Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Korte.
Hi Lauren, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was 6 years old, creating lesson plans for my stuffed animals. Being a teacher is just in my blood. I come from a long line of educators in my family, so I followed that path when I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from The University of Kansas. I began teaching in the Olathe School District and quickly worked to complete a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction through Emporia State University. I was lucky to work in fantastic schools with powerful educators that I was constantly learning from and supportive families that helped foster deep and lasting relationships. I was living my lifelong dream. And then I lost my son. Wilson was born in August and unexpectedly passed in December, a painfully short 4 months later. Our first and only was gone just like that. I couldn’t breathe or imagine how I would get through each dark day that followed, let alone ever step back into a classroom again. How could I pour into my students when I was empty? But I did, eventually. With the immense support of my family, friends, coworkers, administration, and strangers, I was back in my happy place. I was still raw and healing (still am) but surrounded by my little family of eighteen 8-year-olds whose daily hugs and little notes kept me going. I knew that when I was with them, I was never alone. And then I found out I was pregnant again. All of the emotions came flooding in. Fear, hope, joy, and guilt were all there as we headed into that first sonogram appointment. What if we aren’t ready? What if we lose another baby? Maybe we aren’t meant to be parents. The technician was quiet. Looking at the monitor and back at me. Twins! We aren’t pregnant with one baby; we’re pregnant with two!
How?! Twins do not run in either of our families. This was never even in the realm of possibilities, or so we thought, but the proof was in that little fuzzy photo. In one way, it felt like double the anxiety, and in another, it felt like a direct message from Wilson. “You aren’t alone. You can do this. You are made to be a mother.” So fast forward 9 months, Colton and Crew arrived—two healthy, happy baby boys looking like their older brother. I knew at that moment I would need to take a pause from my classroom teaching job that I’ve loved for eight years and move into my most important role yet, being a mom.
So here I am, a professional diaper changer, lunch maker (specializing in chicken nuggets), and constant referee. While this is by far the most challenging “job” I’ve ever had, I wouldn’t change it for the world. However, I can’t help but miss my first passion. Then, one day back, amid my back-to-school blues, I realized I didn’t have to choose one or the other; I could do both! That’s when Raising Tiny Tots was born on Instagram.
A place to share, teach, learn, inspire, and connect. I can channel my love for teaching by sharing easy and fun activities that we’re doing at home and connecting with others navigating this same crazy season of life. It is also a place where I can share Wilson and resources that have helped along the way to reach others who may be struggling. I’m so thankful for everyone following along moms, dads, grandparents, teachers, or those just here for the laughs. It has been a great source of healing for me, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to grow! (Sorry this wasn’t brief by any means!)
Can you tell us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth?
It has been a bumpy road, no doubt. The obvious is losing our son, Wilson. Others are trying to grieve, grow, and heal while trying to figure out what our new normal would look like—protecting our marriage and navigating another pregnancy filled with intense anxiety and fear. I had to leave a career I loved—losing myself amid all this. And then the technical obstacles that have come with learning about social media and all that comes with it.
I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am staying at home with my twin boys as a professional diaper changer, lunch maker (specializing in chicken nuggets), and constant referee. I also have an Instagram account called Raising Tiny Tots that showcases easy, fun, and developmentally appropriate activities that we are doing at home, as well as the adventures that we take around Kansas City and much more! Some of our most popular posts are our “Tots Around Town,” which shows where we’ve been the previous week, giving ideas to others looking for things to do with their tiny tots! I love being able to connect with other people, share ideas, and swap stories, but I am incredibly thankful to connect with those who have or are facing infant or pregnancy loss. It is powerful to know that you are not alone.
What do you think about happiness?
My friends and family – my husband, Zack, and my three boys, Wilson, Colton, and Crew. Oh, and our little chihuahua, Chip. And of course an iced vanilla latte, a good sale, organization, live music and a full house.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @RaisingTinyTots
- Email: raisingtinytots3@gmail.com
Image Credits
Nagel Portraits
