Welcome to Experiencing Parenthood!

Some of you may know me from Life as Leels – my baby of the last, almost 6 years. If this is you, thank you for following me on this new journey and welcome to Experiencing Parenthood!

Some of you may be completely new to me, my blogs, my life. If this is you, thank you for reading and welcome to Experiencing Parenthood!

I remember shopping with the family at one of the big box baby stores and there was a young couple shopping. They appeared younger than us and the female was pregnant.

I remember them looking at a product that they kept questioning if they needed it. Someone had said they should, someone else had one, did they need it, was it necessary – all these questions they kept asking themselves.

I can’t remember what the product was, but I do remember that it was an item that was not a need or a necessity. It was an item that was an “optional baby item” that your money is better spent on something you really needed.

It was then that I had the light bulb moment that there are other parents out there who don’t have a village.

Expecting parents that don’t have family nearby; don’t have family at all; don’t have friends nearby; don’t have support that many get when they have a baby.

I wasn’t alone.

While that was some time ago, it has never left my mind which is why I have opened Experiencing Parenthood.

I am a mom on a mission to rebuild a village so other parents don’t feel alone. No parents or expecting parents should be alone on this journey. It’s not easy. It’s hard. It’s emotional. We need support and that is what Experiencing Parenthood is here for.

Why Me?

Growing up, I was raised in a home as the oldest of 3 girls. My younger sisters are twins that are, in all intents and purposes, four years younger than me.

Of course, back in that time, it was acceptable for me to babysit them for times when our parents would go out and in time, I started babysitting kids other than my little sisters when I was 11 years old.

As I continued through life, many of my careers revolved around not only children but psychology.

I have worked as a nanny; a respite provider; an aide for a boy during school hours who had a multitude of mental health diagnoses; working in residential care settings with developmentally disabled adults, dual diagnosis adults, and troubled juveniles; and working outpatient with juveniles with substance abuse.

Then, of course, I have my own children and a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology.

I was working towards my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, but with three children; it wasn’t in the cards at the time.

To say that I have experience with children is an understatement! But that’s not all.

I don’t have a village.

I moved to Arizona with a friend.

My family and friends are all in Minnesota.

When I became pregnant with Kadenn; the only family I had was hubby’s family and if you have been in the same situation, you know it’s not the same.

My baby shower involved his family and his mom’s friends – not my family.

The delivery room was his family and his friends – not mine.

It’s hard being alone.

Since then, less and less family live here. In fact, we are the only ones still here so now it’s even harder because we really are alone.

My best friend even moved out of state so our village has become quite tiny.

I know I am not the only one which is why me, why Experiencing Parenthood, why we together are going to rebuild a village.

The Village

Are you ready to join the village?

I am rebuilding the village – a safe, private, non-judgemental, supportive village – for parents.

If you have been looking for a village, you can join here >>> Experiencing Parenthood Village

I hope to see you as part of our village!