Describe yourself in 3 words...
Homebody, Relaxed, Quirky
How has becoming a Mother influenced your perspective on work?
I am just now trying to figure out the balance of work and motherhood. Some days I think I am in a good groove and sometimes I am completely overwhelmed and ask myself how I am ever going to get anything done. Motherhood to me right now is my most important job and everything else comes second. I think that is likely how it will be the rest of my life, but it is a huge adjustment period at the moment.
What advice would you give to new mothers?
My advice would be to take all advice with a grain of salt. Each child is different, each struggle is different. What one mom does may not work for you or it may be the thing that solves your issue! You know your baby best, trust your instinct and stop comparing yourself to what everyone else is doing. Ask for advice from other moms you trust but don't question yourself if how your child responds to that advice is different.
Where do you like to shop for your son?
I honestly haven't been doing too much shopping for Sonny because there is so little he needs right now. At least in my opinion. I furnished and designed our whole nursery with Joss and Main, sprinkling in some cute accessories from Pehr Designs.
What were your most useful purchases for your son?
The Shusher machine is amazing! We took it in the car with us over the weekend and it worked wonders. We love Water Wipes and his Munchkin trash can! We also had California Closets come in and custom design his nursery so everything is super organized and has its place!
What was the best baby gift you received?
Well, there's been a couple things for me that I have loved!! Like my "Sonny" necklace from Lola James or even just an at home massage from soothe! I know this may sound selfish, but sometimes it's nicer to get the mom a present cause the baby gets so much stuff and the mom needs a little TLC!
But in terms of a present for Sonny, we have loved so much! I love our rose gold bloom Frescoe high chair, our Uppababy Vista stroller, and all the personalized robes and onesies and blankets! It's all so thoughtful.
How do you plan on carving out some "me" time? And how do you plan on utilizing that time?
When I have someone watching the baby, instead of just sitting on my computer and doing work, I try to get out and get some fresh air. Whether that is simply going to the grocery store, getting a mani/pedi or facial or even just laying on the couch and watching TV, I make sure I have some of that each day. I also want to make sure my husband and I have time together. I am finding it more and more important to make time with him and stick to a plan. It's easy to lose sight of the communication and time you once had. I am a big fan of making at least one date night a week.
What is your workout regimen?
Right now I don't really have one! Sonny is only two months so I took the first six weeks just to recover and let my body rest. I have since gone to some pilates and yoga but plan to really get back into the swing of things soon. I want to start easy. Maybe one pilates, one yoga and one cardio class a week and see how I feel! I use Classpass so I can really mix things up. One of my best friends also has a pilates studio in her back house, so I try to take advantage of that! It's Pilates by Amanda and it is great!
What is your current career direction?
I am currently a creative director at Bloom2bloom, a give back flower company where every succulent or bouquet you purchase, gives back a percentage to wish upon a teen and Bundle Organics- a flash pasteurized juice company with no preservatives for pregnant and nursing mothers.
How do you balance your career and family life?
I am truly trying to find that balance. It is so important for me to have an identity other than just being a mom and have a purpose that fulfills me. Yes, being a mom is my most important job right now, but having a creative outlet allows me to also be the best mom I can be. I take each day, day by day, and try to switch off being a mom and being a career woman. I am lucky enough to work from home so I feel I am able to tend to Sonny and then when he is taken care of, I can get back to work and get things done.
What has been the greatest challenge of motherhood so far?
The greatest challenge has been by far the breastfeeding and lack of sleep. Now that I am ten weeks postpartum, it has definitely gotten easier and I am more in the groove but it was soooo tough for me. I got mastitis three times and struggled with how I was going to feed him. It took over my life. I am now mixing pumping and nursing and it has gotten a bit easier. I felt ready to sacrifice myself to be a mom, but I wasn't prepared for the sacrifice of my body .