Meet New Contributor: Jamie Rosenthal

Jamie Rosenthal

Hello AMB Readers! First, let me say that I am delighted to be a part of such an exceptional community of women. We are so fortunate to live in a time where resources like AMB are available to support and encourage each other through the fluctuating dynamics of motherhood.

A little about me…I moved from San Jose, California to Austin nine years ago, for what I said would be maybe a 6-week stay. I literally knew no one but my parents, who had moved here 3 years prior, and I had absolutely no desire to reside in the Lone Star State. Little did I know, the economy was about to crash and I would be stuck in this city for at least a year before landing a full-time job. Now, looking back, I’m so thankful for that period of waiting and reflection. I met some of the most wonderful, genuine people I had ever known while taking full advantage of all the amazing sights, sounds and experiences this city has to offer that by the time things were picking up, what and where I had wanted to be was just an afterthought. Austin had stolen my heart and I’m so proud to call this city home!

Shortly afterward I started dating my now husband, Patrick. We’ve been married almost 7 years and have 2 adorable – I may be a little biased, children, Violet (4) and Roman (22 mos.) I was working full time until about a year ago when I was laid off unexpectedly. I debated finding another job but decided it would be best for my family if I stayed home for the time being. My husband has a commercial air filter business that recently expanded to San Antonio and logistically it just made more sense for one person to be working. I’ll be honest, that transition was pretty tough – that’s an entire blog post in itself, but I wouldn’t change my situation for the world.

These days, aside from being the ringleader of my kid’s crazy circus, I enjoy coordinating the creative activities for a large MOPS group in Austin, attending a wonderful church, spending time with my husband and great friends, a good cappuccino and occasionally a nice glass of champagne. I also adore food. It’s my love language. Buying, preparing, eating, and learning about it, especially whole foods – I pretty much read cookbooks like novels, so I spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

I love all things art, travel, culture, and music. We sing so much over here that in the chaos I often feel my life is a Broadway musical comedy. My husband and I recently restored the most gorgeous 1923 upright piano and I have aspirations of throwing gatherings where people break into song after a few glasses of wine and everyone leaves on a high as if they just spent the evening at the piano bar. I say “aspirations” because I love to host, but we are currently in the middle of a home renovation. Yes…with 2 small children. What were we thinking? We bought a small home 4 years ago in central Austin with the intention of remodeling and expanding in order to make it work for our family long term. Let me tell you, not for the faint of heart. Needless to say, one day, in the not so distant future, I will have a piano I can play and sing with at the top of my lungs in the living room of my house, and friends will be welcome to join me.

That brings me to writing and relationships: I have spent a lot of time jotting down my thoughts on various aspects of motherhood this past year and the desire to write just keeps building. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs, since becoming a mother – and having a circle of women surrounding and cheering me on has made things feel balanced and kept me sane. Although it didn’t always come easily, I can now see joy and purpose even during times of discouragement and uncertainty. We all have so much to learn from each other and I’m hoping that I can share some of what I’ve experienced with you all and bring a little light, comic relief and encouragement during one of the most wonderful yet challenging seasons of life!