Birmingham Moms Blog :: Introducing Lauren

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Birmingham

Skyscrapers, bright lights, and deep dish pizza was my life for 18 years as a Chicago native. I was born to a place that was hot in the summer and freezing in the winter. It was a life filled with memories of white Christmases and cool summers. Chicago was also the birthplace of my professional dream . . . becoming a pediatrician. That was a big dream with a big price tag; so when the time came for me to choose a school, choosing an out of state school was the best way to go. I searched from state to state and ended up applying to and getting accepted into UAB. That August, I packed up my things (leaving the winter gear behind, of course) and headed down to Birmingham. Once here, I discovered hot summer days, warm summer nights, and college football. 

Birmingham also introduced me to bonfires, fresh lemonade, and country music. I love the calm yet busyness that Birmingham has to offer. I also love that the beach is only 250 miles away. There is a balance here that you cannot find anywhere else. I did not stay at UAB, or become a pediatrician, but I did graduate from Birmingham Southern College with a BS in Psychology (Go Panthers!!!), and now I educate middle and high school students on preventing abuse. 

Birmingham is my home. It is a level of comfort and good ‘ole fun. There are endless possibilities for growing and thriving here (and now we have snow). I always sit back and think to myself how this city girl has adapted to the South and the customs here in small ways like having fresh flowers in my house, to making fresh lemonade on a regular basis, and grilling any time of the year. I love it! And I’m glad that God led me here.

Moms 

Motherhood happened for me, I believe, when I had turned completely selfless. The summer I found out I was pregnant with Brysen (9), I had been giving myself in so many areas — relationship, work, and school — I didn’t even notice that I was pregnant! My now husband noticed by my eating habits and longer than usual naps. This was also true with Karsyn (6); I had lost so much weight and was doing so much, it took a while for us to figure it out. 

The great thing about being Brysen and Karsyn’s mom is that every day I learn something new, and every day I find a new strength I never knew that I had (aside from keeping two tiny humans alive). It is amazing to see the outcomes of teaching morals and values and even habits in someone other than yourself. 

The challenging thing about motherhood is motherhood. Normal nights where everyone is clean, fed, and in bed on time; crazy nights where none of that happens on time. Free days where the kids are up at 6:00 a.m. and excited about who knows what. Recitals, soccer games, Barbie dolls, action figures, and everything else in between. It’s all challenging. 

But then . . . think about all the first walks, first words, and even first cries. I think about the time Brysen broke his pinky on the playground, and I think about the time when Karsyn had her tonsils out; I think about the first time Brysen and Karsyn met and I get nostalgic. I think about all the times when they were sad and I made them happy. To me, motherhood is the ultimate gift because it is something so rare and unique. I feel blessed that my husband chose me to mother his children. I think about how life would be without them and I can’t.

 

Blog 

OK, so blogging is so fun for me because I get to reach a big audience. I feel like all mothers, wives, aunts, grandmothers, etc. can benefit from this blog. I discovered a long time ago that I love speaking to big crowds and meeting new people. We can learn so much from each other on so many different levels. I am creative; I have just launched Sweet Tooth (homemade sweets and treats and small event planning). I also love Pinterest! I am energetic; I love trying new things and getting other people to do it as well. Lastly, I am sharing! I love offering advice and empowering other people (especially women and girls) to shine bright and live up to being fabulous! I am excited to enter the world of BMB and bring all of you all along.