Photograph Courtesy of Veralana Photography
PROFILE

NAME: DC Metro Mommy

GOAL: To bring readers a FREE online guide to the best shops, services, activities and everyday essentials in the DC area.

INSPIRATION: After charting a tough course through my first year of motherhood, I decided to help other parents in the DC Metro area. After routing through the maze of products, stores and events that were available for parents I made it my mission to share the wealth of information. My hope is that my website provides you with fun and helpful facts that save you time and make life a little easier.

UNEXPECTED SURPRISE: Blogging came as an after thought to the site and it has quickly become a favorite of mine and DC Metro Mommy readers. I love the bloggers that contribute to the site. Each holds a unique perspective and experience on parenting. Tune in for the fun!

Beyond the vendor list, I have incorporated some fun content that covers the “latest” and “greatest” products that can be found under the our Blog Village. In addition, the Blog Villages offers readers a diverse and unique community of parents that bring their humor, experiences and knowledge to you. That is DC Metro Mommy. Now go forth and surf the site for wonderful, everyday information that is sure to help you. I welcome your thoughts and feedback about the site. I also encourage you to send in your own DC Metro Mommy “Must Haves”. If you have a product, place or event that you would like to share, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to help us spread the good word.

THE FULL STORY:

I was motivated to create this website after the birth of my daughter. She was and continues to be my inspiration. The site's material was developed through all of the trials and tribulations I went through during her first year of life. As I am sure most new moms will understand, I was in scary, uncharted territory during those first few months of motherhood. I constantly second guessed myself and never felt like I had the answer that I needed. This was new for me. After spending 15 years in corporate America, I was a self- assured, outgoing individual that was confident of my abilities and knowledge base. So one would think with all this ego that I would be a solid candidate for children. Right? Wrong! After two weeks of motherhood, any shred of self-worth vaporized. It was all GONE! Despite immersing myself in all things baby prior to the birth of my daughter, NOTHING had adequately prepared me for the experience. I was so sleep deprived that I was ready to report my little buddle of joy to Amnesty International. Sleep deprivation is considered a form of torture and they should be told about her!

Once I got over those first few weeks of chaos and frustration, I committed to tackling every aspect of my new job. After re-reporting for duty, I suddenly discovered that beyond feeding, burping, changing and bathing my child I had NO idea what to do next. I was overwhelmed with the most mundane tasks. How exactly will my infant car seat fit in the grocery cart? Is the answer in one of my books? I was lost. So I put all the “expert” books back on the shelf and started dialing. I started with my closest friends and family. I asked a TON of questions on every topic. I made mental notes of every bit of sage advice that I received on countless topics such as trips to the store, the best playgroups, the use of baby bumpers, solid foods, shots, developmental milestones and loads more. And so began the journey. After two years of parenting in the DC Metro area, I have compiled a solid catalog of the shops, storytimes, budget friendly resources, events, support guides, doctors and everything else you might need to navigate your way through the DC Metro area and beyond.

I created the site, or e-magazine, with the reader in mind. My main goal was to create a website that could help new moms and moms new to the area. I wanted to give people a single source guide for all of their everyday essentials. Need a hairdresser, check the Beauty category. Need reasonably priced furniture source, check our Home Furnishings category. Are you looking for a venue for your child’s next birthday? Take a look at our well stocked Kids Play & Fun page. DC Metro Mommy has everything but the kitchen sink. Now start surfing www.dcmetromommy.com.