Getting to Know You Series

Featuring Jessica Whitehead, CSV and BWI Librarian

(Image by Little Leapling Photography www.littleleapling.com)

Hello fellow babywearers! My name is Jessica. I am a CSV for our local chapter.

A little about myself- I am originally from Texas. I moved to Fort Riley 4.5 years ago when my husband was stationed here. We have a beautiful (almost) 3 year old daughter, Addi and 2 rescue dogs, Harley and Oscar. Before moving to Riley I worked as a nanny to 3 lively young children for 5 years. I don't get much free time anymore but when I do, I love cooking and I am very passionate about ballet.

Our babywearing journey began when Addi was 3 months old, with a K'tan from a consignment shop and an Ergo that my good friend found at Marshalls. I started wearing mostly out of necessity. My husband spends a lot of time away training and Addi was a very clingy baby. Truthfully she still is. Wearing allowed me to snuggle my sweet girl and have free hands to continue with everyday tasks. I was hooked and I wore her everyday. What started as necessity quickly turned to love. I enjoyed the convenience but I loved the bonding even more. Around the 6 month mark, I attended my first Flint Hills Babywearers meeting. This is where I met Amie and Emily. I attended every meeting I could, even if I didn't need help with anything in particular. I loved the community, seeing everyone's beautiful carriers and wanted to learn as much as I could about babywearing. Shortly before my daughters first birthday I bought our first ringsling and woven wrap. I took to the ringsling right away. The wrap? Not so much! I swore on more than one occasion that wrapping just wasn't for us.. Emily gave us some pointers, we kept practicing and one day it just clicked. It was incredible and I quickly fell down the woven rabbit hole.

While I've always tried to help out at meetings when I could, I didn't become official until earlier this year. I am honored to be able to give a little back to the community that's done so much for me. I have met some amazing people and have thoroughly enjoyed watching our community evolve. I can't wait to meet you all!