AOP: What does a typical day look like in your home right now?
Lori: Right now, our days are a mix of routine and “good” crazy. On weekdays, it’s all hands on deck getting the older two ready for daycare. Once they’re out the door, I’m soaking up the last of my maternity leave with baby cuddles and our daily walk—Caroline is absolutely obsessed with being outside! Evenings are for playing outdoors, dinner, and the usual bath-and-bedtime marathon. On weekends, we love a family outing—whether it’s a local playground, a trip to the zoo, or just an adventurous walk around the neighborhood.
AOP: You’ve lived in several places before settling in Auburn. What has made Auburn feel like home for your family?
Lori: I’m always so impressed by how kid-friendly Auburn is, especially for a college town! Coming from Charleston, SC, we moved here to be closer to family, and it has been the best decision. Mike has a huge family here, so our kids are constantly surrounded by their cousins. Having that support system and seeing those relationships grow is what truly makes it feel like home.
AOP: With three young kids and a career in corporate healthcare marketing, what does your work-from-home rhythm look like?
Lori: It’s definitely a team act! My husband also works from home, so we’re lucky to have that flexibility. Once the kids are at daycare, I usually hop on the treadmill for a quick run, then settle in at my desk with a coffee to tackle emails and content. I try to knock out the “boring” life and admin stuff during the day so I can be fully present when the kids get home. If the weather is nice, a midday walk break is a non-negotiable for my sanity!
AOP: Each of your kids is in such a fun stage right now. What are their personalities like?
Lori: They are really leaning into those “typical” birth order roles. Georgia (5), is our rule-follower. She is incredibly caring and loves gymnastics, golf, drawing, and all things Barbies. Collin (2.5) is our silly mischief-maker! He never stops talking and makes friends everywhere he goes. He’s obsessed with sports, cars, and Toy Story.
Caroline is just over three months old and is the happiest little “attention seeker” who just wants to keep up with her siblings already. She’s currently busy perfecting her coos and discovering how to roll!
AOP: What are some of your favorite creative outlets, and do your kids ever join in?
Lori: I’m currently in the “ideating” phase of life—meaning I have a million ideas and never enough time. I love using my Cricut to make custom decor for the kids’ birthday parties, and I’m always plotting my next DIY home project. I can’t wait for the kids to get a little older so I can show them how fun it is to create something from scratch.
AOP: What has surprised you most about transitioning from two kids to three?
Lori: Honestly, how natural it felt! Don’t get me wrong, life is crazier, but seeing the older two play together frees me up to tend to the baby. Caroline has truly become “everyone’s baby”—the kids absolutely adore her and are always looking for ways to help.
AOP: What are some of your favorite ways to spend time together as a family in Auburn?
Lori: If it’s a weekend and the weather is nice, you’ll find us on a local trail or at a playground. In the summer, our favorite tradition is heading to the pool on Friday afternoons for an early dinner while the kids splash around. We also loved tailgating at home games for Auburn, as a family of four—we’ll see if we’re ambitious enough to brave the crowds with three this upcoming season!
AOP: How do you encourage your kids’ interests while keeping family life balanced?
Lori: It’s a learning process! Last summer, we realized we had Georgia enrolled in a bit too much and she was just exhausted. We’ve since scaled back to focus on her true favorites: gymnastics and golf. Collin hasn’t started organized sports yet, but I know we’re about to enter a new era of “calendar tetris” to make everyone’s schedules work!
AOP: If you could give one piece of encouragement to another mom in the thick of it, what would you tell her?
Lori: Take it one day at a time, and take all the pictures. You’ll never regret having the memory of these “crazy” years documented.
Rapid Fire
Coffee order: Iced Latte
Favorite family outing in Auburn: Grabbing Fro-Yo
Current mom survival item: Siri reminders (for everything!)
Favorite way to unwind: Mindless TV once the house is quiet.
One word to describe this season of life: Crazy!
Lori Smith and her husband Mike have been married for ten years and together have three children. Both Lori and Mike have an opportunity to work from home and enjoy the flexibility. Lori is in healthcare marketing and Mike is in IT. Family time is something that is not only valued but also prioritized daily.
Author: Staff
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