Local mom Kimberly Spradlin-Wolfe became a household name back in 2012 as the winner of Survivor: One World and the $1,000,000 prize that accompanied it. She has embarked on a new adventure as a mother of two young children, who are a mere 14 months apart in age, and as a co-host on Great Day SA. As part of our continuing “I Am a San Antonio Mom” series, she answered a few questions for us about herself and her role as a mom, including which was more challenging for her: spending 39 days in Upolu, Samoa, or becoming a mother.
What do you love about San Antonio?
I love that San Antonio has everything you could ever want or need and then some. I love that San Antonio is small enough that I bump into friends while frequenting old “standbys,” but big enough that there’s always a new boutique or coffee shop to try when I have the energy to venture out. San Antonio just feels easy to me—homey, really—which is good because it’s my home!
What has been the greatest joy of motherhood for you?
My greatest joy in motherhood has been the love I have for these people (my babies, if that’s not obvious). I can hardly stand how much I love their smell, the way their hair feels, and kissing their fat little necks. They’re like puppies but way, way better.
What has been the greatest challenge in motherhood?
This is an easy one for me: giving up “me” time. I used to wonder if I was the most selfish person on the planet—now I know I am. I love to do things for myself, so adjusting from life with me, to me and Bryan, to me and Bryan and MT, to me and Bryan and MT and August in a three-year time span has been “stretching” to say the least.
Which was more challenging: 39 days on Survivor or the first 39 days of motherhood?
This is a hard one, actually. They are both horrible and wonderful at the same time. But I will say that Survivor was more horrible with a side of wonderful, and motherhood is definitely more wonderful with a side of horrible (i.e., engorgement), so I guess Survivor. At least there is peanut butter in motherhood.
How do you hope your life influences and/or inspires other women?
Oh gosh, I used to have lofty visions of this, but right now I just hope to not be rude to my family and friends. I’m pretty tired.
You are a role model for being a strong woman. Where did you find this inspiration, and how do you hope to teach your daughter to be strong?
I am? Well, thanks! I’m not sure that I am, but if I am then it probably comes from my parents. My mom was strong in that she would help me load a couch into the back of her truck without complaining in 100-degree weather. My dad was a coach and gone a lot, so we sort of learned to be resourceful as women in the Spradlin family, as there wasn’t a man around to ask for help from. My dad taught me to never, ever quit. I don’t know a lot about parenting yet, but I’ve heard that actions speak louder than words, so I’m hoping that if I’m strong, my daughter will be strong. Is that how it works?
Describe your typical weekday.
I go to KENS 5 around 7:00 A.M.—well, I go to Starbucks, and then KENS 5, where I co-host Great Day SA, which is really super fun. I never have any idea whom I’ll meet or what I’ll do. Also, the people I work with make me laugh—a lot—so I’m pretty lucky in that. I pick up my kids at noon (hopefully I don’t have a stalker I’m tipping off), then it’s nap time, then swimming or the park depending on the weather, cooking dinner, then whatever TV show Bryan and I are binge-watching at the moment, and early to bed.
If we peeked in your purse/diaper bag right now, what would we find?
I refuse to get a real diaper bag. I thought it would keep me from looking like a mommy, but now I have extra pacis on my fingers and burp cloths sticking out of my back pockets, so I might as well give in.
What four words best describe you?
Warm, adventurous, clever, and selfish. I put “selfish” because if I’d put four kind things that might make me look conceited, and you only gave me four words.
Where would we find you on the weekends?
The Pearl farmer’s market, in my backyard landscaping, at an estate sale or furniture auction, or at my sister’s pool.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Haagen Daas and The Bachelor/The Bachelorette.
Tell us your San Antonio favorites.
Date night spot: Dough Pizzeria, Top Golf
Family-friendly activity: Landa Library plaground, the zoo, the DoSeum
Shopping: Amazon and the Restoration Hardware outlet
Entertainment: Alamo Draft House, Sam’s
Relaxation: Vitality Nails (ask for Mona!)
Beverage: Victoria
Dessert: The chocolate cake at Arcade (I know they closed, but it’s still the one!)