Please join me in congratulating and getting to know this month's Mom of the Month. Rachel came to me last November asking if she could help organize some volunteer work to do with our kids with FIT4MOM. Thanks to Rachel our FIT4MOM community has created over 100 bags for the unhoused, litter cleanup in the park, and assembled 40 bagged lunches for housing forward. We all appreciate Rachel's kind heart and leading these volunteer efforts to raise our kids in the best way!
MEET OUR MOM OF THE MONTH: Rachel
- Tell us about your family!
- I have two wonderful, energetic kids: Emmett (7, turning 8 soon) and Marlo (6). They both attend Lincoln Elementary in Oak Park, and I'm absolutely loving the single drop-off and pick-up location! Both are enrolled in the Spanish Immersion program and are thriving. Emmett is completely obsessed with dinos, Legos, reading, and baseball; he tells me almost every day that he's going to be an MLB player. Marlo is happiest when she's reading, dancing, singing, or pretending to be a scientist creating a magic potion to vanquish the bad guys. They both bring me so much joy and love.
- Current/previous career?
- I’ve had the joy of teaching high school for sixteen years now. My career started in a public school in a Chicago suburb, but I soon transitioned to a private school within the city, where I've spent the bulk of my time. Having taught all grades and many different courses, I love the variety! My main focus this year is American Literature with my sophomores (we just finished The Catcher in the Rye), alongside teaching Creative Writing to my seniors. This talented group is currently busy crafting mini-memoirs about pivotal moments of change in their lives. All in all, this school year has been off to a strong start, and I am looking forward to what the rest of the year will bring.
- What does motherhood mean to you?
- My understanding of motherhood is constantly shifting, but the steady idea I return to is patience—not only with my children and the moment we're in, but most critically, with myself. I practice reminding myself that it’s completely fine to fumble and make mistakes; I simply get back up and commit to improving next time. I also want to be present and remember these years. I admit the baby and toddler stages were incredibly difficult, and I often wished those days away. Now that they're gone and I have two elementary-aged children, I'm aware of how fast time moves (Emmett will be a high school freshman in six years!). I’ve stopped wishing away the difficult moments, choosing instead to be patient and wholeheartedly embrace the snuggles, reading in bed together, and laughing over silly things. Motherhood is challenging yet I'm deeply grateful because it continuously teaches me how to be better.
- Favorite local spot?
- I love going to Broken Tart, Maya Del Sol, and Fitzgerald's. I also love shopping at the Economy Shop. I have found so many amazing finds for me and my kids, and I feel good knowing that I am saving items from the landfill and giving back to amazing charities.
- How did you find Fit4Mom?
- I came across Fit4Mom online back in 2017, but Emmett's sleep schedule didn't allow for me to attend classes. I would have to wake him up to get to class on time, and I did not want to wake a sleeping baby. Fast forward a few years, and my friend Liz kept encouraging me to join. I am so grateful for her persistence because after about a year, I finally did join Fit4Mom's Thursday 6pm Stroller Strides class. It's been almost 3 years since my first workout session, and I am so glad I took Liz's advice.
- What's the best part of Fit4Mom?
- I am so happy to be part of the Fit4Mom community! The women I see in class and around our neighborhood are truly amazing. I appreciate the support, knowing I have an entire crew to turn to whenever I need parenting advice or a quick suggestion. More than anything, it is vital for my children to see a powerful group of women supporting and helping one another while taking care of their minds and bodies.
- Favorite class/exercise?
- I love Christina's 5:30 A.M. Ignite class. It's an early start, but I feel amazing afterwards and for the rest of the day. She's an amazing instructor--check out her class!
- Proudest moment?
- It may sound funny, but my biggest wins are often the days I show up for a workout class I almost skipped! I've realized that the large, public achievements are easy to pursue because everyone is looking, but my accomplishments come from making the right choice when no one is watching. That feeling of honoring my own commitment always leaves me happy and proud of my decision.
- What is something that would surprise us?
- Hmmm...I don't think anything. I am a bit predictable. Haha
FIT4MOM Oak Park River Forest offers fitness classes for women in all stages of motherhood, including prenatal, stroller & moms only classes. Your first class is free! Click here to try a class.