Happy Father's Day

On Sunday is Father’s day and I am so bummed to be away from my family. I am lucky to have some amazing men in my life. My father, Lutz, my brother, Alex, and my father-in-law, Ned, are all amazing dads and I would like to wish them all a happy father’s day.  However, I want to take this opportunity to focus in and thank my husband, Adam.  Adam is by far my better half.  He is incredibly kind, smart and very funny.  He is my number one supporter and has been amazing throughout this crazy journey.

Going back to playing professional golf has created a lot of stress in our lives.  Having to move to Florida in the winter (well, maybe not such a bad thing considering the Boston winters), travelling two weeks out of every month for tournaments and my practice schedule has taken a toll and changed our family dynamic. Oh, and throw moving to a new house in Massachusetts on top of that!!!! It is INSANE.  I used to be the main caregiver for the kids, but Adam has had to fill in in my absence.  He has an incredibly busy schedule with the Red Sox, but not once has he told me that I could not do something.  He is my number one supporter and changes his schedule around all the time in order to make sure I do what I need to do in order to improve my golf game.

Adam is the kindest and most sympathetic person I have ever met.  He always puts his family’s, friends’ and co-workers’ needs and feelings above his own. He is kind to others without expecting anything in return and always 'wants to make others happy.  I admire him so much for that.  He never leaves a conversation without asking the person if they need anything or if there is anything he can do for them.

He is an incredible father to our two girls and always manages to make us laugh.  Seeing him with our daughters melts my heart every day.  I am definitely the crazy, loud, and disciplinarian one between the two of us. A lot of times he comes back from work just to read a book to Stella or tuck Luiza into bed and then goes right back to the office.

Marriage is hard work.  Like many couples we have our differences and our marriage is not perfect. However I am lucky to be able to say that the most stressful times always bring us closer together.  I love him with all my heart and I learn from him every day.  One of my best friends’ mothers once told me that we should marry the person, whom we would like our kids to resemble.  I can only hope that our girls are just like their dad…that would be an incredible gift.

My First LPGA Event!

First and foremost, I want to apologize for taking a hiatus from any sort of social media, including my blog, for almost two weeks. Life has been crazier than usual since we decided to move to a new house.  We are moving this week and getting all of our ducks in a row has been a challenge, BUT WE ARE MANAGING!

My most recent post was a preview of my first LPGA event at the ShopRite LPGA Classic.  First off, I need to thank Tim Erensen, tournament director, and Karen Gozzi, from ShopRite, for giving me a sponsor exemption.  THANK YOU for the amazing opportunity to play on the LPGA again.

I did not know how I was going to feel about going back to an LPGA Tour event. It had been a LONG time and many questions popped into my head.  Will I be so nervous that I won’t be able to stick the tee into the ground? How will my family life fit into a tour event?  Am I too old for this comeback?  I was very anxious about going into the week.  Well… I have to say that being back on the “big” tour was the most comfortable I have felt throughout this process. In a weird way I felt right at home.  I knew where everything was, what I was supposed to do, and whom to talk to if I needed a little help.  It was incredible!

Highlights of my week:

-Hanging out with Paul, our club Guru on Tour.  Paul always welcomes me with open arms and he was definitely Stella’s favorite. She loved going into the club repair van for her daily “candy” fix!!!

-Dinner and practice round with my dear friend Karrie Webb.  Most of my friends from the LPGA have retired. However Webby is still kicking major butt out there. So great to catch up and play with her. I just love watching her play and laugh about life.  Just love her.  

- Myrtle the Turtle.  I found a baby turtle on the course during the pro-am and we took it back to the house to show it to Stella. She was excited until I put it in her hand. That was it for her.  We released Myrtle back into the woods. We will never forget Myrtle the Turtle

-I missed the cut but I felt like I played very good golf.  The best golf I have played since I have been back. I need a lot more work but I know I can play and that my game is not too far off.

-The best part of all was having my family with me and realizing that my kids and hubby fit right into my life on tour.

Can’t wait for the next two weeks of tournaments!!! So much more to come!!!

The Art of Putting… Wait, Pumping

When I started this journey I tried to think about all of the challenges that I would have to go through. Pumping, however, took a lot more time and energy than expected.

I have always been a big believer in breastfeeding my children. I breastfed Stella for a year and I want to do the same with Luiza. I feel that it is not only incredibly healthy, but for me it has also been an amazing way to bond with my kids.  

When I decided to go back to playing I knew I would have to master the art of pumping. During the past four months here are the places that have become common for me to pump at:

• Golf course clubhouse
• Driving from and to golf course
• Airplane
• Airport
• Public Bathroom
• Tournament locker room

I pump before and after every round. I get a lot of looks from the girls and they don't quite know what to make of it. Some start talking to me and they don't know whether to look at me, my boobs, or the pump! It is quite funny. But I am getting used to it and I have gotten a lot of compliments for making the effort to keep breastfeeding.

Well, you get the picture… no place is safe from my pump and me. And here is what I have learned:

• Always keep a breastfeeding cover with your pump.
• Invest in a great hands free bra.
• When pumping on a plane ask the person next to you if they mind if you pump.  I have yet to have anyone say they would mind and it totally breaks the ice!
• You are giving your child a wonderful gift.
• Be proud of pumping.… I AM!!!