Eighty MPH Mom
2016 Olympic bronze medalist Alex Naddour
Equal parts dedication, sacrifice and support contribute to a happy home for 2016 Olympic bronze medalist Alex Naddour, his wife Hollie and their 6-month old daughter Lilah. In August, Alex won the bronze for the Men’s USA Gymnastics Team for his spectacular performance on the pommel horse. The win was the culmination of a dream for the whole family, but it didn’t come easy. When they got pregnant, Hollie, a successful gymnast in her own right, understood all the extra work she would have to put in as a new mom while Alex trained for the Olympics. “It wasn’t only Alex’s dream to be an Olympian, it was our family’s dream and we did everything we could to put him in a position to be successful.”
The nighttime routine was especially important so that Alex got a good night’s sleep during those many months of training. “Once Lilah was down, Alex and I would watch TV and then head to opposite sides of the house. I would sleep with Lilah in the guest room and Alex would sleep in our room. I just didn’t want him waking up every time she woke up.”
But at 8am “Super Dad” Alex would make everyone breakfast before he headed to the gym. Later, Hollie would take Lilah to the gym so that she could coach her gymnastics classes. During the two hours that their schedules overlapped, Alex’s stepmom, who works at the same gym, spoiled Lilah before Alex took her home and got her ready for bed.
At the end of each day, the family of three read a bedtime story together before putting Lilah down.
Since the Olympics, they’ve traveled to Dallas to visit Hollie’s family, which of course, she would love to see more often. But other than that, there’s nothing she would change about her life. “I am honestly so blessed to have an amazing husband that would do anything for us and the most beautiful daughter. That is what I am most thankful for.”
Gold Medal Baby Gear
As a new mom, Hollie knows there are a ton of baby gear and gadgets on the market to choose from. Here are some of her favorites:
The Anti-Bacterial Champion
Competing in the Heptathlon…Healthy starts at home and e-cloth’s brand new Baby Care line helps parents protect their kids from harsh chemical cleaners. The extensive line covers everything from the bathroom to the kitchen to the nursery. The Chemical-free Cleaning Home Starter Kit from Baby Care by e-cloth® includes three different cloths, a Bathroom Cloth, a General Purpose Cloth and a Glass & Polishing Cloth. You only need water and these cloths to remove more than 99% of bacteria. Each cloth is guaranteed for 300 washes. MSRP: $19.99. Available online at www.ecloth.com.
From the makers of the Miracle Blanket, the #1 pediatrician recommended swaddle, these soft, luxurious Muslin Swaddles can do everything! From wrapping your baby for sleep or nursing to burping, changing and tummy time to cuddling, playtime and more, these blankets are a must-have for a new mom. Even better… with each wash, they only get softer and softer. The Muslin Swaddles come in an array of fabrics and colors. MSRP: $21.95-$31.95 Available on www.miracleware.com.
The Travel Team’s MVP
Even the sweetest little bundles of joy can get cranky when they are teething. The Munch Mitt made by Malarkey Kids fits right over your baby’s hand so they won’t drop it, so this is perfect for travel. The mitt is made with food grade silicone, and is BPA and phthalate free. Machine washable too! Recommended for ages 3-8 months, but can be used up to 12 months.
MSRP: $18.99. Where to Buy: MunchMitt.com
Keep Your Little Athlete Healthy
Fuel your little runner, swimmer or gymnast with healthy food served up in adorable dishware by Marcus & Marcus. Every plate, bowl or utensil is made from food grade silicone that’s BPA, PVC and phthalate-free. You can choose from five different animal themes including Marcus the Lion, Pokey the Pig, Lola the Giraffe, Ollie the Elephant and Willo the Whale. MSRP: $8.99-$19.99 Available on www.Amazon.com.
