Meet Lindsay | Mother of Two

This Mama's story...

Hi, I’m Lindsay, wife to Brian and mother to Nolan, 4, and Hank, 2. I was born and raised in Park Ridge, IL. My husband and I lived in Chicago after college and moved back to Park Ridge to raise our family. I’m a high school social worker, so the school year is pretty hectic. I’m normally out the door by 7:00 AM and pick up the boys from daycare around 4:15 PM. The week feels very crazy with absolutely no down time but having a good routine is definitely helpful. I try to enjoy every moment with the boys once I’m home and our weekends together are everything! Going back to school every year is always a tough adjustment for the boys and I, but once we are in our routine everything is fine!

I feel so fortunate to work in a school and have the summers off with the boys. I truly try to take advantage of every day in the summer. Each day is a new adventure. Our favorite spots are the neighborhood pools, parks, nature center, beach, zoo, or play dates with the cousins and friends. My parents also have a lake house in Wisconsin so we love going there on the weekends in the summer and just enjoy the slower-paced lake life! Since having kids, my favorite place to travel to is Glen Arbor, Michigan. The past three summers we have spent a week there on family vacation. It's a special place for us. There is so much to do outdoors with the kids; beaches, hiking, kayaking, bike riding, and climbing the sand dunes. Every day there is a new fun adventure and the lakes there are gorgeous!

I think the most rewarding part about motherhood has been seeing my two boys form such a close and loving relationship with one another. They have so much fun together, playing different made up games, wrestling, laughing at each other’s jokes, and the best part is that they are so sweet and care deeply for each other. I think the most difficult part for me is the guilt and worry! I have so much guilt over the smallest things but mainly about working and not being with the boys during the day. I know that they are in great hands and being at daycare/preschool is wonderful for them, but there is always some guilt in the back of my head. I find myself worrying about them more than I ever imagined and over thinking little situations.

The best advice I would offer to mothers who are trying to find the balance between motherhood and career is to try and find a routine that works for your family and when you are all together put away all the other distractions and focus your time on the kids and make the most of your time together. I want to reassure them that they are amazing Mamas that are setting a great example for their kids.

Second place winner of Season 8 of the Amazing Race! Lover of Moose Tracks ice cream and a good deli sandwich! Rocking is second nature to this mama- soothing and calming for both baby and her!