became a federal employee.

I thrived in my work, had a great team, received glowing reviews, and got a performance-based raise.

Last Saturday, I woke up to an email saying I was terminated for “performance.” My manager—who had already submitted paperwork to keep me—found out at the same time I did. This wasn’t about me. It was about politicians claiming they’re saving taxpayer money and “draining the swamp” at the expense of employees with the least protections.

To say I’m heartbroken is an understatement. I poured nearly a decade into this job. And to say I’m anxious is also an understatement. I’m 6 months pregnant. The 12 weeks of maternity leave I was counting on is gone. I have 30 days to sort out insurance. And now I have to job search while visibly pregnant—something that, while technically illegal to discriminate against, puts me & any potential employer in a tough spot. The stress weighs on me, and I worry about my high-risk pregnancy.

Here’s what I wish people knew:
-Federal employees aren’t a “DC swamp.” We’re regular people. Many of us could earn more in the private sector, but we stay because we believe in the work.
-Are there ways the government could improve? Of course. My colleagues and I talked about that a lot. But firing people the government just spent time and money hiring for critical roles isn’t a solution—it’s reckless and cruel.
-Federal salaries only account for 4.4% of the federal budget. If this were really about spending, Congress wouldn’t be adding $328B to the deficit this year alone.

This isn’t about partisan politics, it’s about the safety and wellbeing of American people. If all this concerns you, please call your reps and express your concerns. by @bykelseysmythe

In her baby doll era 💕🥹 by @bykelseysmythe

“Red hair and a hand me down robe… You must be a Weasley.” by @bykelseysmythe

Happy Father’s Day to this amazing Dad ❤️ by @bykelseysmythe