I would like to introduce little baby girl Emerson to the world and to the Oak Park Family! Most of you know the parents – Shannon and Vince and we cannot wait to meet the newest addition! Baby Emerson was born in Las Vegas at 8.26am on October 18th.

I asked Shannon and Vince if I could write about their baby journey and Shannon wanted to share it with you guys, so here is a small fraction their birth story. Baby Emerson is Shannon and Vinces’ biological child and for those of you who do not know – she was born with the help of a surrogate. (Surrogacy is when a woman (the surrogate mother) agrees to bear a child for another person or persons who will become the child’s parent(s) after birth).

Shannon shared with me that the journey has been long with lots of ups and downs but having her daughter here in this world now made all the hard work worth it. Shannon and Vince are so brave for walking this path and I encourage all women (and men) that are seeking to have a baby to talk to Shannon for guidance if needed. Please send the parents big congratulations and welcome this baby girl to the world because she – and Shannon!! – are worth it!

Thursday’s Workout

AMRAP 18:

3 Hang Squat Cleans (135/95)

6 Weighted Pushups (45/25)

9 Back Rack Stepups (each side) 20″/16″

Welcome Baby Emerson Totino!

Change…inevitable. Growth…optional.

Coach Shirley’s Growth