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December 2022 Mom of the Month: Rachel Werley

Introduce yourself!

I’m Rachel!! I’ve been married 5 years to my husband, who grew up in Conroe. I’m from San Antonio but my family (parents + younger brother) now live in Australia.

Where were you born?

Guam, actually! My dad was stationed there with the Air Force. I’d love to go there again & see my birthplace - we moved when I was a baby!

Where do you call home?

San Antonio for my church home/childhood house. Australia for my family. Conroe for my community.

Introduce your kiddo/s:

Hope Elisabeth is 2yo! She is artistic, organized, helpful, observant, & bossy haha. She loves when Cassie plays rap music!

Owen Joshua is 7 mos! Everyone always comments on how smiley he is & he’s the spitting image of his daddy.

How long have you been Stroller Striding/FIT4MOMming and how did you find us?

Since February 2021! Before I was married, I went to Dallas to visit a friend & I saw moms working out at a park with their strollers. I made a mental note of doing that when I had kids. So after my daughter was born, I Googled “stroller workout” and found you guys!

Share a hidden talent!

I love sign language, especially doing it artistically to Christian songs.

Share a favorite mom moment:

How do I pick ONE?! Okay… making it to a year of breastfeeding Hope was a huge one for me. We had a really rocky start & I ended up exclusively pumping. It was very time-consuming, but we made it!!! I am so so proud of us for making it, despite all the challenges we faced.

Share a most challenging mom moment:

I struggle with anger - so I am currently really trying to be intentional about taking deep breaths & exuding calmness/kindness when talking to Hope (Owen’s not being a stinker — YET haha). I’ve had a couple moments where I lost it with her & I always just feel horrible. I’m a work in progress! If any of y’all have struggled with the same, I’m totally open to tips/tricks.

What did you do before kid/s?

I was a full-time pediatric nurse. I worked on a general floor, bone marrow transplant unit, and infusion clinic. I still work twice a month at the infusion clinic! I also traveled a lot with hubby & by myself.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I’d love to have more littles, but we’ll see what God has for us. I’d also love to still be at home, or working part-time. Having more time to volunteer with church/community/school would be wonderful as well!

What keeps you coming back to FIT4MOM?

For a great workout opportunity. For all the other mamas holding me accountable to show up. For all you gals who smile, wave, tickle, & [try to] cheer up my littles. For the MealTrain after Owen was born, as well as my INCREDIBLE baby sprinkle. For all the thoughtful playdates, crafts, & mom’s night outs. For how happy Hope gets when I tell her we’re going to Stroller Strides, which she calls “ides.” For a place to help me fight off depression & do something that breathes life into ME.

Share 3 things you love to do other than FIT4MOMming :)

Traveling (although having tiny ones has that mostly on hold), being involved at church, going on walks!

What else would you like to share with the community?

I’m a follower of Jesus, & it is such a gift. He has comforted me in many dark seasons, & He gives my life purpose. I pray everyone finds this life!! Girls I am always open to chat about Him or just pray for anything going on in your life.