Meet our March Mama of the Month, Kathryn Berken!
Tell us about your family!
My husband, Jared, and I have been married for 9 years in May. We met in college in Pennsylvania, moved to his home state of Washington for 6 years after college, and moved back to Pennsylvania after having Emilia in January 2021. Thomas joined us in May of 2023.
Where is your hometown?
Hollidaysburg, PA (about 2 hours east of Pittsburgh)
What is/was your current/previous career?
I was a dental hygienist until Emilia was about 14 months old, then I made the change to stay-at-home mom. Fun story: I actually was 5 months pregnant with Emilia when I graduated from hygiene school in 2020.
How did you find FIT4MOM?
It was either Jamie or Nicole who posted an advertisement on a Cranberry Facebook group! I was intrigued by the idea of having my daughter present during the workouts, rather than in a childcare room at a gym, as well as meeting other moms since we had recently moved to the area.
How long have you been a member of FIT4MOM North Hills, and what has it done for you?
It's crazy to think that it's been three years in August! It's given me something just for me. That probably sounds selfish, but these years before school age can feel isolating! Unless we make time for something we enjoy, it just doesn't happen, because as parents, we have a lot of responsibilities. I enjoyed working out before having kids, so it's been amazing to have this time to take care of myself without the guilt of feeling like I have to choose between working out and taking care of my kids. Even better, my kids and I get to meet people and have much-needed interactions with playdates and mom nights!
What is your favorite class exercise?
I prefer activities that focus on strength over endurance, so I enjoy exercises like squats, lunges, and weight training.
What classes do you currently attend, and why do you love them?
We do mostly Stroller Strides at Knob Hill Park. They're great workouts that get my heart rate up, and are adaptive to those times Thomas wants to be held.
What is something that has surprised you about motherhood?
How often babies eat! And how much you grow as a person in the best ways. It's definitely made me more patient, understanding (even to other adults), and appreciative of what's important in life.
What is your proudest mommy moment so far?
I feel proud, really, anytime Emilia and Thomas are playing and laughing. It's been our priority for them to have a strong bond, so either intentionally or unintentionally, sometimes it works. It took me back recently when I went to make a smoothie with the blender, and Thomas was very afraid of it because he knew it made a loud noise. Without prompting, Emilia got up and said, “That's my boy," hugged him, and led him upstairs to his room to be away from the loud noise until I was done making us all smoothies.
What advice would you go back and tell yourself as a new mom?
Don't sweat the small stuff. As long as they're healthy, you don't need to track every diaper, bottle, or minute of sleep.
Anything else you'd like to add?
It's been nice to meet everyone through our Stroller Strides; everyone, from participants to instructors, has been great to get to know. Thank you all!