February 15, 2016 10:35 am Mother of 3 Kyle MacDougall, Left Private Equity to be with Her Kids
What do you love to do with your children? How old are they? And what do you wish for them?
I love to be active with my kids, introduce them to new adventures, watch them explore and make them laugh. Nothing makes me happier than the sound of my children’s sweet giggles. My kids are six (Dylan), almost three (Carter) and 15 months (Mackenzie). Whether we are swimming, riding bikes, apple picking or sledding together, I just love being outside with them. We are heading to Vermont this weekend for our first family ski vacation, and I am so excited!
My greatest wish for my children is that they are healthy, happy, confident and compassionate. And, I hope that they keep smiling and laughing everyday.
When and where are you happiest?
On a sunny beach vacation with my family. We go up to Cape Cod at the end of each summer, and I look forward to that special time together all year long.
And I have to say that I am truly happiest when all five of us are all together as a family unit – I love love love our summer weekends when we cook an early big pancake breakfast and then literally run out the back door to spend the entire day splashing in our pool and barbequing – no real agenda or plans other than being together. Those are my favorite days.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I have always dreamed of going on an African Safari and can’t wait to take that trip when the kids are old enough to enjoy it with us. In the meantime, my husband, Cameron, and I are planning a special ten-year anniversary trip to Italy this summer, and I cannot wait to visit the Almafi Coast & Lake Como for the first time – great food, wine and scenic views all sound heavenly.
Who has had the biggest influence on you and what quality to you admire most in a mother?
My mother has always been my best friend and greatest influence. She has taught me through example to stay positive, keep calm and be patient. Now that I have my own children, I can appreciate her sacrifices, strength and resilience even more so. I admire how she is an incredible athlete and fierce competitor with boundless energy, but at the same time also an insightful listener, gentle teacher, fantastic cook, and thoughtful friend. She is the first to rise and the last to rest, and every moment in between is focused on making sure others are having the best day possible. I am in awe of how selfless she can be, and always with a big genuine smile.
Patience is the quality that I most admire in a mother. Young children can be challenging and exhausting at times, but it is inspiring to see a mother stay calm, patient and continually loving with her children.
What do you like to do for fun?
I love to play tennis and exercise. My 2015 New Year’s resolution was to play tennis again after a decade-long hiatus, and I am really enjoying it. It puts me at ease to get back out on the court again rekindle an old passion while making new friends in the community.
What is one of your favorite books? Movies?
I wish that I had more time for both of these. One of my favorite books is Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. I love so many great movies, but my favorite TV show is Friday Night Lights.
What careers have you enjoyed? What are your strongest qualities?
For the past twelve years, I worked as the Director of Investor Relations for a Private Equity firm in NYC and recently decided to take some time off from work to spend more time with my children. This past year at home has actually been my happiest and most fulfilling. I am proud of my successful career and enjoyed it for a long time, but ultimately the job became too demanding and challenging to find a balance, and I just knew that it was time for a change. My babies were growing up too quickly, and I wanted to be present for their day-to-day activities and development. I feel so grateful each day to spend these tender moments with them.
As far as strong qualities, I like to consider myself as someone who is both loyal and compassionate. My family and close friends know that they can always count on me and I would do anything for them.
What is your favorite type of food and what do you love to cook?
I love good Mexican food. Fish tacos, guacamole & spicy salsa – yum! I simply wish that I had more time to cook (and kids who would all eat the same meal!), but for now, I enjoy teaching my kids about healthy foods and balanced meals and consider it a major accomplishment when I can get them to try new dishes.
What is your favorite time of day and why?
Once the kids are fed, bathed, dressed in pjs and ready for bed, I love storytime. We all snuggle in my oldest daughter, Dylan’s, bed and read several stories together. I love this time where we are all cozy together, chatting and giggling. Then I take each one to their room for some special individual time where each child can open up to me about their day, thoughts and questions. This intimate time warms my heart and makes me feel so blessed each night.
Where is your favorite place to Party with Moms and what is your favorite drink?
Le Penguin has always been my local favorite – a great spot for date night with Cam or a fun evening out with my girlfriends. And if we are feeling up for a little more adventure, I absolutely love dinner at the Inn at Pound Ridge – so delicious and cozy!
I always love a great glass of Cabernet Savignon or Champagne, but no drink makes me happier than a fresh mojito in the summer sun.
Photo by Classic Kids Greenwich Head Photographer, Katie Farro.