Home Is Where the PILLOW Is.

Posted on January 16, 2019January 19, 2019 by RAD Livin Posted in WAG LifeTagged blogger, detroit, family, first time mom, FTM, home, houston, long distance, love, mommyblogger, motherhood, parents, radlivin, social media, travel

Where have I been?

I’ve finally come to the point that breaks are good. While Andre and I were doing long distance, I was using social media as a way to pass time and keep my mind off of missing him. But now that we’re together and have so many memories to catch up on, I just haven’t really been on my phone much. Not every single thing we do needs to be captured for the gram. Family time is so important to the both of us that on Andre’s off days, we basically only use our phones for emergencies; Dredyn gets all of our undivided attention. I’ve also been dealing with mental health issues; Post Partum Depression is real, it is scary, and it does not discriminate, but i’ll save that for my next post.

Where is Home?

So as you guys know, we were living in Houston for Andre’s job; Dredyn and I officially moved out there September 21, 2018. I’m sure everyone has lots of questions but to make things simple, We loved Houston! Andre’s coaches, player development staff, and teammates were so welcoming. Their wives were the most down to earth, accepting, strong, supportive, caring women I have ever met. A lot of people have pre-conceived notions about “WAGS” in the NFL. Although some may still wear Red Bottoms to Target, the women I met were so down to earth; God could not have sent us to a better team. Now to the tough part of this industry.

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The NFL doesn’t care that you’re a new family with a 7 month old teething baby. The NFL doesn’t care that you’re about to spend your first Thanksgiving together as a family. This is a political business. Andre got cut from the Texans the day before Thanksgiving. But the good news, he signed with a new team 60 minutes later. One of my favorite NFL Mom Friends, Kylie Fales, said it best, “The NFL is not all Money & Rainbows.” This is the best explanation of what it’s like to be in this industry especially as a Rookie.

Let me break all this down really quick and you tell me what level of stress you think you would be at:

Okay so now I’m sure you’re like, “Umm, that’s not how the saying goes, Rachol?” And you’re right. But for our family, “Home is Where the Heart is,” doesn’t work for us, so this is our new motto. I mean, Dredyn doesn’t even know where he’s from. He has lived in Bakersfield, CA, Fresno, CA, Houston, TX, and Detroit, Michigan all before 10 months old. Anyways, Andre’s Grandma got a custom pillow made for us; it has the first photo we took as a new little family on Easter Sunday 2018, it’s my favorite picture. “HOME” has been a really tricky subject because honestly, we haven’t been sure what to call home. But, we’ve realized that home is 1) WHEREVER we are together. Whether that’s in an airport, an Uber, a hotel, at our parents home, in a new state we’ve never been to; as long as we are together, THAT IS HOME. And 2) where the PILLOW is; no matter what city we travel to or where we sleep, or what we sleep on, that pillow never leaves us. It’s a constant reminder that no distance, no trials, and no stressful times can break this unit apart.

16 thoughts on “Home Is Where the PILLOW Is.”

January 16, 2019 at 7:55 pm Reply
jervonnekelly says:

Okay, you’ve really got a knack for this writing thing! So beautiful! I know I’ve told you before but I’m so happy & proud of your little family! Lots of continued blessings for you all! ❤️

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1. January 17, 2019 at 5:20 am Reply
  RAD Livin says:
  
  Thank you so much mama!!! ❤️❤️❤️
  
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January 17, 2019 at 6:18 am Reply
Nana Charlotte says:

God has BLESSED you both…you have each other and that beautiful great grandson of ours. Always remember God won’t give you more than he thinks you can handle. Let him know that enough is enough. You need a rest. It sounds like it can only get better, Rookie year is always the worst. Praying for you guys everyday. Life will get better and better! Love 💕 you three forever and ever! XOXOXO Nana and Pops

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1. January 17, 2019 at 7:27 am Reply
  RAD Livin says:
  
  Thank you for always being such a big support system in our Lives. We love you! ❤️❤️❤️
  
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January 17, 2019 at 2:49 pm Reply
Gina Martin says:

One thing is for certain; God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. He knew that you and Andre could withstand all that the NFL threw at you. Because of your steadfastness; He’s blessed Andre with his dream, which includes you and Dredyn. Trust and believe this type of lifestyle isn’t for everyone and that is why you’re blessed and highly favored. Love you mucho Comadre.

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1. January 18, 2019 at 3:23 am Reply
  RAD Livin says:
  
  Really really needed this. Love you!
  
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January 17, 2019 at 5:13 pm Reply
Antionette says:

I’m so proud of you! And I know for a fact your strong Enough to endure whatever the NFL life ,Mom life, and or Life in general brings you! We relate a lot , me and you ! I just want you to know it’ll pass and you’ll have the best memories of your life! every trial you’ll become a stronger woman. So look forward to all the ups and downs life has to bring you because at the end of the day it’s what’s gonna make you, you !

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1. January 18, 2019 at 3:22 am Reply
  RAD Livin says:
  
  Really needed to hear this! Thank you!
  
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January 17, 2019 at 8:19 pm Reply
Theresa D Brians says:

Love all 3 of you!! Life is an adventure, enjoy every minute!! Always count your Blessing first, you are loved and tour blessings are many. You may not know that our 44 year old Son, Jason, passed away after a 21/2 year fight with colon cancer. He leaves behind 4 beautiful Sons. You have had challenges but you still have each other♥️ Love and best wishes to you, Andre, and Dre for a beautiful New Year, where all your dreams come true. Aunt T

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1. January 18, 2019 at 3:22 am Reply
  RAD Livin says:
  
  We love you guys too. You’re in our prayers everyday. Thank you so much for this. ❤️
  
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January 18, 2019 at 3:16 am Reply
Elizabeth L Ammons says:

I’m proud of you Rachel, I just wanted to commend you on your well written, candid blog. Your personal and family life definitely sounds like a challenge, I’ll keep ya’ll in prayer. When all else fails, just look into the mirror and smile, your soul will respond! Love you family!

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1. January 18, 2019 at 3:21 am Reply
  RAD Livin says:
  
  I appreciate this more than you know. Thank you so much!
  
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January 19, 2019 at 6:14 am Reply
Auntie Nett says:

I love you so much because you are you❤…I knew you before you were born…before basketball…before school…before Dre…before Lil Dre…before the NFL… you have always been RaeRae to me…from birth… strong…beautiful….determined and one of a kind…So don’t forget that..keep loving hard…living peaceful and God-centered…You are Rachol…love of Dre and Dreydens first love❤

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1. January 21, 2019 at 4:25 pm Reply
  RAD Livin says:
  
  love you Auntie! thank you for always being in my corner!
  
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January 23, 2019 at 5:13 pm Reply
Lynnie Winters says:

I’m so happy that you all have a home now!! May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family!!!

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1. February 7, 2019 at 4:33 pm Reply
  RAD Livin says:
  
  thank you Lynnie!
  
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