Hi! I’m Jessica. I was born three weeks past my due date on New Years Eve in Baltimore, Maryland. I am notoriously late, and I always joke that my chronic lateness started at birth. As a stereotypical ADHD Capricorn, I’m ambitious, determined, and stubborn, but not in every aspect of my life. I remind myself that perfection isn’t everything.
I love to read. Reading has been a big passion of mine, offering an escape from the stresses of everyday life. Growing up, I devoured books by Stephen King and Nicholas Sparks. I took a break for a while, but in December 2018, I picked up a romance novel and haven’t looked back. This year, I promised myself I’d start reviewing books on Instagram.
I love cooking, though my husband Greg does most of it so we don’t eat at 9:00 p.m. When inspiration strikes, I enjoy creating new recipes. It’s my creative outlet. I’m also a concert junkie; whether it’s country, punk, or pop, if there’s a show in Detroit, I’m there.
In 2022 I started my own company, helping with my family’s business in property preservation and mortgage inspections. It was terrifying, and I doubted my abilities. I always knew I’d run the business one day, but not now. That was unexpected. Thankfully, with my Capricorn persistence and my husband by my side, it’s been a success.
How I Put Myself First
I recently started a health journey of meditation, journaling, exercising, and reading. I take thirty minutes before getting the boys ready for school to focus on me. Anything to stay healthy and prolong my life.
As the only woman in a testosterone-filled house, I cherish my alone time. Whether it’s a Target run, getting a mani/pedi at my favorite nail salon, or book club a few times a month, “me time” is essential. My husband and I believe that parenting doesn’t mean losing ourselves. He supports my week-long girls’ trips to North Carolina and weekend-long music festivals, just as I support his camping and week-long fishing trips.
Some people question how I can be away from my family that long, saying the time for fun is over. Do I feel guilty? Yes, and I probably always will. But taking time for myself doesn’t make me less of a mom or wife. I was me before I was a Mrs. and Mom.
My Family
Greg and I met at a party in Lansing in October 2007 and have been inseparable ever since. He’s my best friend, biggest supporter, and never fails to make me laugh. We spent half our relationship in East Lansing, which I loved as a die-hard Spartan fan. How I ended up with a Michigan fan living just a town over from MSU, I’ll never understand, but it makes for a fun house-divided rivalry. Summer of 2013, we had a beautiful beach wedding at Bay Harbor in Petoskey, a day so special that people still talk about it.
Our American Eskimo, JoJo, has been with us for almost 12 years. He’s not the friendliest and only likes our family, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
In 2016, we became parents to Jameson, our easygoing firstborn and a Puerto Rican version of my husband. In 2018, Macallan arrived—my mini-me. Buchanan joined us in early 2020, a spitting image of my mom, as everyone loves to remind me. Our fourth (and final!) son, Deveron, was born in 2021 and is our wild child. And yes, if you noticed the theme, we named them after whiskeys!
I stay as involved in my boys’ school as my schedule allows. I joined the Parent Club in 2022 and now lead the school’s biggest fundraising event. Our boys want to be just like their dad, especially on the soccer field. Watching them play with AYSO, grow, and have fun makes our busy, chaotic life so worth it!
Where I Call Home
My husband and I moved to Washington Twp. almost eight years ago, and it’s the perfect blend of small-town charm and community. I’ve experienced suburbia, country, and city life, and this feels just right. We love the strong sense of community at our boys’ school, our local AYSO, and the friendships we’ve built along the way. One of our favorite spots is Brown Iron Brewhouse. We found it while house hunting, and their burnt ends are amazing. Being roughly an hour from Detroit makes it easy to keep up with family traditions like Greenfield Village for Halloween and Christmas and catching sporting events whenever we can.
A Defining Moment in Motherhood
A few months ago, my oldest son told me I work too much and never spend time with him. It broke my heart. I had been working 100+ hours a week and crashing from exhaustion. He just wanted me, and I realized that won’t last forever. Since then, I’ve made one-on-one time with each of my boys a priority, whether it’s playing Roblox, shooting hoops, kicking a soccer ball, or reading an extra book at bedtime. Slowing down and truly connecting with each of them has been amazing.
Why Motherhood + Community Are So Important
Having a community of moms makes all the difference. You’re surrounded by those living the same chaos and challenges you are. Through Parent Club and school, I’ve connected with other moms, fellow boys moms, and those with four kids, and their support has been incredible. Sharing experiences and lifting each other up has been truly amazing.
My Intentions With Detroit Mom
I hope that by sharing my life and passions, I can make other moms feel something–laughter when they read about the chaos of my kids, or hope by knowing that it’s okay to have something just for you. When Elizabeth described the Detroit Mom community, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. To connect with other moms, support each other, and just be there. I hope to be that for someone too.
