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Mom of the month: Kari Ketner

Where are you originally from? I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington.

When did you join FIT4MOM? I joined FIT4MOM in 2017 when my oldest daughter was 8 weeks old.

What classes do you attend? Stroller Strides mostly, occasionally a HIIT class

Who is/are your workout buddy(ies) and their age(s)? Daughters Addison (6.5 years old) and Emily (2 years old)

What is your favorite thing about FIT4MOM? I love the FIT4MOM community. I always feel welcome when I attend a class even if I don't know someone. We have had friends who have graduated from Stroller Strides (who we still see outside of class), but we have made new friends while attending with my 2 year old.

What is your current job? Or what did you do before staying at home (if you don’t currently work outside the home)? I am an occupational therapist/certified hand therapist/Bowen provider/Reiki provider. I work part-time at a clinic called Hands for Living in Lynnwood, Washington. If anyone has any shoulder/elbow/wrist/hand injuries like mommy thumb, come see me! :-)

Share your thoughts on the concept of “it takes a village” – is it important for moms to join a village? It truly takes the support of a village (friends, family, neighbors) to raise your kids. It is one of the hardest (and best) jobs in the world but you can never have enough support from the people around you. It is nice to commiserate about the challenges, rejoice in the successes, and have fun in between! I could not be more grateful for the friends I have met through this group and outside of Fit4Mom since becoming a mom.

What is your favorite beverage? Blended coffee or fresh lemonade

What is your favorite dessert? Tiramisu or ice cream cake

You are given 4 hours of FREE babysitting. What would you do? Enjoy a pedicure/manicure, massage, and cup of coffee with a book.

What is your ultimate child-free vacation destination? Fiji - I want to stay in one of those huts on the water. Or a safari in Africa would also be amazing.

How has becoming a mother changed you? Becoming a mom has made me appreciate the small moments in life, be more patient, and work on the aspects of my life that can use some improvement (motherhood makes you self-reflect a lot!). It is a humbling experience to become a parent, filled with many ups and downs, but I am so grateful to be a mom to my girls.

I am happiest when...I am relaxing with my family and enjoying some delicious food.