DMMB Expands Contributor Team: Meet Courtney and Kelsey

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dmmb_flowerAs we reflect upon all the amazing things that have happened this past year, we can’t thank you enough for helping us grow our online and offline community. We’re thrilled you’re bringing your friends to our events, sharing us on social media, and suggesting your favorite businesses partner with us.

DMMB has grown drastically in terms of readers, sponsors, and events in this short time. In responding to the needs of our community, we are excited to offer more events, more resources, and we are adding new roles and voices to our team!

In July, we brought on Jackie Strawn as our Play Date Coordinator to assist with our monthly play dates. In August we moved a couple of our writers into enhanced positions: Angela Squires has taken over our Managing Editor role and Rachel Verzani our Social Media Coordinator position.

In September we put out an open call for new writers. After a lengthy and difficult selection process, we are honored to announce our new contributors. These new mamas have remarkable stories, talents, and passions to share; and we can’t wait for you to get to know them!


Meet Courtney

wagler_introHi! My name is Courtney Wagler and I am the mom of two boys. I have always wanted to be a mom; and Finnean (December 2008) and Hutchinson (July 2011) made that wish come true. I get to do life with them every day. I can’t say that parenting boys is exactly what I thought it would be. I say things daily that I never thought I would have to say. For example: please don’t lick my shoe, please don’t tackle the dog, why are there teeth marks on the toilet paper roll? The list goes on and on. They definitely keep me on my toes. With that said, I love what having little boys has to offer. We love going on adventures and I love seeing life through their eyes. I never thought I would be so excited to see a huge tractor on the road or the creepiest bug I have ever seen, but I am. I love seeing things that make them smile, and I absolutely adore making memories with them.

I have also learned, in my almost 5 years of parenting, that it is hard. It is not all adventures and giggles; it is also tantrums and screaming. It is real. And it is so hard. I am so thankful for the support of my husband, Michael. We make one heck of a team, and he is definitely the peanut butter to my jelly. We have been married since 2006. We grew up in small town Iowa and have absolutely loved living in the Des Moines area since then. I am also thankful for my friends and family who surround and help us on this wild ride of parenting. It really does take a village!waglerboys

I have a great passion for helping people and also for our fabulous mini city, Des Moines, and that is what I hope to share with you! I hope you read along about the adventures we go on (most of them on a budget!) and the joys (and struggles) of a stay-at-home mom. I am excited to be a part of the Des Moines Moms Blog team, and I love connecting with other moms. We need to stick together, help each other out, and laugh at the craziness that motherhood has to offer.

So, is parenting all that I do?! No way, life is too short. I live for catching up with girlfriends and date nights withwagler_intro my husband. Michael and I love both staying in and heading out on the town. A “Casey’s pizza and Netflix date” after the boys are in bed or hitting up a concert – both are just as fun to us, as long as we are together! I love taking pictures of the world around me and that often includes my boys, trying to catch those moments that are zipping by. I co-founded a local jewelry business, Bare Root Designs; it is the perfect complement to being at home with the boys. Add in our church activities and you have a pretty full schedule. I wouldn’t change it for anything.

Be sure to check out this darling giveaway from Bare Root Designs happening now on our giveaway page!


Meet Kelsey

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Hey, I’m Kelsey! Pleased to meet you! When I became a mom, I felt like I joined an awesome community of women, and today I’m thrilled to join Des Moines Moms Blog to meet even more moms! I want to learn from you and hear your experiences as much as a I want to share mine with you!

KelseyRooney

Here’s a little about me:

  • I live in Waukee with my husband of seven years, Eric.
  • We’ve got a little girl named Rooney. She’s 20 months old and 100% awesome. She teaches me way more than I teach her.
  • I’m a believer and follower of Jesus Christ.
  • I stay home with my daughter on Wednesdays (my favorite day of the week for that reason!).
  • I suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety after my daughter was born. I have a heart for new mothers — it can be so hard!
  • I love love love talking about baby names.

I want to meet you! You can email me or find me on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.

KelseyWilliamsfamilybike

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