The Face It Podcast

Today we talk with Kim as part of our mini-series on family dynamics. Thirteen years ago Kim decided she wanted to have a baby and chose to take the donor route and do it on her own.

Like many Gen X women, Kim was raised believing she would have it all; a career of her choosing AND a happy marriage and kids.  Her Midwestern upbringing gave her a great foundation, but she was curious about life beyond the cornfields, so moved to LA in her early 20's. Kim assumed it would be a short (and hopefully exciting!) chapter, before settling down. The early years of a fast paced media career were great fun, full of unexpected experiences and opportunities, but dating in my 20's & 30's did not deliver the spectacular guy she always thought would appear.  Kim's parents gave her their best life example, which was how to build a family with someone you truly loved, but she had to write my own revised edition.  So after a LOT of soul searching--and some tough conversations with medical experts who deal in statistics NOT romantic dreams!--Kim decided to take the steps to become a single mom by choice.  She still believes her guy is out there, and she'll meet him exactly when she's supposed to, but is 100% certain that this path was the one destined for her.

With the support of her biological family, and incredible chosen family of true blue friends, Kim is building a life she could have never could have imagined.  Most important of all,  helping her son understand that having him was, and still is, the very best decision she has ever made.

You can reach Kim at [email protected] or at Chapter3Productions.

Resources:

Books: It's NOT the Stork! and The Family Book by Todd Parr.

Dr's: Dr. Sam Najmabadi, at the Center for Reproductive Health & Gynocology. (There are clearly an increasing numbers of fertility options. It's really important to find the right doctor/practice to guide you through this process, especially those equipped to help guide single parents or alternative families.)

and

Dr. Sheryl Ross, OB/GYN, women's health expert/advocate and published author (she-ology & she-ology, the she-quel).

Kim also recommends looking into, Cord Blood Registry for storing cord blood stem cells and the advances made in medicine. 

In this episode we speak with Zee about choosing to have a baby and being pregnant at 47.  She shares her story of working hard and focusing on her career, while also enjoying the youthful life California has to offer; ultimately making her way to motherhood on her terms. 

*Special shout out to Zee's mom, Chris for being by her side and a constant source of support.*

We are kicking off our next series of conversations surrounding unique family dynamics; by choice or by circumstance. Starting with Brett, you will hear the common element of our podcast, overcoming adversity and/or major life challenges. By sharing these stories our goal is to help inspire and motivate others. 

Brett's story of facing adversity starts at the ripe age of 5. He started working at 7 years old and really had himself to count on. You will hear that Brett expresses these intense life challenges with levity, humor and innate desire to succeed. 

We talk with Mackenzie, who also goes by Mack or Kenz! 

Mackenzie studied secondary education with endorsements in English and English as a new language with every intention to start teaching after graduation in 2020; the pandemic had other plans!  We talk with her about how she has navigated a swift change and is now a full time photographer! 

Mackenzie has a love art in all forms, enjoys the great outdoors, especially in her own backyard, in the Pacific Northwest and makes sure to spend time with the people she loves the most.

You can find Mack on her website here: macklloydphotography.com or on Instagram @macklloydphotography

We speak with Jen Burgand about her journey living with a rare autoimmune disease called, Multifocal Motor Neuropathy (MMN).

Jen, a New York City resident, has always lived life to the fullest, 5" heels and all. She is the definition of a strong, embodied, bad a** woman! Her world turned upside down, after the many years of unique symptoms in her leg and foot, when she was officially diagnosed with MMN.  Ever since then, she has been bound and determined to turn her world right side up again; and has. 

You can connect with Jen on Instagram @Pringipissa or find her at work helping others through their own journey on her Facebook Group: MMN Multifocal Motor Neuropathy WARRIORS, https://www.facebook.com/groups/2502792023269295

We spend time talking with Rachel Rowley, fitness trainer, nutrition coach and all around inspiring human who has overcome adversity in her childhood, including alcohol addiction. She has a unique love of life, and is gifted at teaching others how to love themselves.

You can connect with Rachel on Instagram @rachelannrowley or at www.rachelrowley.me/