PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — If only we could go back in time and tell ourselves one thing before becoming a mom.
As we celebrate the holiday season and head into a new year, we asked the moms in the Local 10 newsroom to reflect and tell us what advice they would go back and give themselves before having a baby.
Their answers were honest, heartfelt and very real.
Jacey Birch, Anchor: “Forget doing laundry, dishes, cleaning the house, I wasted way too much time on that. Just spend all the moments you can with your Munchkin, because it goes by way too fast.”
Christina Vazquez, Reporter: “Everyday moments are extraordinary. Lean into the simple joys.”
Saira Anwer, Reporter: “Make a habit of writing things down. Life is infinitely more chaotic. Now there’s so much more to remember, so just write it down, or you are going to forget it.”
Elsa Bolt, Executive Producer: “Know that nothing will go as expected or planned, but give yourself grace and self-compassion as you navigate motherhood. The beginning is hard, but always know that you are an amazing mother.”
Kristi Krueger, Anchor: “The days are long, but the years are so short. So cherish every crazy minute, because one day you’re going to wake up and people are calling you gammy.”
Emily Cadavid, Producer: “You’re going to constantly worry that you’re not doing enough, that you need to be more creative and have more patience and more energy, because social media has convinced you of that. Put down your phone and live in the moment.
Sanela Sabovic, Anchor/Reporter: “You know how people always say they grow up too fast? Well, yes, they certainly do. You blink and they’re teenagers before you know it. Live in the moment. Take a deep breath. Don’t sweat the little things, and everything is always going to be OK.”
Yvette Ng, Executive Producer: “Just when you think you figured it out, something new will pop up and it’s going to be a wild ride, but you’re going to get through it, and it’s all going to be worth it.”
Betty Davis, Chief Certified Meteorologist: “Don’t take hugs for granted when they’re really little. Get as many as you can, because when they get older, those hugs may be a little tough to come by.”
Abby Lawing, Assignment Planner: “Never try to be a perfect parent, because you’ll never achieve it. When all else fails, love as much as you can. Live in the moment.”
Julie Durda, Meteorologist: “Time flies. Time is a thief. Soon you have your baby coming and arriving, your miracle’s in your hands and then he’s 9 years old.”
Kara McKinney, Producer: “Time really does fly. So get as many cuddles and kisses as you can, because before you know it, they’ll be taller than you.”
Amanda Batchelor, Local10.com Digital Executive Producer: “The years go fast, so take as many pictures as you can. Write down moments that make you laugh and scrapbook so you can always revisit those cherished moments.”
Glenna Milberg, Reporter, Anchor and Host: “Breathe. Really. That great big belly breath when it all gets so overwhelming, it’s very calming and very centering, and always know you are the best mama.”
Nicole Perez, Anchor: “When I first started thinking about this, I said to myself, if I could go back pre-babies, I would say, ‘Don’t expect to have the same perfect routine every single day.’ The kids are going to go through growth spurts and get sick. You’ll be traveling all those things. Learn to go with the flow and don’t stress, because they will be OK. But when I was looking for my own photos ― I’m changing my advice to: Dads, please take more pictures of mom. I have 500 photos of my husband with our kids and maybe like three of me."
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