Jessica Walter
I am a working mom who left the education world after 7 years to pursue my business career. I work as a product developer at a local insurance company and love it. My husband and sons are my world. We struggled for 3 years with fertility prior to adopting our first son. Later, we really wanted him to have a sibling so pursued IVF using donor embryos (because we firmly believe love makes a family) and were then blessed with our second son. When I’m not working or playing the wife/mom role, I love to run, read, bake, write, and tinker with photography. We all have a story to share and I hope some of my experiences will help others.
What to do When Your Toddler Hits
I remember playing at the park and felt so bad when I saw a toddler having all kinds of big feelings which turned into a giant slap to his mom's face. My son was...
Protecting Your Mental Health During the Winter
You are making dinner and look out your window to see the first fresh sheet of snow cover your yard. A sense of happy peace overcomes you. It is early December and there is...
Air Fryer Recipes for the Busy Mama
When I first saw everyone buying an air fryer, I didn’t get the hype. I like to eat healthy. Air fried Oreos? No thanks. Then, my mother-in-law made us an air-fryer dinner; my fingers...
A Holiday Bucket List
The holiday season is officially here! There is so many things to do to celebrate the season. A holiday bucket list is a great way to make sure you check off everything the whole...
Five Things Not to Say to Adoptive Parents
When you are an adoptive parent, nothing prepares you for the cringeworthy things people say. Keep in mind, everyone is well-intended, but that doesn't mean words don't leave us feeling a certain way. My...
Ending Toxic Diet Culture and Why it’s Important
It starts before we realize what it actually is. This notion that being healthy or attractive equates to being thin. We see it in commercials with the slender supermodel slowly drinking her Diet Coke....
9 Halloween Activities for a Fun-Filled, Safe Halloween
Halloween is in a couple weeks and there is still time to get creative! Some of us just can't get enough of pumpkin carving, making spooky treats, and having fun with friends and neighbors....
Weekend Fall Activities In + Around Lansing
As summer comes to a close, we look ahead to fall and a new season of fun! We live in a city that is filled with so much to do! The temps may be...
Embryo Adoption: Another Fertility Option
After reading the title, many of you are probably thinking what I thought when I heard the phrase, "embryo adoption": “What is that?” I remember sitting in a Catholic marital class when I first...
U-Pick Apple Orchards In + Around Lansing
Many get sad this time of year. Summer is dwindling and our days of sun kissed skin will soon be done for the time being. I am not one of those people. The minute...