Smarty Mom: Lavonta McVicker

Smarty Charlotte, I’m so excited to introduce you to this amazing mom: Lavonta McVicker! One of the best perks of ‘mommy-hood’ is the women you meet along the way through your children. I was fortunate enough to meet Lavonta last year through our daughters’ preschool and couldn’t be more thankful we did. She is someone I wish every Smarty mom could meet because she has so many qualities and experiences that so many of us can relate to: work, children, struggle, and love.

I sometimes joke that Lavonta is the master magician, she can juggle so much with ease! She is a successful working mom consulting for multiple health care companies, specializing in marketing and event management. Aside from that she has led multiple women’s Bible studies at Church at Charlotte. Not to mention when I met her last year, Lavonta was our class mom (rocked it) – all while raising two beautiful daughters. She can seriously make it look easy, it’s amazing!

One of my favorite things about Lavonta is how she truly lights up every time she talks about her girls. The more I got to know her the more I found out why this special sparkle was there, it was from previous pain. She and her husband, Chris, struggled through infertility. It was a very hard time in both of their lives for years. Thankfully after many treatments and trials they were able to give birth to their first little girl! Absolute miracle! – and as so many stories go, they had their second little girl naturally 13 months later! Such a blessing. Or as Lavonta might say, little crazy but the best blessing!

Smarties please meet one of the smartest, most loving, funniest moms I know: Lavonta McVicker!

Smarty Mom: Lavonta McVicker

Married to: Chris McVicker for 15 years – high school sweethearts
Children: Mia (5) and Miley (4)
Years in Charlotte: 16
Hometown: Caldwell, Ohio
Alma Mater: Ohio University in Athens, OH

You have had so much success as a working mom, you must let us in on your secret?! From an exceptional professional career, two beautiful daughters, along with leading multiple Bible studies and class mom – how do you stay organized?
My secret is making lists…followed by a glass of wine, which is why I need to make lists. I usually have at least 8 different lists compiled on my phone at any given time. My husband thinks it’s ridiculous! I am most productive when I have several balls in the air. I love my career as an event planner, but it became too much after our second daughter was born. I quit my job but was able to find work quickly as a contractor doing what I love but from home and on my schedule. This has allowed me to stay involved with my girls’ school and activities and also contribute to my church — using my gifts to facilitate a small group Bible study with other young mothers.

I know you and Chris struggled with infertility for many years. How has this changed your outlook on life and motherhood?
I like to be in control and God used infertility to teach me that I needed to relinquish that control. It was a long and hard road but I wouldn’t do it any differently now. Every family goes through difficult times and this was ours. I wish I could say I handled it perfectly, but through all the heart ache and mistakes it is something that has shaped me greatly into the wife, mother, and friend I am today. The joy and appreciation is always greater when you have to wait for something you really want.

What advice would you give to others who are struggling with infertility?
Talk. Talk to your spouse. Talk to your family. Talk to your friends. It’s so common for women to feel ashamed about their struggles with infertility and therefore they don’t want to talk about it. I found that the more I shared about what I was experiencing, emotionally and physically, the more women I found that had or were currently dealing with their own issues of infertility. There’s something refreshing and freeing about being real with other women and not trying to pretend that everything is great. God definitely had a plan through all of it and I’ve learned to trust Him more, with the big things and the little things.

Now for some fun stuff to get to know you better…

Something most people do not know about you? I like to be alone. I am a major extravert and love to be around people, but at least once a week, I like to be completely alone and not talk.

What is the #1 thing on your bucket list? Skydiving, which I think I’m going to get to do in the near future!!

Guilty pleasure? Cookie dough

Best place to have a date night with your hubby? Take out and a movie at home.

Family’s favorite restaurant? Newks

Last book you read? Gone Girl

Celebrity crush? Justin Timberlake and Jimmy Fallon – I’m a sucker for a guy with a good sense of humor and can laugh at himself.

Best part of being a mom? My girls show me more grace than I deserve. I have learned to tell them, “Mommy was wrong and I’m sorry.” Nothing melts my heart more than hearing “I forgive you, mommy” followed by a big hug. It is offered so willingly and with no strings attached.

All images courtesy of Weslie Woodley Photography.