Charlotte Smarties, we have a real treat for you today. I’m proud to introduce Kristin, a new Smarty Mom of a beautiful baby girl. Not only is she a new mommy, but she’s a working mommy. We wanted to get to know how she’s getting by as she just recently returned to work. She has some really helpful tips for you expecting mamas, too!
Let’s get to know Kristin!
Smarty Mom: Kristin Worley Beamer
Name: Kristin Worley Beamer
Married to: Cole Beamer
Child(ren): (1) Reagan Beamer
Years in Charlotte: 13 years
Originally from: Texas/Georgia
Occupation: Marketing; Woolpert, Inc.
Share your pregnancy story.
Whew! I was not one of those moms who enjoyed being pregnant!! I was really sick throughout the entire pregnancy… thank God for applesauce and crackers!!
November 10th was football Sunday. My husband is a big Panthers fan, and that day started out like any other… pregnant, past my due date, and as swollen as the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man! My mom and I took a walk that day… like all the days before, I was determined to walk that baby out! This time was a little different. I told my mom something was off and I wasn’t feeling well. After the walk, I took a little nap on the couch, which was out of character, because I’m not much of a nap person. I woke up and decided to lie down in bed. I kept saying I didn’t feel well. Once I was tucked in my mom said she called my dad and told him to pack up and make the trek to Charlotte… she knew I was in labor even though I couldn’t articulate why I didn’t feel well.
At 2:30 pm, after I hopped out of the shower, my water broke. I called my girlfriend who was also my midwife and said “it’s baby time”. Since I was having a natural childbirth, we hung out at the house for a while. The football game was on so we grilled some wings and watched the game. Around 5ish, it was time to head out. My contractions were getting pretty intense. I checked into CMC at 5:34 pm and at 10:09 pm Reagan was born. I was so proud… I made it without any drugs! Just some Tylenol. And Reagan was perfect. She was the most beautiful little girl I had ever seen!
In some way, I think I had a glimpse into the future during my pregnancy. Since Reagan’s arrival, life has been all on her terms. She’s happy, energetic (I do not think she has stopped moving unless she’s asleep), and strong-willed. When she makes up her mind… it’s made!! My pregnancy was a lot like that.
You’re a working smarty mom – what was it like going back to work?
Complete chaos! You think you’re prepared… but everything I thought I knew about motherhood and work/life balance was wrong! I was so unprepared. I’m not sure there was anything else that I could have done to prepare myself, but here are some tips that made life a little easier.
The heartbreak of leaving Reagan for the day was inevitable… no advice on how to get through that. But just like any other broken heart… time makes it more manageable.
TRIAL RUN:
The week before you return to work, contact your daycare, nanny, etc. and set up a few trial runs. Get up at the same time you would for work. Make the trip to work to gauge traffic, etc. It’s been a while since you’ve had to battle rush hour!!
LABELS:
I recommend buying name labels. For daycare, they require you to label EVERYTHING! These labels can save you a lot of time. Especially the write-on labels. They’re dishwasher safe and perfect for your bottles!
BOUNDARIES:
Don’t hesitate to establish boundaries. You’re not the employee that you were before and you shouldn’t feel guilty or pressured into filling those heels you once wore before your precious bundle arrived
BREATHE!!
Even after all of your preparations and planning… very little will go as you hoped it would. You’re a mom! And unfortunately nearly everything is out of your control now. That was hard for me… I’m a complete control freak! One day at a time… you’re doing GREAT.
What is your must-have item for a newborn?
We love our Boppy and our Wubbanub. They’re lifesavers!
What’s your biggest piece of advice for a first-time mama?
Trust your instincts 100%. It’s harder than you would think to listen to your inner voice saying “something isn’t right”. You’re the momma and NO ONE knows that baby like you do. So go with your gut ALWAYS. And never be afraid to challenge ANYTHING. That’s what great moms do.
What’s your ideal date night?
A bottle of wine, outdoor fireplace and a clear night sky!
What’s your favorite spot in Charlotte?
It’s not really in Charlotte, but my favorite retreat is Lake Tillery. My in-laws own a home right on the lake and ever since college this has been my home away from home. It’s quiet and beautiful. I can’t wait to share this place with our daughter.
Something most people don’t know about you?
I was a BIG tomboy growing up. I have three brothers and one sister, and growing up with that many boys makes you pretty tough. I would have much rather played with race cars over Barbies… and I have a lot of scars trying to keep up with those guys!
Minivan or SUV?
I’m an SUV girl through and through. My first car was an Explorer and it just sort of stuck.
Favorite Smarty phone app?
The baby feed app. When you’re walking around like a zombie for the first three months, this will be the best $2 you’ve ever spent!! It tracks feed times and diaper changes and sends you an alert when the next feed time is. It’s also pretty handy if there are any complications. With this app you can have an intelligent conversation with your baby’s pediatrician.
Also, I need to add the HuffPost app to the list. It’s great reading material for those late night feedings!! Who has time to watch the news or any tv show for that matter during those first 3 months??!!
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Knee deep in training bras and arguments over why her shorts are WAY too short :-).
I could not live without ….
My network of mommies/girlfriends. These incredible women keep my sanity intact when life becomes more than I can handle. They’re my cheerleaders and my sounding board. I love them to pieces!
My husband.
His motto: I will keep you alive while you keep baby alive. HAHA! Seems extreme but that mantra got us through some crazy sleepless nights/days. I couldn’t have married a better man and father!
And… my mom. For all the trips, tips and wine. She’s my rock!
