Introducing Bridget Black: A Royal Oak Mom

Introducing Bridget!

:: Down with Detroit ::

I was born and raised in Colorado. I really had no plans of leaving since that’s where all my people reside (except for my soul sister in CA). I have to tell you, when I got the news that we were moving to Detroit, I was a little freaked out. When I told people where I was moving, other people freaked out. “You’re moving to where? Oh, my!” I’m not gonna lie to you, I was bracing myself for a neglected and dangerous city. A year later, I can’t believe that was even a concern. Granted, I live in my suburb of Detroit bubble, but man, this place is bumpin’ – everywhere I go, I’m amazed.

Downtown Detroit is so cool – like the Paris of The Midwest (I have that shirt!). But seriously, the architecture, history, restaurants and THE COMEBACK are no joke. I live on the north end of Royal Oak, and love exploring our close by neighborhoods, and the parks – GUYS, there are parks EVERYWHERE! If you would have asked me a year ago if I was going to be happy here, I’m not sure it would have been 100% yes, but this place feels like home. I adore the beauty (except the grey days), the kind people I meet, the new restaurants I find, the gorgeous buildings downtown I’m in awe of, and the beautiful lush foliage. I’m so thankful that we landed here.

:: My Life ::

I met my husband, Jason in college back in Boulder, Colorado (Go Buffs!). We’ve been together for over 14 years, and married for almost eight. We’ve traveled around the world (literally) and love finding new places to explore. Some of our favorite places include Colombia, Nicaragua, Bali, and don’t forget Iceland and Italy with a 9 month old in tow. Jason is honestly my rock – he probably knows me better than I know myself. I couldn’t live without him, or at least I don’t want to. He’s a great dad and an amazing husband. He’s there to pick me up when I fall smack on my face [enter our move to Michigan here].

We moved to Michigan last winter for my husband’s job opportunity. I’d like to consider myself a pretty savvy planner, and I really thought I had this move in the bag. I was prepared, positive and upbeat, but boy did it knock me on my butt. I was totally lost. Aside from my family of four, I left everything in Colorado – my parents, my sister, my mother in law, my crew of best friends, and lifeline of mom friends. Oh, and the sun. I’ve done a ton of soul searching over the last year, and I’ve learned a lot about myself in a short amount of time. I realized that I really needed to start taking care of myself and changing the bad tapes I play in my head everyday. Above all, I realized moving away from your tribe and rebuilding is hard, exhausting and heartbreaking. Even the best planners can’t plan to cover that field.

Anyways, a year later, I feel like a new version of myself – someone I hadn’t seen since before my pregnancy with my youngest. I’m still a work in progress, but I’m in rebuilding mode. I really love it here in Michigan, and I’m excited to continue to build my community here.

Outside of being a mom, I like working out, good food, and I’m never one to shy away from a glass of champagne or wine (obviously why I work out). I like being outside, soaking in the sun, and love to travel. I really love helping people – whether that be a friend, another mom, or my family. I’ve always believed deep in my heart I was placed on this earth to help others. I love a good dose of sarcasm. I consider myself to be the behind the scenes calming and encouraging force in events or circumstances (excluding my own personal life – go figure!).

:: Babies and Beyond ::

I have two really cool kids – Maddie (4) and Bodie (1 ½), who I stay home with full time. Maddie is like the cool version of who I wish I were at her age. She loves crafting, she’s got a beautiful voice, a heart made out of pure gold, and insight beyond her years. She adores her little brother and is always there next to me helping out. Bodie has been cool, calm and collected since the moment he was born. He is pretty easy going, loves dogs, his big sister, and his “Da Da.” He will throw any object resembling a ball, and there’s no counter too high to climb. You can find our family a few nights a week having a full on dance party in the kitchen.

I’m thrilled to be joining DMB as a contributor, and to connect with more mamas in Detroit. I’d love to help other families with their own move, provide a little humor on the days and throws of motherhood, and mostly just support all moms on this journey. It’s hard and the more we talk about the hard parts, the easier they seem and the less alone we feel. Most of all, by sharing the hardships, we then can enjoy the good moments, because as we all know, the good moments far outnumber the bad!