Oh, hey there, mamas! My name is Andee (short for Andrea, which I typically cringe to hear, because I was really only called that when I was in trouble back in the day), and I am a proud and beyond blessed mommy to my son, who recently turned 7. I am totally “that” boy mom who is over the moon about her little guy! He’s just SO much fun, very witty, and genuinely kind. We are on the north side of Indy, kind of in one of those areas where if you simply cross the street, you are in a different county. I grew up north in the “Region” in Dyer, Indiana, and then went to Ball State University for journalism. After college and a training program in Minnesota, I ended up in Indianapolis. I loved to write, and still do, but my fire in the belly grew for teaching and coaching. So, I secured my Master’s Degree in Secondary Education and taught high school English for nine years before having my son.
I always thought I would go back to teaching, but the truth is I had never dreamed how much I would embrace motherhood and immerse myself in being a mama! From the moment I gave birth, I just knew what my new calling was, and so it began; I became a stay-at-home mom. That was a really fun, challenging, enlightening, beautiful, stressful, exciting time of my life. I was elated to be able to see all of his “firsts” to be with him all the time, to whine about the toddler tantrums as well as nights of disrupted sleep, but to revel in the joys of all the little things each and every day. Yes, I truly have always been that mom, the one who takes a million pictures of him and can’t wait to tell others all the cute or hilarious things he says or does! “Sorry, not sorry,”!
Once my little boy started school, I felt a new fire in the belly emerge: I had a huge passion for helping others with their health and fitness journey! I became a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant. My clients are often a highlight of my days; I love seeing people’s self-image transform into a positive, “I can do it” mindset, not to mention watching their quality of life improve, their medications being reduced or eliminated, pounds dropping, body fat dwindling, clothes fitting better, and most of all, improved confidence and functionality of everyday tasks such as walking upstairs or playing with grandkids. It is very, very personally rewarding to be in this line of work, and I am grateful every day. I love to inspire and be inspired. In my free time when I’m not “momming” or writing or training others, I excitedly pursue my passions of CrossFit, running, and reading.
Being a writer for Indianapolis Moms has been nothing less than amazing! I love writing about health and fitness topics, but also motherhood, personal growth, humorous twists on serious subjects, and more. I feel like these past years of writing have chronicled all my ups and downs of motherhood, career changes, of a body transformation, friendship and relationship issues, and more. It has also been fun appearing on WISH-TV to discuss certain blogs. The best part of Indianapolis Moms is our tribe; the other contributors are caring and genuine, and we all love being able to share our voice, our untold stories, our personal lives to help others, or even just to make someone smile or laugh, or feel they are not alone in this crazy journey of life…that we have all struggled, and life isn’t always sunshine and daisies. These women are my jam! When we do get to see each other, which is never enough due to crazy schedules (a.k.a. life!), it is filled with laughter, endearing words and the unspoken gift of unconditional support. Our editor is a boss, not just in the official way because she is our boss, but a boss at leading, at guiding us, at praising us and uniting us. (No, stop, Kait, you’re crying!)
I feel incredibly privileged to be able to share my experiences through this amazing, growing, compassionate platform. We are all the voice of motherhood. I encourage you to continue to follow Indianapolis Moms and enjoy the potpourri of voices, backgrounds, and experiences!
