“Jeannie Coe is a supermom-legend in my book. When I think of the mom I know that does it all and does all of it well, it is Jeannie. And, I don’t mean this in a highlight reel/Facebook post/Christmas card/perfection kind of way, I mean it in a genuine, live life to its fullest, surround yourself with amazing people, say yes to new, exciting adventures kind of way. I actually don’t remember the day I met Jeannie, I just remember what she made me feel. She is warm and outgoing and happy and her laugh will make you laugh for days. Jeannie was one of our first Naperville Moms Network members and said yes to hosting our very 1st NMN Christmas Cookie Exchange at her home. In 2009, about 10 moms sat around her huge kitchen table, eating cookies and sharing about themselves. This past December, Jeannie hosted our 9th Annual NMN Cookie Exchange with over 60 moms in attendance! Jeannie is a rock-star mom and dotting wife to Kevin Coe, a force to be reckoned with all in his own. When I think of couples that I believe are TRULY in love, Jeannie and Kevin rise to the top. They support each other, compliment each other and help each other achieve their dreams and goals. They also make bacon together. That is true love. Here is a list of the things Jeannie does well: works full-time, parents with intention and love, knits presents for those she cares about, cooks and cans food, tends to a huge backyard garden, runs 10K’s and marathons, sings a mean karaoke, hits up boot camp multiple times per week, dresses fashionably with her own unique style. Jeannie is the first to host, help and hand you a compliment when you need it the most. When I grow up, I want to be just like her.” – Dr. Cathy Subber
Meet Jeannie!
What is your name, town you live in and how many kids do you have?
Jeannie, Naperville, 2 kids (11 yo son, 9 yo daughter)
Give me a little background on your life and motherhood journey: I am a full-time mom, wife, employee! I do everything I can to get it all done in a day. I am a Sr. HR manager for a healthcare company and I love (most of!) my job! I went to college and when I finished I spent a few years overseas in London and Greece before I returned and settled into adulthood! I met my now husband in 2000, married in 2006, and had my son in January, 2008 and my daughter in 2009! By the time I had children almost all of my friends had been married for years and their children were much older so I needed to find a new network of mom friends. That was right when NMN network was starting and I joined as one of the first members. Since then I am so happy to have some of my closest, dearest friends be the ones I’ve met through this network! We have grown up as mothers together and I love them dearly. I don’t know how I would have done it without them.
Did you always know you wanted to be a mom?
Oh my gosh, yes! I always wanted to be a mom, I just always figured I’d start younger. You know, have my first kid before I was labeled “advanced age”!
What are the greatest joys in your life?
Besides my kids and my husband I’d say challenging myself – whether it be running and trying to get a new PR, or working out to be better than I was last time, learning a new skill like canning, knitting, or gardening, I love to be challenged and crush a goal!
What challenges have you faced?
My biggest challenge to being a mom is that I also have a career outside of my home – while I love my family and my career, it is finding a balance between the two where I don’t feel like I’m always falling short and it’s never enough.
What are you most proud of? My strong marriage which provides me with the encouragement and support I need to help my children, family, and friends.
What do you like most about being a mom? I love the sense of pride I have constantly! Everything they do I am in awe.
What part is more difficult for you? That I cannot fix their hearts or hurt feelings. Their pain and sadness has been the most difficult piece to swallow.
Do you work outside of the home or stay at home raising your kids full-time? Both!
If I had one week by myself, I would go to an all inclusive resort, knit and sleep!
What makes you the most unique as a human being? I am also an individual who was adopted as an infant and I’ve had the amazing experience of meeting my biological mother and father later in life. I’ve never met anyone with the experience of being adopted and having such a large extended family through adoption.
What is your favorite family tradition? We go WAY overboard for Christmas and Halloween! My son always loves when he sees the Halloween decorations come out because he knows that the house will be fun, festive, and over the top for months! Also I love hosting the NMN Annual Cookie Exchange. We had year 9 this year, and it was again a huge, laughter and love filled night that really helps me get into the Holiday spirit!
If someone could describe you in one word, what would that word be? Sassy!
How do you rate your level of “mom guilt” on a scale of 1 – 10. Explain. A steady 8 at work and at home. There is always so much more I feel I never get to each day.
Do you have a favorite hobby or activity that you intentionally make time for each week? Knitting and running!
What do you love about yourself that has nothing to do with being a mom? I love people and hanging out with folks. I always say I’ve never met a stranger, I’m just not friends with everyone yet!
Words of wisdom for other young or new moms? You owe NO one anything! Your experience is your own, and you need to “mom” your way – whatever is best for you and your family is the best choice. Don’t let anyone give you any guilt of grief about it!
