My name is Leila (LEE-la), aka Leels.

Growing up, my stepfather’s family had two nicknames for me – Smelly Nelly and Leels. Fortunately for me, Smelly Nelly didn’t last and Leels not only stuck, but became a name friends who didn’t know me until later in life started to call me as well.

Hence, Life as Leels.

From MN to AZ

I am a born and raised a Minnesota girl; I have always called Minnesota home. I moved to Wisconsin right before my 20th birthday for a whopping 3 months. Would you believe me if I told you it was colder and snowed more in Wisconsin than in Minnesota? It’s the truth.

I went back to Minnesota for 10 days to pack my stuff and spend time with family before running off to the desert. I have been in Arizona since March 2003 and started my little family in December 2003.

Leila with Melissa from This Brunette Blogs

I am a smart allecky, likes to make others laugh, wife and mom. My family is my life so you are sure to hear a lot about them here at Life as Leels.

I have been married for 11 years, but we have been together for 12 years; having met here in Arizona.

We have 3 crazy, rambunctious children who you will see and hear about often! After having our first child, K, in December 2005; I was diagnosed with post partum depression and pregnancy induced social anxiety. Little did I know that I would deal with these medical diagnoses permanently. My mental health is a topic frequently shared on Life as Leels.

Our second child, B, was born April 2008. After trying a home water birth, he was born via C-Section. At 6 years old, he was diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder and ADHD. (We are actually in the process of getting him re-evaluated.) I share our journey with him as well as our experiences on Life as Leels. When I thought I was alone, I found that really, I am not.

In 2009, I was diagnosed with PTSD after my grandfather completed suicide. Again, a topic you will find here at Life as Leels as I strive to bring awareness, education and prevention to the community around the stigma of suicide.

Our third child, A, was born in February 2013, where I was again, diagnosed with post partum depression. Mommy and her Babies

In addition to our 2-legged children, we also have: Lil Stinker, our 12 year old tabby cat; Baby Jax, our 10 year old black cat; Jessie, our 7 year old American Staffordshire Terrier mix; and Cutesy, our 2 1/2 year old gerbil. Oh, and let’s not forget our fish and African Dwarf frogs – our latest addition in hopes of helping B with his anxiety.

Life as Leels

Life as Leels began as Leila * Mommy * Business Woman in July 2011. It was intended to be a marketing tool for my direct sale business, but turned into so much more.

In November 2011, we moved and rebranded to The Go To Mommy.

Unfortunately, the name did not go the way we hoped and we rebranded for the final time in March 2012, as Life as Leels, focusing on being a lifestyle blog.

Here you can find…

Sweet Sun Kisses by Michael Banebrook Crafts/DIY
Family Entertainment
Food
Home Living
Mental Health
Parenting/Family
Pets