For this month’s “Moms We Love” blog, we would like to introduce you to Leah Sutterlin, new mom and blogger. Leah shares with us her adventures in non-profit work, writing, travel, and how motherhood and faith keep her going.

Get to Know Leah:

Can you tell readers a little about yourself, your family, and your backstory?

My husband, daughter, and I live in the heart of Silicon Valley in California. I work for two nonprofits in the adoption and foster care space and my husband works in big tech. My daughter turned one in October, so our first year has been trying to navigate our careers and balance our involvement with church community. 

How did you first get into blogging/photography?

I’ve always loved writing and I now frequently write about parenting and adoption (I was adopted and my husband and I would love to adopt in the future)! I have a book coming out this fall titled “It’s Okay to Talk About Adoption” that I contributed to as well. 

What are some things that have helped you balance work life and mom life?

We receive help from both our parents, which is wonderful, and our church has been great at providing emotional support and play dates. I also work remotely, which offers some flexibility around the house.

How do you plan on incorporating sustainability into motherhood?

Sustainability is something I care about, as I visited the polar regions as a high school student, fell in love with the natural environment, and started advocating for conservation. In our community, we frequently participate in Buy Nothinggroups, where toys and children’s items can be passed around instead of always buying new.

What are your favorite activities to get your family out and about?

We go to the park frequently and meet up with other moms in our church co-op. We also enjoy children’s museums, pools and the beach, and fall pumpkin patches.

What's your latest favorite memory with your child?

I’ve enjoyed traveling with my daughter and husband. So far in her first year of life she has visited Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Iceland, and Mexico. I like seeing the wonder in her eyes as she learns new skills like walking and climbing and enjoys new experiences ranging from first rides at Disneyland to glacier exploration. 

What do you most look forward to in this season?

In this season of life, my daughter is learning how to explore new surroundings and I love how we can go on more adventures. She points at everything that is new and wants us to explain new objects and concepts to her, which is super cute.

What holiday traditions does your family partake in?

We often split holidays between Canada (where my parents live) and California. In Canada, we love sled rides in the snow. This will be our first Christmas in California, but I imagine we will look at holiday lights and enjoy baking treats. 

What can your followers expect to see?

I plan to continue blogging personally about the challenges of work and motherhood and writing frequently on adoption and foster care as well. 

What is one lesson you've learned about motherhood that you wish you could share with other moms?

I've learned that motherhood makes you a more giving person. I've learned so much about myself and have been stretched to sacrifice hobbies, time for work, my physical body, friendships, and more to keep a little human alive and healthy. This has increased my appreciation for my own parents and how much they gave to me and my sisters each day during our childhood. It has also increased my capacity to love beyond myself and experience my daughter's joy through her eyes. 

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

We’re so excited to try our new Smiling Tree toys and preserve them as precious keepsakes in the family!