Smarty Mom: Kelly Leggett

By Katie M

Happy sunny Smarty Mom Saturday! Today I am excited to introduce to you a Greensboro mom, Kelly Leggett. I met Kelly years ago on a girls’ weekend at the beach – back before I was a mom and Kelly was pregnant with her first son. I had never met Kelly before that weekend, but had always heard wonderful stories about her through mutual friends who urged me to join in on that weekend. And immediately upon meeting Kelly, I knew why our friends hold her in such high regard. She has an infectious personality and a love for family and fun, and I couldn’t wait to feature her as a Smarty Mom in the Triad.

Kelly and her husband, Jim, have two precious sons: Declan (5) and Harrison (3). Kelly has lived in the Triad 26 ½ years, but not consecutively. She’s lived in Winston-Salem, and most recently, has been in Greensboro for the past 4 ½ years. Kelly works full time as an Obstetrician/Gynecologist and as Medical Director of Faculty Practice at Women’s Hospital of Greensboro. Besides having a love for exercising, cooking and reading fiction, Kelly also has a passion for women’s health.

So, let’s chat with Kelly:

How do you balance your full-time work schedule with being a mom, and what Smarty tips to do have for other moms in your position?
I still take time out for me. I have much more energy if I pay attention to my needs and my patience is much better, too. Also, if it’s within your budget, hire an au pair. The flexibility is great, especially for a physician with a crazy call schedule.

As an OB/Gyn, what are some of the most important things you would tell our female Smarty readers to keep top-of-mind in regards to their health?
Women between the ages of 20 and 40 should remember to do self breast exams. The best time to do the exam is the week after your period ends. Mammograms should begin at age 40 unless there is a personal or family history of breast cancer. Women should also intake 1000 mg of calcium a day either though diet or supplements. Also, exercising three to four times a week not only keeps the bones strong, but the heart healthy.

What’s the skinny on the HPV vaccine? I always see the ads on TV and wonder about it – especially as a mother of a daughter. What kind of advice can you give other moms who have daughters approaching the tween years?
The HPV vaccine is recommended for females ages 11-26. It is best to get vaccinated before the onset of sexual activity. However, research is underway to see if it’s beneficial for women of all ages. There is also research investigating males. The HPV vaccine protects females against two strains of the virus that cause cervical cancer and two strains that cause genital warts. There are numerous other strains that can cause cancer and warts, but the vaccine protects against the most common strains. However, it’s important to remember that females who receive the HPV vaccine still need to get annual Pap smears starting three years after the onset of sexual activity or age 21, whichever one comes first.

Ok, I’m glad I have several years before I need to worry about that with my daughter :). Now on to some less serious questions:

Favorite place to get a good deal on kids clothes?
Target anytime and Polliwog’s sales (on Lawndale in Greensboro).

What is your favorite family activity?
Bike riding

Favorite “mommy-time” activity?
Playing board games and making crafts.

Best place to eat with the kids?
For fast food, it’s Chick-fil-A for its indoor play area. Otherwise, we love Mexico on North Elm and Pisgah Church (it has a small, enclosed outdoor patio with umbrellas) and Cucina Bravo. They give the boys pizza dough to play with, and they bake it for them. For my husband, though, it’s Beef O’Brady’s for its family sports bar. Kids eat free there on Tuesdays too!

Funniest thing your kid(s) has ever said?
Harrison saw a nativity scene at Tanglewood Festival of Lights and exclaimed “Hey Mom, there’s a camp out!”

Favorite park in the Triad?
Country Park in Greensboro

Mini-van or SUV?
SUV

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
Easy to get around!

Best kept secret in the Triad?
Art Quest at Green Hill Center in Greensboro. Kids can go one time and do all types of art projects, or join and go many times.

Best birthday party you have attended?
Soccer Tots

I could not live without my... preschool! We go to Christ Community preschool. They learn a lot in a very loving environment!

I wish someone had told me sooner about... how great an Ipod can be. I started using one about a year ago and it’s made exercising so much more fun.

Thanks, Kelly for all your Smarty answers!

We are always on the hunt for Smarty Moms. And while we've been featuring some moms who have done AMAZING things such as going above-and-beyond the call of duty for others, doing incredible work for her family, friends, or community, or has accomplished tremendous feats - we are also looking to feature moms in the Triad who just simply live the daily grit of motherhood! Please send us your "mominations" and feel free to nominate yourself (especially if you are a mompreneur with a great service or product to promote)! We look forward to hearing from you. Email us here with your “Smarty Momination”!

And, don't forget to enter for your chance to win one of the 10 $20 gift certificates to Twin City Diner! You must be a newsletter subscriber to enter. After you subscribe, just click here to complete the short survey, and you’ll be registered. This promotion ends at midnight on April 8, and winners will be announced shortly afterwards. Good luck, Smarties!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM