Recently, I've been presented with the biggest and most challenging opportunity of my career.  In less the one month, I've been commissioned to create a cake replica of a local hotel and casino for its one year anniversary party.  My dilemma is this:  I just had a baby less than two weeks ago and the weekend that the cake is due, I will be five weeks post partum.  The baby and I are both doing great, so no real concern there.  I know I would need to start on all the details ASAP but the majority of the work would need to be put together the week prior to delivery.  The GM of the hotel said that the cake doesn't need to be extremely large, they're just interested in the design being the wow factor and sheet cakes could be provided for serving.  My question to those of you who have done this sort of thing is:  Do you think this is even doable or should I reluctantly bow out?  Not sure if I'm looking for encouragement or affirmation for my current thoughts on this.  I don't doubt my ability to create the cake successfully, I'm just not sure about bringing that amount of stress on my family at this point in time.  I need to give them an answer pretty soon as the deadline is fast approaching and they'll need to seek out an alternative if I turn it down.  Any tips or advice, especially concerning the detail work would be greatly appreciated.  I'm attaching a few photos for reference.  Thanks in advance.

Will you have time? My little one is 9 weeks and I barely got a batch of cookies done, took three days when it should've taken me 2 hours!

This is completely up to you and your personal situation. If you feel confident of pulling it off, then you should go ahead... it will be a great addition to your portfolio. If there's not enough time, then you'd rather not do it than give them something less than satisfactory. Good luck! :)

ACongratulations on your little one!

I assume you work alone, if not is there anyone that you trust to help with some of the work? Obviously, nobody can make this decision for you, it seems like a good opportunity that would be a shame to pass up but the fact that you are already questioning whether it's worth the extra stress on you and your family-well perhaps you should trust your initial instinct.

I don't doubt that you can create a lovely replica, but if you are already feeling hesitant maybe it's not worth the trouble right now.

If you do decide to make the cake I'd make myself a scale 'blueprint' of the design, and remember the smaller you go the smaller the detail work will need to be. It's a beautiful building, get pictures from different sides so you don't leave anything out.

UPDATE: I turned it down. I honestly believe that I made the right decision.  Some things are far more important than money and recognition.  Thanks for the encouragement and congratulations! 

Only you know what's best for you and that darling little one. Saw his photo on your Facebook page! Sweet!!

AI think you made a good decision-- my #1 kid was born early in November, a c-section to boot -- so who do you suppose did thanksgiving solo three weeks later-- dang talk about some kind of stupid --

I'm proud of you!

AGood for you :) family first! And i agree with the other posters, we're sure you could have made a beautiful cake! But having an infant takes so much of your time ... And sanity! Lol.. I have a 5 month old infant, and when i made her a cake for her 1 month birthday (just for fun! Ha!) it was not fun at all! It took me all day to make a simple cake because she kept wanting to nurse.. Hahaha give yourself a few more weeks to get a hang of it and enjoy every moment with your little one! :)