BCM - How did your life change when you became a mom?

Katie - Wow, how didn't it change?!?  All of a sudden I was completely responsible for everything for this little person.  My time and schedule was no longer my own, but dictated by feedings, diapers changes, and more feeding, but mostly I was completely I was wrapped around my son, then daughter, then second daughter's fingers.

BCM - What has been your most memorable moment (s) as a mom?

Katie -There are so many memorable moments, but what is most exciting for me is watching when they first show their very own personalities.  For my son, Jake, he was fiercely protective of his friends and had and still has a huge heart.  He would defend them in the sandbox, and protect his little sister, Jilly in the playground.  Jilly was always sweet, gentle, and carrying, and I hear all about her day by listening to her for HOURS as she would recount her day's activities to all her stuffed animals in such detail, and Josie, is very in tune with other's feelings.  If someone around her seems sad, she will go up to them, ask if they are ok, and give them a hug.

BCM - What has been the biggest challenge for you in motherhood?

Katie -My biggest challenge is realizing that I can't do everything myself,  I can't be in 2 or 3 places at the same time, and that I need to ask for help.

BCM - What inspired you to start your own business - Nomie Baby?

Katie -nomie baby literally started by accident.  My littlest, Josie, spilled on her car seat, and after struggling to remove the cover, I read the care instructions, which said, "Do not machine wash."  I thought, there has to be an easier way to deal with all the mess and wrestling.  After my search came up empty, I knew an idea was born, and I decided to create a removable, washable & waterproof cover for infant and toddler car seats that is also cozy, and so the business was born.

BCM - How do you manage your work/life balance? Any advice for moms?

Katie -Managing my work/mom/life balance is slightly easier because nomie baby is my own business; therefore, I can schedule meetings around school drop off, sporting events, and plays.  It does mean that there are days that I am answering emails in the middle of the night.  Another way that I try to balance it all is to involve my family in the business, so that they feel a part of it all.  My older 2 help with computer issues, and have helped design marketing pieces, my littlest has helped sort the colors and sizes for shipments, and my husband's advise and support means so much.

BCM - What types of activities do you like to do w/ your kids?

Katie -My kids are 16, 14 and 3 1/2, so we have a wide range of activities we do together.  I love watching them play football, soccer, basketball and lacrosse, as well as going to ballet, plays and other performances.  Doing art projects and reading books are also great quiet activities we all love to share.  For fun, I love skiing, tennis, trying to exercise, and going to movies complete with popcorn and raisinets!  It is also great seeing everything through their eyes.

BCM - What are your favorite mom essentials and why?

Katie -Of course I love the nomie baby car seat covers, because they make travel and cleanups hassle-free.  I really don't have to worry about any of the mess, because cleaning up is so easy.  I also loved the snap-n-go when Josie was little, because getting in and out of a car and then popping her into a stroller was a "snap" and I never had to wake her.  Wipes, wipes, wipes, they are always a must to have around because kids are just messy.  When I go to a restaurant I like to have a Ziploc with stickers and crayons, because they are great way to pass the time.

BCM- If you could give another mom or expectant mom one piece of advice, what would it be?

Katie -There is no such thing as doing it all, all the time, so give yourself a break.  Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Also, the beginning can be lonely, so try to get out to a class or activity.  Sharing the experiences with other moms is wonderful.  I am still very close to moms I met when each of my kids were tiny.

BCM - Do you have a motto you would like to share with other moms? 

Katie -The glass is 3/4 full!  It is all an incredible experience.  Enjoy the ride!

BCM - Which BCM event was your favorite?

Katie -There are so many wonderful BCM events.  I have loved the Entrepreneur panels as both a panelist and audience member, and the Baby Shower event was incredible, where were you my first 2 times around??