Meet Rochelle, a New Genesee County Mom

Hi, I’m Rochelle, a new Genesee County mom! I am not a new mom but it does seem that motherhood brings me something new each day so I am definitely still learning along the way. As soon as I think to myself, okay I got this, I am shoved back into the reality that bigger kids are still a ton of work like babies- just with more driving! I am so passionate about connecting with other moms.

If there’s one thing that I have learned through the years it’s that motherhood is not a competition and it is so much more fun with friends! None of us really know what we are doing so creating a support system and lifting one another up is essential in my book. 

I spent the first half my childhood growing up in Waterford and then moved to Clarkston where I finished school. After graduation, I started college at U of M-Flint but was surprised with a pregnancy after a year in. I was 20 when I had my first daughter, Juliana. Looking back now I was so young and naive but she blessed me in ways that I can never put into words {these precious miracles do that to us, amiright?}. When she was a few months old I met my husband, Rob, and even though neither of us were looking for a relationship, God had other plans. I moved to Macomb where we spent the next 10 years. Rob and I were married in 2006 and I gained 3 wonderful bonus children: RJ, who is now 21 and in the Marines and Katie and Kayla, who are now beautiful 15 year old young ladies. That same year we welcomed our first daughter together, Brooklyn. And if things weren’t crazy enough we added another daughter in 2009, Macie. So yes you counted that right, 5 girls and a boy {insert hug for my poor husband}.

So you must be wondering how I ended up back in Genesee County?! Well, because of a lot of hard work, communication, and trust we moved to Clio to be closer to my daughter’s biological father and his family {take a breath, I know it’s crazy!}.

We started off small by having joint birthday parties and built a great foundation for a wonderful co-parenting relationship. As she grew so did her social calendar and it just made sense to live closer {an hour and a half drive on a Friday evening in Metro Detroit is NOT fun}. So August of 2015 we packed up and bought a house in what we call the country. It has been a bit of an adjustment for this city gal but watching my girls thrive this past year has absolutely made me realize that we made the best decision for our family. I have witnessed my oldest daughter relax so much, not worrying about missing activities for either of her families and letting go of that guilt that a child with a split family can carry. I know this scenario is not for everyone but it surely feels right for us.

After a year of living “up north” I feel that we are finally getting settled in and I am really excited to explore more of Genesee County. I love fashion so I’m always trying to find new boutiques and support local businesses. And I am frequently on the hunt for a good date night restaurant.

I can’t wait to share my experiences with YOU! If you have any suggestions for a new mama in the area feel free to comment below, I’d love to hear from you!