Real Parents

UnityPoint Health - Des Moines is excited to present Real Parents, an online article system sharing the trials, tribulations and celebrations of parenting. From day-to-day happenings to personal stories, Real Parents follows the experiences of four parents within the Des Moines area.

	Melissa Wardell : Read Melissa's Articles My name is Melissa Wardell, and I am many things. I am a wife and mother, a daughter and sister, a teacher and nurse, a chauffeur and cheerleader, a seamstress and chef, partially mainstream and partially crunchy, and even a little bit crazy.
	Eric Williams : Read Eric's Articles Hi, my name is Eric Williams. My wife and I write a blog called Words of Williams. I love being a husband and believe that to have a thriving marriage requires lots of effort. In March 2012, I became a father. This new title comes with hefty responsibility that I don't take lightly.
	Kelsey Wiliams : Read Kelsey's Articles I'm Kelsey Williams, a lifestyle and fashion blogger (Snappy Casual) in Waukee, Iowa. I'm married to Eric, a mother to one (a daughter named Rooney) and work by day as an editor for my church.
	Jessica Bormann : Read Jessica's Articles I'm Jessica Bormann, the proud mom to three wonderful children. Our energetic twin boys, Carter and Dylan, are four now, and we welcomed Olivia, the world's sweetest little girl, this June. My husband, Keith, and I find parenthood a sticky combination of trial, error and lots of love! Be sure to also check out our blog, The Bormann Twins.

Click below to read our parents' most recent stories!

This Just In...

How I Knew I was Ready to be a Dad

5.20.2013 Written By: Eric Williams | Read all Stories

I get this question a lot. And the title is full of confidence...but the truth is...I don't think I was ready to be a dad. What I was ready for was a challenge, but even still I think I severely underestimated that challenge.

Daycare Choices

5.13.2013 Written By: Jessica Bormann | Read all Stories

One of the biggest decisions you will have to make as first time parents will be selecting a daycare! And I recommend all expecting moms to start looking right away and secure a spot.

Chicken Nugget Conundrum

5.6.2013 Written By: Melissa Wardell | Read all Stories

In my slow and steady march toward a more holistic, healthy life for our family, I've found a fun recipe I thought I'd share with you!

Things We Did Right (and Wrong)

4.29.2013 Written By: Kelsey Williams | Read all Stories

Well, we did it. We survived the first year with a baby! And we definitely are celebrating. It certainly wasn't easy, and we certainly didn't do everything right, but we're all still alive and well, so we'll call it a success. We may even do it again some day!

You Might Be Surprised

4.22.2013 Written By: Jessica Bormann | Read all Stories

As a parent, it seems you are always in a rush trying to get through all the required nightly tasks - dinner, play, bath, books, brush teeth, get in bed and stay in bed (as if that is all and it actually happens that easily). As you are trying to get it all done, sometimes it's hard to let your kiddos get involved and do a thing or two for themselves.