This week we are introducing our new contributors! Earlier this week we introduced you to Mina, Anissa, and Kellie, as well as Sarah, Ashley, and Michele. Today we’d like you to meet Nikki and Elizabeth!
Meet Elizabeth
I was born and raised in the Cedar Rapids area and never thought when I was growing up that I would eventually raise my own family here. I met my husband, Ryan, while were in high school, but we weren’t high school sweethearts. We went to prom together, but just as friends. He became one of my best friends and romance eventually blossomed the summer before our senior year at the University of Iowa. We were married in July 2009 and moved back to our hometown of Cedar Rapids where he had a teaching job.
After enjoying married life for five and half years, we added to our family in November 2014 when our daughter Elin was born. While we enjoyed our time as a family of two (three if you count our very spoiled dog, Duncan), we are quickly discovering how wonderful, hectic and sometimes challenging it can be as parents. She is the first grandchild on both of our sides, so she is a spoiled girl already! We enjoy each day with her and seeing what new things she will do or discover. I never knew how much my world would change for the better until she was born. In fact, I think I said to Ryan on the way home from the hospital when my hormones were raging, that my life didn’t feel like it had as much purpose or meaning until she came into our world.
When I’m not busy adjusting to life as a new mom, I work as a high school counselor in the Cedar Rapids area. Reality TV, coffee, and chocolate are all guilty pleasures of mine. I also enjoy going for walks or runs outside, hiking at local parks, reading, staying up to date with celebrity gossip, and attempting to be crafty.
Meet Nikki
Hi! I am Nikki. I am currently a Stay at Home Mom to a beautiful, free spirited little girl who will be two next month. Before having our daughter I was an elementary teacher. I loved the creativity of planning lessons! It is important for me to bring that same creativity when teaching my daughter. I love to cook and bake with her so she can learn numbers through measurements!
My husband and I moved to the area approximately two months ago from the Quad Cities and just purchased our first home. Our current goal is to be completely unpacked and have our daughter’s room organized and decorated before her birthday. Then I will work my way through decorating one room at a time.
My husband and I will be married six years this June. He grew up in a small town outside of the Quad Cities, while I grew up in the heart of the Cities. We met while taking the same summer course in college and reconnected a few years later via Facebook. He is an incredibly kind, patient husband and loving father.
I am thrilled to be apart of this wonderful team which celebrates motherhood in its many forms!
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Excited for all the new writers on the team! Yay! Welcome ladies!