Hi, I’m Rachael, wife, former genetic counselor, and most importantly, stay-at-home mom of two beautiful and (too quickly) growing boys. I am mostly organized, working on being flexible, and a constant work in progress. I love making lists, doing research, reading, cooking, home improvement and decorating, beauty and fashion, and improving myself.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the suburbs north of Detroit, MI.
What or who has affected who you have become?
The biggest things to shape and mold me into the person I am today, have been my family, my church, and my education.
Are you married?
Yes. I started dating my husband, Jason, while I was in college. We got married right after I graduated, moved to Pittsburgh, and have called it home ever since. Like all marriages, we have had our ups and downs. To my continued amazement, we have managed to grow from the people we were 13 years ago, still moving in the same direction, and loving who the other has become. Jason has been my rock all these years, supporting me during times of uncertainty, comforting and understanding me, but most importantly, he has continued to love me through it all.
What defines you?
For most of my life, academia and education were the largest defining factors of who I was. I earned an academic scholarship to Wayne State University, where I received a BS in Chemistry. After starting a PhD program in Biology, I decided to take some time off to soul search, or as my advisor at the time said, “sit on my ass, and eat bon-bons.” I ultimately found that Genetic Counseling was the right career path for me.
I earned a dual Masters from the University of Pittsburgh in Genetic Counseling and Public Health Genetics. I became board certified in 2013 and worked in a specialized pediatric clinic for 2 years. At that point in my life, my career was my dream and focus. No one could’ve convinced me that anything would ever become more important, and certainly not redefine who I was as a woman.
Now, being a wife and mother define who I am. I used to think being a mother wouldn’t make me feel fulfilled, but I was so wrong. There is nothing truer than, “I am, because they are.”
What is the biggest adventure you have taken in life?
The biggest adventure we have taken to date is that of parenthood.
In June 2015, we welcomed our first son, Rocco, into the world. His birth enriched our lives in every way. I cannot imagine a life without my son in it, or anyone else as his mother. He gave my life a new purpose and meaning that I never thought was possible. I love being his mother, it is pure joy. After meeting my son, I chose to put my career on hold and now have the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom. With that said, there are always things we struggle with. After Rocco’s birth, I was diagnosed with mild PPD (postpartum depression), and continued to have in the back of my mind the whisperings that I not enough as a mother. The reality that I had always connected my career and my identity, made the transition into motherhood challenging for me.
Eighteen months later, we got pregnant with our second child. Following a difficult pregnancy and traumatic birth, we welcomed our second son, Declan, into the world in September 2017. Between the stress and trauma from Declan’s birth, the uncertainty of our financial situation after Jason lost his job, my feelings of inadequacy as a mother, and my underlying depression and anxiety, it culminated in a severe depression that after a year, I feel I am mostly out from under its control. I invite you to read more about my birth stories in my article, Pregnancy, Babies, and Depression: My Birth Stories.
Parenthood continues to be an ongoing adventure filled with uncertainty, frustration, joy, and laughter.
What do you hope will be your greatest accomplishment in life?
I hope my greatest accomplishments in life are living life to its fullest, loving with all my heart, embracing the moment, and living with no regrets.
What are your passions?
I am Italian, so it goes without saying, that I love food and I love to eat. I appreciate simple dishes, showcasing fresh ingredients, shared in good company. Food has such an important place in my life, that most of my memories are strongly tied to the flavors of great meals. The same is true of my travels, where I have enjoyed many a great meal, and appreciated the beauty that surrounds me. I enjoy learning about other cultures, and experiencing the beauty God has created. It never ceases to render me speechless how beautiful the world we live in is. I have a longtime love for design and architecture that has fueled many a home improvement and decorating project. I love shopping. But more specifically, I enjoy finding great deals on items that I love, and that goes for clothes, shoes, and home décor. I have a desire to find ways to make myself feel beautiful, both inside and out. I want to be happy, healthy, and enjoy every day of my life as the best version of myself.
What is your design style?
I would describe my design style as somewhat eclectic, blending favorite elements from several styles including- traditional, transitional, French country, and farmhouse to achieve a design aesthetic that feels fresh, comfortable, and refined. I appreciate timeless elements, reclaimed pieces, dark woods, and neutral colors to achieve a sophisticated, classic, comfortable, and balanced design. I prefer tried-and-true over trends, adding in a few current accessories to create spaces that are always in style and looking fresh.
What is your fashion style?
I would describe my fashion style as timeless and figure-flattering. I mostly gravitate towards neutral colors- particularly, black and beige. But I try to keep things interesting by incorporating current trends into my wardrobe, whether that be in the form of a statement necklace, thigh-high boots, or a blouse with a pop of color. I love paisley, lace, and stripes. My style has evolved since becoming a mother, mostly due to accommodating my new body.
Why a blog?
I started on this blogging journey in hopes of making a difference, finding purpose, and rebuilding my confidence after a year that has drained much of what I used to be. I hope to be able to share and connect with other women. The last year of my life, has taught me how important it is to embrace life and live in the moment. This blog will be a place for inspiration, advice, and support, to remind you that you aren’t alone. So, I hope you will enjoy living this imperfect life in the moment with me!
