Meet fellow local mom, Ericka Polanco Webb!
What’s your favorite family activity in the Hinsdale, Western Springs, LaGrange, Clarendon Hills Area ?
We enjoy hanging out at Harvester Park (Burr Ridge), Waterlemon Kids (LaGrange) and the summer nights like Uniquely Thursdays (Hinsdale) and the many festivals that take place.
How many children do you have and what are their age(s)?
We have 5 children, four girls and one boy. It’s a Full House (Including our 8 year old Lab Louie)!
Jay – 16
Jayla – 16
Jesa – 13
Jisele – 3
Jenesis – 19months.
How long have you lived in the Hinsdale/WS/LaGrange/CH Area? What made you decide to live here?
We have lived in the area (Willowbrook) for 6 years. We scouted out this area because we were looking for schools that we felt would meet the educational needs of our children. We have a son who has severe cerebral palsy and is completely wheelchair dependent so, we needed an area that would fully support his complex needs and the needs of our girls who were school aged as well. Additionally, we desired to be within a community that provided many activities for families.
Where’s your favorite place to eat and/or shop in the Hinsdale/WS/LaGrange/CH Area?
Its so hard to pick just one since we have an intricate diet. We love Pages! The pancakes and hashbrowns are great and we love the staff, it feels like home. We discovered an awesome restaurant in LaGrange called Prasino and I love it. I recently discovered I have a gluten allergy and my husband is vegan (im pescatarian), so this place was divine! During the summer we head over to BB’s baby donuts for their delicious designer donuts and lemonade. The Willowbrook town center has been amazing. There are plenty of quick food options we enjoy and it serves as a centralized place for our teens to meet with friends and hang out. Finally, my husband and I have weekly date nights and when all else fails, we head to Casa Margarita for their flight of frozen margaritas!
What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I was a teen mom, I took my daughter to college with me (Elmhurst College).
Anyone special you’d like to thank for helping you through parenthood?
My mother and my husband. Because I was a teen mom I had to rely on my family for supportive help. Additionally, my husband met me two years into my motherhood journey and he has always been so supportive. My mother and husband have always been my cheerleaders and has been a great extension of me when I need them.
Are you involved in a business venture, a local organization, a creative endeavor, or in the corporate world? Please share!
YES! I serve on the Gower Foundation Board for Gower 62 Schools (Willowbrook & Burr Ridge), I am part of the Parent Advisory Board for Indian Prairie Library and I occasionally help with fundraising efforts for Oak Brook Park District, supporting their all abilities playground, the Sandlot.
Professionally, I am a Motherhood Journalist and Mom Liaison (@SinkingHeelsOfMotherhood on Instagram and www.sinkingheelsofmotherhood.com ). I write and report about all things motherhood and children of all abilities. Additionally, I am a contributing writer for Chicago Parent Magazine, I write about children with disabilities. Because I have so many children of various abilities and a blended family, people have always “picked my brain” for advice and suggestions. I really love being that person for moms because I wish early on in my motherhood journey the platforms that exist today were available. My advice is strictly from the bumps and bruises I have learned over the past 16 years and I am so happy to share that knowledge and help the next mom. Look out for my storytimes and mom’s night outs!
Finally, I consult by providing digital marketing services like hosting webinars.
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
My goodness, I have had the opportunity to come in contact with so many mothers and families (through mom groups like MOPS of Christ Church in Oak Brook and within the local school district) and it has been a warm and insightful feeling. I quickly came to see, while there are many things that separate us like, school districts and race, we all have so many commonalities that unite us. It has been rewarding. Additionally, this community has given me a deeper drive and interest to make a difference in my community.
Beautiful Photo by Lisa Dawn Photography
Follow along with Ericka @thesinkingheelsofmotherhood on Instagram or her website, www.sinkingheelsofmotherhood.com