BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?
Lisa - I feel like everyone says this, but I really don't think I understood what it meant to put someone else first until Dylan was born. It's amazing how quickly my priorities changed and everything became about my little girl.
BCM - What has/have been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom?
Lisa - There have been so many memorable moments so far...seeing her smile; hearing her babble, say words, then sentences; watching her take her first steps; listening to her sing; etc. While every day has been memorable, the moment I will replay over and over for the rest of my life is when Dylan was born and I heard the doctor say, "It's a girl!" I was in the hospital for 38 hours before she arrived and the only thing that kept me sane was the anticipation of finding out if we were having a girl or a boy. It was truly the best surprise of my life!
BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?
Lisa - Being able to ask for help! I've always been extremely independent, and it's a constant challenge for me to admit when I need another set of hands or advice on a topic that's completely new to me.
BCM - If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?
Lisa - You can't plan everything no matter how hard you try because life is totally unpredictable. Be flexible! Routines and schedules are important, but breaking them and going with the flow is just as essential.
BCM - How do you manage your career while being a mother and a wife? Any advice for moms?
Lisa - Where to begin? As a teacher, I've always taken care of my students, but becoming "Dylan's Mom" has been very different than being, "Mrs. Bloom." The best way I manage my career while being a mom/wife is never putting it before being a mom/wife. If Dylan is sick, has a doctor's appointment or needs her Mommy, I'm there. Dylan's school is literally across the street from the school where I teach, which is also 20 blocks from home. If she needs me, or if there's an emergency, I can be there in 5 minutes. The convenience of home/school/work makes getting out of the house at 7:15 a bit easier. I've become much more efficient at work so that when I walk out the door, spending time with Dylan becomes my priority, whether its taking a class or having a playdate. I pack our bags the night before, I make tons of lists, and I email things to myself to make sure I don't forget anything. I'm lucky to have a principal who is a working mom herself, understanding that family comes first. I'm incredibly fortunate to have a husband who respects my work ethic and supported my desire to get a 2nd Master's Degree while being a new mom. It also helps that he's a great daddy! Becoming a mom has changed my outlook on my students; even the most challenging child is someone's baby. That helps me get through the difficult days at work! My advice to other moms: set your priorities, enable as much convenience as possible, organize, and use a BlackBerry. Oh, and drink lots and lots of caffeine.
BCM - What types of activities do you like to do with your daughter?
Lisa - We love taking Dylan to places like the zoo, the park, a museum, an amusement park or fair, a show...basically anything she'll be talking about for days afterward. Of course we love play dates and birthday parties, too. I can't help but want to teach her as much as I can, which is when my profession comes in handy! I also love participating in all of her school's activities, like trips, family picnics, breakfasts, and book fairs. Recently I was a parent chaperone on a field trip and it was so much fun to be on the other side as a parent and not the leader of the group.
BCM- What has been your favorite Big City Moms event to date?
Lisa - I've met so many incredible people and learned so much valuable information through Big City Moms, but I'd definitely have to say the new mom lunches, because that's where I met all of my mommy friends and their children who are such a big part of our life. I also loved Mother's Day 2008 (my 1st) at Tavern on the Green with my mom and mother-in-law.
FUN FACTS
BCM- I'm totally obsessed with....
Lisa - My family and friends.
BCM- My biggest influence is....
Lisa - My parents and grandparents.
BCM- My favorite drugstore buy...
Lisa - Baby wipes and gum.
BCM- Product I can't live without..
Lisa - Bottled water.
BCM- My guilty pleasure is...
Lisa - Shopping and Facebook.
BCM- Favorite meal....
Lisa - Sushi
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