From falling in love in London to building a beautiful life in Wauwatosa, Nicole and Andrew Seiler embrace exploration, kindness and gratitude.
Andrew works as the director of global trade compliance for Zurn Industries, while Nicole stays home with their kids —four-year-old Soren and three-year-old Stella — and does contract work marking essays for International Baccalaureate and teaching a course in the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. English Pointer Rogue and English Setter Scout round out the family.
Nicole shares more about their home, their adventures and realizing that “the little things really are the big things.”
How did you and your husband meet?
I’m from Milwaukee and Andrew is from Stevens Point. We met while on a semester abroad in London. One night we were dancing at the pub in our student center and he walked me back to my flat. We walked through Regents Park on the way home and something told me to kiss him. I did and then quickly apologized and ran away, but the rest is history. We went back to that same spot a few years later and that’s where he asked me to marry him.
What brought you to Wauwatosa?
We moved to Tosa in August of 2019, a month before Stella was born. We wanted to live here because we love the neighborhood. The village is charming and has a bit of a European feel to it. We’ve always admired the beauty of the area.
What do you like most about living here?
We love being so close to so many great parks and playgrounds and, of course, restaurants, coffee shops and breweries. And it’s great to be able to walk or bike to our favorites.
We understand you used to be an educator and now you stay at home with your kids. Can you please tell us more about that journey?
It feels like such a long journey. I started out in advertising and worked the agency life for six years after graduating. It was really challenging and fun, but I burned out and I lost the passion. I knew I needed to do something bigger, using my skills and love for reading and writing. I took a leap and decided to go back to school for a post-baccalaureate certification in English Education, and then one semester in decided to work towards my master’s.
I taught English for seven years at Rufus King High School before Soren was born. I didn’t know that my maternity leave would turn into me making the decision to be a stay-at-home mom, but after a few months, if just felt right. It’s been four and a half years since Soren was born and, although some days are longer and harder than teaching ever was, I still have zero regrets. I love spending my days with them so, so much. It’s cliché but true — these days when they’re little fly by too quickly and I won’t get that time back.
What are your favorite things to do together as a family?
Play games together. Go to parks and playgrounds. Read books and snuggle. Enjoy a board meal (charcuterie) together. Take our dogs out to the fields to watch them run.
What’s a typical fall weekend like for your family?
We try to take our two bird dogs out to run in the fields as much as possible in the fall. We also try to get out and explore nature to see the changing colors. One of our favorite spots that’s close by is the Forest Exploration Center. There’s usually a stop at a local favorite like Vennture Brew Co. for a treat. We also love to enjoy bonfires in our backyard. Our kids recently discovered the deliciousness of s’mores.
Please tell us about your home — what is it like and how do you like it to feel?
We moved into the house a month before Stella was born and were so thankful it was move-in ready. It’s in the Highlands neighborhood in Tosa. The house itself is from 1923, but the inside has been completely gutted. We were sold when we walked in and saw the open concept kitchen and dining room and the natural fireplace in the living room. The first floor has the best light and windows. And the second floor has a roomy family room with skylights — plenty of space for the kids’ toys and a comfy sectional and our TV for movie nights. I think I’d call our style mid-century Scandinavian. We like it to feel classic, but also lived in. Our house is just the right mix of mid-century pieces, IKEA furniture and antiques. Most importantly, everyone feels comfortable and safe here.
What are your favorite parts about parenthood?
I love having the honor of watching our little ones grow into such incredible little humans. Seeing them reach their milestones, learn something new and experience the world is truly amazing. I also love that I get to shine the light for them and guide them through life.
Being a parent has definitely changed me. Some days I’d say it has made more patient. It has made me softer. Some days I’d say it has made me more anxious. The biggest change would be how much my heart and love has expanded because of their love.
What was the pandemic like for you and your family?
Living through a pandemic with two toddlers is no joke. We were all home together all the time. Andrew worked from home and I tried my best to keep the kids from distracting him too much. But as hard as it’s been, there was some good to come out of it. I wouldn’t trade in that time we had together.
In the past couple of years, we’ve learned that:
It’s okay to say no.
It’s okay to change our minds.
Things don’t have to be perfect — and that they are often better when they are a little messy.
We all love baking and fika so much.
Caring for others is always important.
Standing up for what’s right and what we believe in is always important.
There’s never enough time for everything, but what do you prioritize as a family?
Always sitting down for meals as a family. Reading to the kids every day. Spending time together and doing something as a family, whatever that may be.
What are three words to describe your family?
Creative. Conscious. Worldly — we are very appreciative of what we can learn from other cultures and countries.
Please tell us about your gratitude practice!
I was inspired by a mama that I met while writing for Milwaukee Mom who has a similar practice. Her lists always struck a chord with me and made me smile. I started in January 2021 as a new year’s challenge and did it monthly through the end of the year. I wanted the challenge of finding the positive after the long and tough year that 2020 was.
This year I decided not to do it monthly. I keep a running list on my phone and when it feels done, I share it. This practice has reminded me to slow down and to take time to notice and appreciate the little things. This practice reminds me that the little things really are the big things. I share my lists because I know others will find something relatable and that will make them smile and I hope to pass along that positivity and warmth to others.
What are you most looking forward to this fall, or in the months ahead?
Sweater and beanie weather, of course! And all of our Wisconsin fall traditions: apple picking, seeing the leaves change colors, picking and carving pumpkins. And trick or treating this year — the first year for the kids!
We’re also excited for some upcoming travel (and our first since the pandemic started). We’re planning to join Andrew on a work trip to Toronto this month and to extend it for a weekend in Montreal for his birthday. And we’re planning our first trip back to London as a family of four between Christmas and the new year.
– Katie Vaughn
Katie Vaughn is the editor and co-founder of Northerly. She is a University of Wisconsin-Madison and Stanford University-trained journalist with experience as a writer, reporter, editor, blogger and author. She lives in Madison with her husband, daughter and son, and is always up for an adventure.