We were married in 2005, and for many years, we chose to wait before having children, savoring our time together as a couple. Several years later, we felt it was finally the right time to grow our family. We tried and tried to conceive, but no matter what we did, nothing happened. I began to wonder if my weight was part of the struggle. One day, while at work, I had a moment of clarity. I texted my husband asking for size 2XL scrub pants, and he replied, “Don’t you think there’s a better way?” That simple text was my wake-up call. That day, I committed to changing my life—I started eating healthier and exercising regularly. The beginning was tough, with donuts, bagels, and cookies tempting me at every turn at work, but I stayed the course. By 2015, after years of persistence, I had lost 90 pounds.
Once I got healthy, we realized our insurance included fertility coverage. After extensive testing, we learned that both my husband and I had fertility challenges. Our doctor suggested trying IUI (Intrauterine Insemination), though he warned we might eventually need IVF. Despite the uncertainty, we went for it. Weeks later, I took our first pregnancy test—and it was positive. I took several more just to be sure. After years of trying, we were finally pregnant! The joy I felt was indescribable. The pregnancy was not easy; I gained 60 pounds because the only way to keep morning sickness at bay was to eat constantly. But it was all worth it.
Charlotte arrived in June 2016, and giving birth to her remains the most incredible experience of my life. I had high blood pressure, so I was induced three weeks early. It started with an ER visit on Friday, followed by bed rest, another ER visit on Monday with stricter bed rest, and finally, a Tuesday morning appointment with my doctor. That evening, we went in to be induced. My water was broken the next morning, and labor progressed slowly due to my asthma affecting my oxygen levels. Once that was managed, everything sped up. By evening, I was fully dilated. My doctor said, “Let’s have this baby,” and after just three sets of pushes, Charlotte was born. Holding her for the first time was pure bliss.
After Charlotte’s birth, I focused on getting healthy again—not just for me, but for her. I wanted to be the mom she deserved, strong and present. With my doctor’s approval, I returned to a healthy routine, quickly losing 50 pounds. But stress and a binge eating disorder caused me to regain the weight, along with some extra. I fell into depression, struggling with low self-esteem.
It wasn’t until Charlotte was a few years old that I truly recommitted to my health. I noticed her watching me and wanting to join my workouts. Seeing her determination ignited my own. When I realized I couldn’t keep up with her energy and play, she became my “why.” She motivates me every single day. I wake up early to work out before work, even on days I don’t want to, because she reminds me, “Mom, you need to work out.” She is my inspiration, my reason for staying strong, and my driving force to be the healthiest version of myself.
Life has had its ups and downs—over the past year, I’ve battled career stress and my husband’s health issues, maintaining, losing, and regaining the same 10 pounds repeatedly. But a recent mindset course rekindled my determination. I rediscovered my “why” and have recommitted to my journey, aiming to lose 100 pounds. A mantra on my wall, “Aim High, Aim True,” keeps me motivated, reminding me to push forward for Charlotte.
Some of my happiest moments are the little ones with Charlotte: streaming workouts together, her using her tiny one-pound weights, calling them “tights,” and mimicking my squats right beside me. Our walks with the dogs—me holding Liberty’s leash and Charlotte holding Ruby’s—bring so much joy. She even encourages healthy habits, like drinking water, just like her grandma taught her. Seeing her learn and grow makes every struggle worth it.
I grew up learning the value of hard work from my father, and now I carry that into my career and my motherhood. Working full-time while raising Charlotte is challenging, but I’m blessed with supportive parents who help watch her. This allows me to teach her important values, show her what a strong woman looks like, and provide her with opportunities she wouldn’t have otherwise. Our days together—like walking her to kindergarten—are treasures I hold close.
I never imagined my “why” would be my daughter, but Charlotte truly is. She inspires every workout, every healthy choice, every decision to push myself further. She is my shining star, my motivation, my reason for persevering through struggles and celebrating victories. Watching her copy my exercises, cheer during our walks, and embrace healthy habits fills me with pride. She makes every challenge, every triumph, and every step of my journey worthwhile.
