Each month, we're celebrating a member of FIT4MOM Las Cruces for her commitment to a healthy lifestyle and dedication to FIT4MOM.
This month, we're spotlighting a strong mom who brings positive energy to our classes! Meet our Mom of the Month for December: Danielle Andrews
Tell us about who is in your family!
I have 2 babies. My daughter Violet, the one who made me a mom will be 3 in January. My adventurous and sweet son Miles is now 20 months. And my husband Scott. When my husband and I met I was the crazy dog lady and he was the weird cat man. We have a golden doodle pup named Cole and 2 cats: Stella & Murphy.
Where is your hometown?
Springfield, MA
How did you find FIT4MOM?
When I lived in California, I went to see a lactation specialist near my home with Miles. She told me about a local FIT4MOM group and gave me a flyer. I kept intending to check it out and then: LIFE. We moved to Las Cruces when Miles was 6months old. When stopping in at the HOA office for my neighborhood one of the ladies told me about the local FIT4MOM group that she sees at Sagecrest Park. I pushed myself to check it out being new here! I knew I needed a sense of community and to meet people in the same phase of life.
What is/was your career?
I am a RN. I worked in high-risk obstetrics and gynecology the first 2 years of my career. The bulk of my career I worked at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta in the Cardiac ICU and for the ECMO Department. It is a very challenging population, I miss and love those kids. Every summer we would staff a camp with with medical staff with 250 of our heart warrior kids. The last few years I have worked with a company “RoHealth” that contracts school nurses across the US. I have worked as a clinical nurse supervisor for county school systems.
How long have you been a member of FIT4MOM Las Cruces, and what has it done for you?
I just hit my one year! It’s been great for my mental health to have community and meet other amazing mamas in the same stage of life.
What is your favorite class? And your favorite exercise move?
I love the energy I feel after a Strides 360 class or a morning run with Run Club+! Truthfully I enjoy each class for different things. I love the engagement with our littles at Stroller Strides, and love the soreness I feel the day after Barre!
What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
I either have my floors clean, my hair washed or my bed made—it never happens in the same day anymore! 😂 But really, it was a rude awakening for me when I took Miles home. In the ICU, I could swaddle and put a pod of 8 babies to sleep. But they had low heart function, were sedated, and I could lay them on their belly with a plush toy propping a pacifier in their mouth. When I took Miles home I questioned how to safely swaddle him. And how to simply sleep! All the things!
What are three of your favorite things?
Travel, exploring cultures through food and coffee and a massage.
What is your proudest mommy moment so far?
When Miles looks at me and simply says “happy”. That’s all we want right?
What advice would you give to a new mother?
Let people help you when offered, do not be too proud. Let your best friend do your laundry if that’s what she wants to do! And a grilled cheese sandwich and a heated up carton of tomato soup is a homemade meal. Being a mom is hard and rewarding all in the same moments.
Anything else you'd like to add?
Grateful for this community and all the mamas!
We are so lucky to have Danielle in our village. It wouldn't be the same without her and Miles!
