throughout the day, I [try] so hard to make sure I work out–even if it’s just running a mile. That’s really important [to] me. Then I usually have some kind of Instagram part of my day. Throughout the day, I pop back in and take time with Charley and be with him. My husband usually makes dinner–he’s really good at it. We will put Charley to sleep, and [my husband] and I will play a game or watch a show. That’s typically my day. If it’s a weekend, I might have some girls over or ELLA: I love my job as a producer; it’s stressful and it’s hectic, but I really enjoy it. I think I’m good at it, but I don’t feel like I’m necessarily helping anyone or contributing to things; whereas with [financial] advising and life insurance policies, I can help people. It feels really good to be able to help people. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PARENTING STYLE? ELLA: I thought I was going to be a structured parent. I’ve been very big on routine, and I do believe [in] that. I go off of [Charley’s] cues a lot. There is this overall structure, but I’m very flexible, and I think it’s been really good. You could do whatever you want, but your kid’s personality is going to be what it’s going to be. I happen to be fortunate that he’s very go-with-the-flow. He’s been really great and chill, and it could just be his personality, but I’m going to keep doing go out with people. WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT YOUR CAREERS? that since it’s working. I’m sure as he continues to be more mobile, I may be a little more “helicoptery.” I get anxious often, but right now it’s pretty freestyle. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY ACTIVITIES? ELLA: We like to play together, so we’ll play with [Charley’s] toys and stuff. We like to go on walks often. My husband will jog with him. Walks are probably our favorite thing to do together. HOW DO YOU JUGGLE CAREER AND FAMILY LIFE? ELLA: Honestly, and I’m sure every mom has a similar thing where they’re like, “I don’t know what I’m doing.” There are times that it is very overwhelming, and I try really hard to find a balance where I’m able to take a little bit of time every day for myself, even if that’s just a half hour or something where I’m
not thinking or being responsible for something. I am really fortunate because my husband is really willing to take over [and] watch Charley so I can have a little bit of peace. We do have the sitter who comes in so I can work. Instagram, too, is another big element. It’s trying to balance that, and then learning to let go. I’ve been a perfectionist my whole life, and parenting really rips that rug out from under you. You can’t waste time now trying to be perfect on everything. It’s not about you anymore, and you have so many other things going on. So I’m trying to let go of that notion. I can’t spend today with my mind in a billion places, because I’m only a person. WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW BEFORE BECOMING A MOM? ELLA: There’s some practical, little things I would have told myself about, like formulas and making sure which ones were best to use, and stuff like that. I did struggle with postpartum right after I had Charley. We had some difficulties with breastfeeding; I wasn’t able to initially because I had a [blood] transfusion, and there was a lot of stuff there. That was really hard on me, and if I could go back, that’s maybe something I would try and tell myself: “It’s okay.” That’s something a lot of people don’t really talk about, and I try to be open with that because so many women go through that and don’t know that they are not alone. It’s going to continue, even if you get past postpartum, your hormones now are in a whole different realm. You’ve got to be kinder to yourself. I really have enjoyed the experience of getting to learn to be a mom. The “not knowing” has been great. That’s really what I would tell myself: You’re on the right path, you’ve got it, and also, be kind to yourself.
Quick Q’s Go-to comfort food … Pizza. Current obsession… Furniture revamping. Favorite way to unwind after a long day … Glass of wine and a bubble bath. Hobby I wish I had more time for … Painting. Something I’m excited about … My trip to Ireland and this article. Alternate answer for all of the above ... Fried chicken.
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