Detroit Mom Welcomes Kelcie, A Troy Mom

Hello! My name is Kelcie Leedy. I’m a 31-year-old stay-at-home mom living in Troy. I’m excited to join Detroit Mom as a writing contributor. I have a degree in journalism from Grand Valley State University, and I’m looking forward to getting back into writing. When I have free time I love to read, write, travel, do yoga and spinning, play video games, and watch 90 Day Fiancé (my guilty pleasure).

I love going to Disney World, and planning my next trip to Orlando is one of my favorite pastimes. During the fall you’ll find me gearing up to cheer for my favorite team the Green Bay Packers (sorry, Detroit!). I also love to play fantasy football, and I run a league with family and friends.

Self-Care

I struggle with putting myself first because I have very little family support near me. All of my family lives far away, and we don’t always have room in the budget for a babysitter. Self-care for me often is just watching a show that I love, or playing a video game. I also love reading and listening to audio books, and once every other month or so I participate in a virtual book club.

Sometimes even just a hot shower and some skin care can go a long way. I also find it so important for myself and my son to try to spend even just a little time outside each day. A little fresh air and vitamin D can really improve my mood. 

My Family

I met my husband of seven years, Cam, while attending Grand Valley State University. He worked with my friend and came to a party at our apartment. The rest is history! He works in the mortgage industry.

I have one four-year-old son, Declan. He is the light of my life, and I love watching him grow. He’s just now finishing up his first year of preschool, and he loves to learn and play with his friends. Lately he has been so into drawing and coloring, and it’s amazing to me to see what his imagination comes up with. My approach to being a mom has been to try to be easy-going, and give both Declan and myself grace. We are both learning as we go.

Living in Metro Detroit

I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, but I’ve learned to love and embrace the lifestyle in metro Detroit. The U.P. is a beautiful place with a lot of outdoor activities, but I love living in the metro Detroit area and being close to a lot of amazing opportunities and activities, such as sporting events, museums, concerts and shows, and the airport. You learn to appreciate how much easier it is to get places when you live next to a major airport! 

We love to visit local parks like Raintree and Innovation Hills, the Detroit Zoo, local events like Troy Family Daze, and events in downtown Detroit, like a Tigers or Lions game, the DNR adventure center, or Disney on Ice. I love any opportunity to get a little Disney magic here at home!

My son goes crazy for all of the vehicles at the Henry Ford Museum. We also love to visit Yates and Blake’s during the fall. We don’t eat out often, but we love to splurge on pizza, Mediterranean food, and sushi. Some of my favorites in downtown Detroit are Mootz Pizzeria, San Morello, and Canelle for a pain au chocolat.

As a new contributor at Detroit Mom, I hope to share things to do in metro Detroit, especially for stay-at-home parents who are looking to entertain their energetic kids! I am also currently navigating the challenges of re-entering the workforce, and would love to share my experience. Parenthood is full of the unexpected, and I hope to be able to share and relate with fellow moms about whatever might inspire me.