Name: Monica Moreno Hill
Children & Ages: Jaiden, 10 and Micayla-Grace, 7
Hometown/Current Location: El Paso, Texas/ Suwanee, Georgia
Quick Bio: I am originally from El Paso, Texas. I graduated from UT El Paso and worked as a paralegal for many years including a stint with the AZ Attorney General’s Office. Still wanting to dance, I became an Arizona Cardinals Cheerleader in my late twenties and was able to cheer into my early thirties. I had an incredible experience as a cheerleader and show team member, meeting incredible people and traveling to different places. While a cheerleader, I met and married an extraordinary man and we were blessed with two beautiful children. I switched gears and became a teacher after I had my daughter. This allowed me to share the same schedule and spend more time with both kids. Due to my husband’s position, we find ourselves relocating quite a bit. In fact, in 12 years of marriage we’ve lived in four states. Currently I am a substitute teacher for Forsyth County, Georgia which affords me an opportunity to be in the classroom as well as have the time to spend with the kids. I also serve as a mentor at Settles Bridge Elementary.
Q: What is your favorite piece of advice to new to give to a New Mom?
A: When your child asks you to play with them, stop what you’re doing and take the time. I don’t think I did it enough, and while it’s not always convenient, I now know the housework and the laundry will eventually get done. Fortunately, mine haven’t stopped asking, so I am taking full advantage of the time with them.
Q: How do you incorporate fitness into your daily routine?
A: Play along with the kids. Jaiden is into basketball and Mic-G is into dance and cheer. When they practice, I jump right in with them. In addition, when they want to ride their bikes, I walk along side them.
Q: How would you describe your parenting style?
A: I am nurturing and supportive of both Jaiden and Micayla-Grace’s goals and I have clearly established expectations, now that they are old enough to understand responsibility. I encourage both kids to try new things and not limit their experiences. I have done my best to instill an “anything is possible if you set your mind to it” attitude around our house.
Q: What’s your most memorable Mommy moment to date?
A: There are two Mommy moments to date that are memorable. Meeting my Jaiden in January of 2004 and my Micayla-Grace in March of 2006 for the very first time….both moments were magical.
Q: As a Mommy what is it that you feel you do “right”?
A: I do my best to lead by example. I can’t expect them to share, be honest, and “do the right thing” if I’m not willing to do them myself.
Q: Share something you have learned about yourself since you became a Mom.
I am stronger than I ever gave myself credit. I am responsible for taking away my children’s pain, easing their anxiety, giving them hope and cheering them on to even the smallest of victories. These are the years that are vital to making them good human beings and it takes a strong person to push aside her fears, bad habits and prejudices for the sake of making good people.
Q: How do you balance being a Mommy and keeping your sense of self?
A: By setting aside at least 30 minutes a day to do something for me, i.e. going for a walk, exercising, reading or scrap-booking.