AOP: What has been your favorite part of raising your kids in the Auburn/Opelika area, especially being close to family?
Jordan: My favorite part of living in this area is how kid-friendly this town is and how welcoming it is to new people. There is always something to do and always fun events for children and adults.
Living close to both sets of parents, cousins, my grandmother, and Austin’s grandparents has helped shape the lives of our kids so much. They are constantly surrounded by positive, Christian role models who invest time and energy into their upbringing.
AOP: What does a perfect weekend look like for you all?
Jordan: Sleeping in late on a Saturday morning- cooking breakfast, sipping coffee, and letting the kids play around us in their pajamas while trying to have “somewhat” of an adult conversation.
We especially love football season when we can turn on the T.V. and watch football, or simply drive 5 minutes down the road to experience Auburn game day!
Our favorite thing about Sunday is going to church. We admit, with little kids, it is sometimes challenging to get everyone ready and out the door on time, but there is nothing better than worshipping with others and watching our kids learn about Jesus.
Most Sunday afternoons, my parents get the kids for a few hours so we can do meal prep, grocery shop, work out, or spend time cleaning around the house. It’s a nice reset for the week. We 100% realize how lucky we are to have help with the kids. It is something we truly do not take for granted!
AOP: You and Austin both prioritize staying active—how do you balance fitness, motherhood, and everything else on your plate?
Jordan: Austin is an early bird. He wakes up most every morning and works out at home, in a buddy’s garage gym, or does jujitsu at KageFit. He has found such community and passion in throwing people around a mat…lol. We recently bought a sauna to “get in a sweat,” when we just don’t have enough time in the day to prioritize exercising.
I work out randomly on the weekends, after dinner while Austin helps with bath-time, or bring the kiddos with me to the gym. Crunch Fitness in Auburn offers a monthly plan for parents, including childcare, and I take full advantage of that offer!
We are also the mid-30’s people you see diving off the diving board to impress our kids, doing flips and trying not to break things at Surge Trampoline Park, and walking/biking with our kids outside on nature trails around our area. We love to be outdoors and love watching Lily and Jack explore new things.
AOP: How has Jack’s diagnosis of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) shaped your perspective on motherhood and daily life?
Jordan: Jack’s diagnosis was very heart-wrenching at first. He was diagnosed with CF at just 5 weeks old. Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive, genetic disorder that causes mucus to build up and impair certain organs within the body, specifically causing issues with the lungs and pancreas. We had no idea we were carriers of CF.
Jack is on a modulator called Trikafta and under the care of an amazing pulmonary team at Children’s of Alabama. Every morning, Jack takes his medicine like a champ, does his breathing treatment and chest therapy, while watching Bluey, and is as fun and spunky as any normal boy you could imagine. You would never guess there is anything different about Jack. That is both a blessing and a hardship.
As a mother, I’ve certainly dealt with a lot of emotions. It is hard to explain CF to people and even harder to explain to our daughter why Jack sometimes gets “special attention.” I believe every parent of a child with special needs must deal with these feelings from time to time. It’s totally normal and really healthy to talk to someone you trust. God sees and knows everything about your child. They are in His hands, and we have to stay positive, always, for our kids!
AOP: How do you keep joy and laughter at the center of such a full life?
Jordan: Sometimes it is hard, but we have so much to be thankful for. I believe joy is found in the little things. The small moments of each day may seem mundane, but they are really so important. At this stage in my life, I find it a privilege to make the kids a healthy-ish breakfast before school, going thrift shopping with my grandmother, folding Austin’s jiu jitsu clothes (again and again), and tucking our sweet babies into bed at night. Sometimes I wake up wondering why God chose “me” to live the life I do.
Rapid Fire
Auburn or Opelika? So tough! I really cannot choose!
Coffee or energy drink? Coffee
Early bird or night owl? Night owl
Takeout or cooking at home? Cooking at home
Beach trip or mountain getaway? Beach trip
Jordan Baker is a mom rooted in faith and committed to intentional living. She and her husband, Austin, met during their Auburn University days and are now raising their two children, Lily (6) and Jack (3), in the Auburn/Opelika community they love. From outdoor adventures to Auburn football weekends, the Bakers prioritize connection, activity, and time together. Jordan is a stay-at-home mom for now, navigating the unique journey of raising a child with cystic fibrosis.
Author: Staff
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