Introduction: Simply Syd

Hi!! My name is Sydney, but most people call me Syd. I was raised in a small North Dakota town and have three siblings — well, sort of three! My upbringing was unique, but it’s what shaped me into who I am today. 😉 I’m sure we’ll dive into that more as this blog unfolds.

After graduating high school in 2016, I went to college in the FM area (that’s Fargo/Moorhead for all you non–North Dakotans!) and earned my nursing degree in 2019. After graduation, I moved in with my now-husband, Austin. Together, we eagerly embarked on our journey to grow our family — a journey that came with both joy and heartache. Looking back, I can see how every step was part of God’s plan for us, even though at the time it felt like we were facing one challenge after another.

Since getting married in 2020, we’ve moved twice, changed jobs, and grown our family — two sweet boys and one angel babe. Life has been full of love and blessings, but also moments of deep struggle. I’m touching on these pieces of our story not to “air our dirty laundry,” but simply to share the life that makes me, makes me— Syd.

Austin has been encouraging me to start a blog since our first son, Hughes, was born. He was convinced I had a knack for researching and educating him on everything first-time parents should know. I’ve always loved staying informed — learning about the best products, what’s worth your time and money — but I never quite committed to writing it all down.

This last year, our family went through another hard season. This time, it affected me not only mentally and emotionally, but also physically. For six weeks, I couldn’t care for myself, our children, or our home. I had a lot of time to think — about my life, my purpose, and what truly makes my clock tick. I realized I had lost touch with the things that used to make me feel fulfilled. I know I’m a good mom and partner, but sometimes I forget who I was before I became a wife, mom, and nurse.

One day, I sat Austin down and told him I wanted a plan to get our life back on track — once I could be more helpful, of course. We talked about keeping our home more organized and clean, setting financial goals, and, most importantly, how we could each work on bettering ourselves individually. Over a few days, that conversation grew deeper until I finally said it:

“I want to focus on getting back to me.”

That statement didn’t come from resentment toward Austin, our kids, or my job. It simply meant I needed to refocus on the things that make me me. Because when I do, I become a better wife, mom, and all-around person.

When I say “getting back to me,” it’s not about becoming who I was before this season of life — it’s about reconnecting with the things that make me feel grounded and productive. Have you ever felt like a robot, just going through the motions of your day-to-day life? That’s where I was. But now, I’m making changes and inviting you to come along with me — partly to hold myself accountable, and hopefully to encourage you to get back to you, too. 😉