LEILA H.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY!

My husband, David, and I met our senior year of high school (when we both had matching side-swept bangs, presh) and will be celebrating 16 years together and 8 years married this November! We have one kiddo, William, who is 21 months.

WHERE ARE YOU ORIGINALLY FROM?

I was born in Hawaii (hence, Leilani being my full name). We then moved to San Diego until I was 8, then moved to Claremore, OK when my dad got a job transfer, which was way too drastic of a change so a year later we moved to Tulsa, where I grew up!

WHAT IS/WAS YOUR CAREER?

I was an Elementary school teacher for several years and have a masters degree in literacy. I worked a lot with teachers and admin to implement best literacy practices (sort of like a consultant), and as a literacy specialist I worked with kids who have learning differences/exceptionalities. I've been taking time off, but I still tutor on the side to keep up with my skills!

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT FIT4MOM AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A MEMBER?

I had a few friends living in different places posting their Fit4Mom workouts on Instagram, so I looked up the closest group to me!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT FIT4MOM?

I love that it combines two of my favorite things--community and movement! It's so nice to talk about and relate with the highs and lows of motherhood with mamas going through it right alongside me!

WHAT HAS INSPIRED YOU THE MOST SINCE BEING A PART OF FIT4MOM?

Seeing the way these mamas show up for each other is so encouraging! The strength, patience and love that is on display during the classes is definitely inspiring!

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT HAS SURPRISED YOU ABOUT MOTHERHOOD?

Omg, so much! I think the biggest thing was my own "rebirth" when I became a mom. It took a lot more introspection, honesty and grit to understand and embrace my new identity than I could've imagined. So very hard and so very worth it!

WHAT ARE 3 OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS?

Coffee, coffee, coffee! Ha, kind of kidding. Coffee shops, reading and dance.

WHAT IS YOUR PROUDEST MOMMY MOMENT SO FAR?

I wouldn't say it's just a moment because I'm most proud of the day-to-day effort I (mostly patiently/lovingly) extend to Will, especially after hard days!

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A NEW MOTHER?

Give yourself grace; really embrace the notion that with most things, there is no "right or wrong" way of doing them.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?

I really love working part time. It gives me more time with Henry but I also get some time to talk with other adults and think deeply about complex problems and systems. It's a great balance for me.