Hello Again!

By Elizabath Hashagen

12 weeks.. boy a lot can happen in 12 weeks.

If you haven't heard already, 12 weeks ago I became a mom and my whole world changed.  Allison Rae is amazing!  I just love my new job as a mom, but this week it's back to the reality of also being a journalist!  So right now, I'm trying to figure out how to juggle my newborn and my career.

I tired to set myself up for success because I knew it was going to be very hard to leave my little one. I thought I'd share my ideas on getting back on track and keeping a work life balance. If you have tips to share feel free to add on to this post!

Be organized! I make a daily to-do list. I try separating it into work and home columns. I'm a big list maker-- I also keep a weekend to do list so I'm not overwhelmed when I get home from work and finally have time to be with Allison ( it's also great because my husband can help)

 I try to stay connected. I have a daily call over to my house to see how Allison is doing. It gives me a chance to ease my fears and clear my head of any unnecessary worry so I can concentrate on work.

I put up pictures of Alli in my office and as the screen saver on my computers.. that way if I need to I can see her smiling face.

I also have backup plans in case Allison is sick or my Nanny can't make it -- knowing I have it covered is one less thing to worry about.

I am also asking for help--I know I can't do it all and I don't want to take on more than I can handle & I'm so lucky that I work with such amazing people!

My other tip-- that I'm trying to do-- nap when Allison naps-- it's hard because my instinct is to try and get stuff done-- but if I don't sleep I won't be good to anyone.  I

If you know of any other tips or tricks -- this new mom would love to know.

 

Comments

[susan l.rudnick]

could your daughter be any cuter ? she looks like she will be giving you and your husband a run for the money! she looks so happy and content! go mom! fondly susan l.rudnick

[Stevie GB]

What a beautiful baby. So pretty, just like her Mommy.

Stevie GB

[Janet]

Hi Elizabeth Enjoy every minute with your little angel. It goes by so fast. I have an Allie Rae too ( Alexandra Rae) My baby is now twelve. Where does the time go? All the best to you and your family.

[Mr. Packard]

All those blogs are nice Elizabeth....My advise for your daughter is put a guitar in her hand when she about 3 and let her teach herself to play...Maybe she will grow up to be the next Jeff Beck or Lita Ford....you wont have to pay $90,000 to educate her and she will be in a position to support you and you husband someday.....if you're worried at all that she may be deprived the experience of a college degree all you have to do is take her up to SUNY Plattsburgh one weekend when shes 19 or 20 and when you pick her up on Sunday she will have had an entire college experience in one weekend...For about $200-$300......

[John R]

And take LOTS of pictures!!!!

[Elizabeth]

Wow! Thanks for the great notes!
I have to admit that I wrapped all my Christmas presents this year with Alli in a baby bjorn!! I still haven't mastered the other sling ( she was also quite small so it didn't seem right) And I too have the utmost respect for moms-- it's like I'm now in a new club :)

[Lisa]

Welcome back Elizabeth and congradulations on your baby.

[SUSAN L.RUDNICK]

DEAR ELIZABETH,CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW ADDITION ALLISON.BEING HAPPY AND WELL ROUNDED IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN APPEARANCES ON HOW THE HOUSE LOOKS TO THE NEIGHBORS! WHEN YOUR DAUGHTER IS OFF AT COLLEGE AND HER BED( AT HOME) IS MADE FOR MONTHS AT A TIME,YOU WILL LOOK BACK AND CHERISH THE UNMADE BEDS,DISHES PILED HIGH IN THE SINK,AND BASKETS OF LAUNDRY IN THE CORNER OF THE BEDROOM!BELIEVE ME,WHEN YOU VISIT HER AT COLLEGE AND SEE ALL SHE HAS ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH YOUR EYES IT'S WELL WORTH THE TRIP!FONDLY SUSAN L. RUDNICK

[Kathy Squillanti]

Hi Elizabeth,

Welcome back and congratulations on that beautiful baby girl! She truly is beautiful just like her mom! I am so glad to see you back with Carol and Elisa. Tricia did a good job filling in for you, but no one can replace the energy that you bring to the table with Carol and Elisa. The three of you are amazing team together. Hang in there it will get easier. Just enjoy every minute because it goes fast!

Again, welcome back and you look amazing!!!

[Tracy]

Elizabeth, your baby daughter is adorable. Congrats on being a mom! From one mom to another, it is a good idea to try and sleep when she sleeps. The first few months after my son was born, I was under the same notion as you, to get things done while he slept. By the time he woke up, I was exhausted with no rest time! Now, he is 18 months and I have learned this important lesson and I am able to take a nap when he does, which is now once a day. Motherhood is the most tiring but rewarding experience I have ever encountered. My mom taught me, "Life as you know it will never be the same" She was right! I have the utmost of respect, like never before, for all the moms out there. Never did I realize how much they truly do for their children until I became a mom for the first time. Again, best wishes!

[John R]

Welcome back!
Congratulations...she's beautiful!
Here's a tip I tell every new parent: Try the Babies R Us brand of diapers called "especially for baby". They are half the price of huggies and pampers and are just as good. As a father of twin three-year-old girls, this helped us save lots of money.
Here's another tip: when things get crazy, just laugh about it. That's what my wife and I did when both girls cried at the same time!
Enjoy every second with her!

[John]

I don't have kids, but the rules I live by to get things done are that "if you asked about it, then you just volunteered to do it," and "if someone else volunteered you, that's close enough." Elisa falls into the second category. Sorry, girl.

Other than that, a couple of friends have told me that they love those baby slings. It lets them stay involved with the baby while they're getting things accomplished. The best of them are the slings that are less adjustable, not more (more stable for the baby and fewer points of failure); one size shouldn't fit all, and your husband may need his own.

[Elizabeth]

Family first is right!! And you are spot on when it comes to my co workers-- Elisa is AMAZING with Alli. All of Allison's best accesories are from the lovely Elisa, she spoils her rottten! ( and she spoils that neice of hers too..belive me!!) And Carol, don't even get me started-- I'm so lucky to have a balanced and motivated mom next to me everyday.. and Alli loves her!!

[Robert]

Elizabeth,

Welcome back and congratulations on becoming a mommy! I say that Allison looks cute. You'll do great! Taking care of her is important. You'll be a great mommy. I also agree that Elisa can babysit your daughter if she wants to.

[Pat]

Hey Elizabeth, welcome back!!!! if u needed someone t warch your daughter sometime, i'm sure one of your co-workers could help you out. congrats once again on motherhood.

[tommy]

Welcome home, M'lady. You look great! Webcams so she can see and hear you when she has to. If you're stuck for a sitter, my wife & I'll jump on that in a hot second. We'll send her back when it's time to pay for college.

[MARTIN]

HI ELIZABETH, WELCOME BACK TO THE MORNING NEWS DESK, CONGRADULATIONS ON YOUR DAUGHTER.
HEH! A GREAT SECOND TIP MAYBE ELISA WANTS TO BABYSIT SOMETIMES, SHE HAS OFTEN SAID IN HER BLOGS SHE WANTS TO EXPERINCE HAVIBG A CHILD EVEN THOUGH SHE HAS A NIECE, ASK HER ...

[Bob]

Welcome back Elizabeth.

There is one major tip. Family comes FIRST!!!