Mommy Profile: AD

AD was a Web and Communications Manager in Chicago before she became a mommy.  She liked to ride her bike around Chicago, train for and run in races, travel to different countries, see live music, and paint in acrylics and oils.

AD now lives in the suburbs with her husband and their 4-year-old daughter, plus a little boy due in Aug 2008.  She tried to balance work with being a mom, and never felt like she was able to give her best to either one. She felt extremely guilty all the time, and most of it was because she felt like she wasn't always able to give her daughter her full attention.  She left her job when her daughter turned 3, and discovered an amazing and wonderful year of learning and bonding.  She knew that she could never regret making the decision to spend time with her daughter, and that she will have the opportunity to work again after her children are older.

Her days are currently filled with breakfast in PJs, storytime at the library, playgroup or playdates with a friend, swimming or tumbling class, and the park.  In the afternoon, her daughter goes to preschool while she runs errands, cleans up, or does a little work.  Then, her daughter gets to watch a DVD and have a snack while AD prepares dinner.  Afterwards, they try to go for a walk or bike ride around the neighborhood if the weather is nice.

For a little extra income and mental stimulation, AD still does some freelance web design, which is manageable because she can take smaller, shorter-term projects.  In general, her family is big on saving and living simply.  They try to limit eating out and like to buy things that are gently used, rather than new.  If there is a bigger purchase which is more of a "want" than a "need", they will save up for it.

To make her life easier, AD is part of a playgroup consisting of 5-6 kids her daughter's age.  They meet every week or 2, and it's great for her daughter to be around other children and for AD to talk to other moms who are going through similar experiences as she is.  Also, her husband likes to grill a bunch of food over the weekend which will last them the week.  She can use it creatively in different dishes, and it saves a lot of time.

AD has her daughter taking Mandarin language classes, and they celebrate the Chinese New Year to teach her about her culture.  Although AD was born in the States, her parents immigrated from Taiwan, so they are an excellent influence.

For fun, AG visits the arboretum regularly, and goes on family bike rides, letterboxing hikes, and cookouts.  When she has time for herself, she reads after her daughter goes to bed, and runs (when she's not pregnant).