I am so glad that I have been a part of FIT4MOM for the past 3 months. Working out has always been important to me - physically and mentally. I played sports growing up and worked out at the gym regularly after college so I was trying to figure out how I was going to keep that up after Barrett was born. Then I heard about FIT4MOM. I love that I can workout with baby in tow and that he is involved.

We don’t have any family here in Texas and as a new mom that was hard for me. I absolutely love being able to stay home with Barrett, but going from working and being around people almost every day to staying at home with him all the time was an adjustment period and I think it made being away from family that much harder. I was craving friendships, conversation and community. It can be hard to put yourself out there and make new friends. I didn’t even know where to start! I found “mom friends”, community and so much more when I joined FIT4MOM. I am so grateful for other mommas to laugh with and share mom-hood with. It has made such a difference for me! Not only have I made great friends, but Barrett has too and I love watching him interact with his new little buddies. It’s one of my favorite things!

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from Wichita, Kansas. Despite what everyone thinks when they hear I'm from Kansas, I never lived on a farm, BUT there is "no place like home." :)

Tell us about your little workout buddies!

Barrett is my favorite little workout buddy! He is 14 months old and a happy little guy!

How did you meet your husband?

Michael and I met on Facebook through the "mutual friends" section in 2010! haha. We both grew up in Wichita and when we started talking realized there were so many occasions where we were in the same place at the same time and just missed each other! The timing of his "friend request" was perfect.

What’s your favorite family activity?

Anything is fun when we can all hang out together - including our two fur babies!

Tell us a little about your career—pre or post baby.

Pre-baby I worked as a Dental Hygienist in a general dentistry office. Post-baby I am a stay-at-home mom!

How did you find out about FIT4MOM?

I found out about FIT4MOM through Instagram.

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM?

My favorite thing about FIT4MOM is that I am able to bring Barrett with me to get my workouts in and I am able to workout alongside a wonderful and encouraging group of women/moms!

Do you have any big plans this month?

October is unusually busy for us this year! My big sis is getting married and Michael's grandparents are celebrating their 90th and 91st birthdays so we will be making a few trips to Kansas within the next few weeks.

What do you look forward to for the holidays?

I love everything about the holidays this time of year. Some of my favorite things are the weather, the fun activities going on and time spent with extended family. I'm even more excited this year because Barrett is old enough now to interact and really have fun!

What is your proudest moment as a mom?

My proudest moment as a mom is teaching Barrett new things and watching him learn them. Also walking our two big dogs while pushing the stroller or carrying baby in the carrier. I always feel like I could conquer the world after that. (lol)

Have you ever thought, gosh I can’t do this, and what brings you to see the good?

There are always going to be hard days and days where I question if I am doing a good job as a mom, but when I look at Barrett I am reminded of what a miracle he is and how blessed I am that God chose me to be his momma! Also have to shoutout Michael for being a huge support system for me in this new journey. One of my favorite sayings: "If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it."

How has becoming a mother changed you?

I have gained a new level of confidence and I think it is because I have always dreamt of being a mom. I love it more than anything!

What advice would you give a new mom?

DON'T get sucked into the vortex of blogs, google and social media and start comparing yourself. There are SO many different ways to parent. Do what you feel is best for your baby. Once I realized this, it changed everything. You got this momma!