A little bit about me… I’m a graduate of the University of British Columbia and former professional volleyball player. I played for the Canadian National Volleyball team for five years, and continue to be involved in the sport as a coach for Ottawa’s Fusion volleyball club. I have also served as a volleyball analyst and side line reporter at the 2012 London Olympics and most recently at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Born and raised in Vancouver, I moved out to Ottawa with my husband and two young kids in 2014. We couldn’t have landed in a better place for our family. Ottawa has so much to offer. Gatineau Park, the canal, the network of trails and all of the museums have given us countless places to explore. I love the sense of community here. There are so many local fairs, festivals, and farmers markets to take part in.
In December 2017 I lost my son Lachlan. He was stillborn at 38 weeks after being diagnosed with a major heart defect. Lachlan was also a twin, but a had a placenta abruption and lost his twin at 16 weeks. You can read all about Lachlan here and the lessons I have learned since losing him here. I am now a loss mother, who has had to mother my two older children in losing a brother. It has also brought me closer to my Ottawa community – whether through the support of Roger Neilson House or meeting other mothers who have suffered loss.
My own mother had five kids..I’m the oldest. She was and continues to be the best mom. I remember her loading all five of us into the station wagon and taking us out on adventures all of the time, especially in the summer. Every day she would pack up our swimsuits, towels and picnic and lead us outside, off to somewhere new. I always wanted to provide the same kind of fun for my kids, but I have found this approach has also been important for my own sanity as a parent. I need to try out new places, parks, hikes and restaurants with the kids. Sometimes it’s a success… sometimes a disaster. I hope to share all of the experiences with you, be they good or bad, and help you have more successful outings with your kids!
