Welcome To Elaborating With Ellie!

Welcome!

This is a whole new chapter for me.  Never before have I tried to juggle being a mother with a full-time career.  I know many of you are pros, and I could certainly use your advice on how to balance it all.  :-)

Here’s the scoop on me.  I was in broadcast journalism for a decade before stepping away to start a family.  My husband and I have a happy, healthy baby girl.  Well, she is almost a toddler now.  Everyday she amazes me with her passionate giggle and gentle spirit.  I was blessed to be home with her for a year, before going back to work.  So yes, I was a stay-at-home mom and know the craziness that comes with the job.  (For the record, I am not a fan of the titles “stay-at-home mom” or “working mom”.)  We all know these jobs blend together and there is no such thing as a mom who doesn’t work, or a mom who just stays at home eating bon bons.  Doesn’t happen!  Still, I haven’t come up with better terms, so I toss “stay-at-home” and “working” mom around every now and then. 

Now, I’m back to work at NBC 4, and couldn’t be happier.  Yes, I miss my daughter, but our family is learning to adjust and I am taking on new challenges.  I’m just trying to juggle it all, ya know?  We are launching a brand new First at 4 Newscast on June 9th and I am so proud to be a part of it.  It’s right up my alley.  We’ll be focusing on news that really affects our families and lifestyles.  We’re already working on stories to save folks money, improve our health, lose weight, get in shape and help our children grow into smart, happy adults.  It’s a lot, I know, but good stuff.

I am already discovering (as is my dear husband) that juggling a career with a family takes flexibility.  There are things that I once cared about that are quickly falling by the wayside.  Having a perfectly clean house is no where near as important as playing with my daughter when I get home from work at night.  Her giggles win out over the vacuum.  Plus, I’m learning that parenthood definitely requires the ability to laugh at yourself every now and then….and kids help us with that!  There is nothing like picking bananas and cheerios out of your hair as your drive to work in the morning.

So, I’m hoping you’ll join us for the First at 4 Newscast, but also share your thoughts, advice, and funny moments with us each day on this blog.  I’d love to hear what you think and what is going on in your lives.  If there is one thing I’ve learned about motherhood, it’s that moms stick together and help each other out.  I call it “Team Mom”….and we’d love to have you on our team.

Good luck, Ellie!

I’m so proud of all you are accomplishing. My experience as a mother is limited to two cats, one of which suffers from obesity and hearing loss. My stress comes from making sure he’s properly fed so he’s not sitting on my chest and meowing in my face at 4 a.m. Note the obesity…his girth shuts down my air supply. Don’t know how that translates into parenting a child…but I’m sure I’ll find something to contribute!

Hi, Ellie!  Best wishes to you as you begin this new adventure—you can do it!  Wishing you grace, success, and lots of inspiration & fulfillment.  :)

Ellie,

You are doing a great thing in focusing in on issues that effect mothers!  It’s a struggle each and everyday for every woman, no matter what path you choose and each has it’s rewards and regrets.  If only we could be everything to everyone, life would be easier.  Until that’s figured out, we all juggle the best we can and offering support for each other as women goes a LONG way!  Good luck and thanks for bringing these isues to the front of people’s minds!

Angela

Good Luck Ellie!

I’m the mom of a 13 year old girl and 11 year old boy.  I stayed home until he was in the 1st grade.  They are both moving on to high and middle school next year and I still remember them as babies.  Enjoy every moment.  It goes by quickly…too quickly.  Just remember, there’s no such thing as the perfect mom, just be the perfect mom for your children.

Good Luck Ellie and glad you are back. You will do just fine. I stayed at home for a while with both of my children. I now work part time, so it truly is the best of both worlds.

Hang in there!

This is a great blog and resource for families, Ellie! So glad to see you back on the news again!

I’m so happy you’re doing this! I definitely feel the pains with you, as I am a full time working Mom to a 22 month old! Going to work everyday is bitter sweet - I’d love to spend every moment of every day with my son. But I really feel I’m a better Mom and cherish the moments even more because I enjoy my career time as well as the time I spend with him. Good luck!

Hi, Ellie! I was a huge fan of you when you were on that other network that shall not be named, and I was happy to see you are back on TV again. I have no children of my own, but I have four stepkids ranging in age from 12 to 8. The youngest two have lived with my fiance and me full time for the past 3 years, and it’s a chore! I’m lucky to have “acquired” them at an age where they are capable of being independent enough to not need me hovering over them all day, and no bananas being thrown in my hair. :) Best of luck to you and your family.

Hi, Ellie!  I know exactly what you mean about a clean house.  I too work full-time and cleaning is pretty much the last thing on my list.  My daughters are at the age where they are wanting to help out mommy so we turn it in to a game sometimes.  It has gotten easier as they have gotten older, you may not hit every nook and cranny but you learn to prioritize.

kids rule, great post.

Hi Ellie, it is so good to see you back in front of the camera again! I have missed your beautiful
smile since you left channel 10!  I am very happy to hear you and your family are doing well!  I
look forward to seeing at 4pm everyday!!

Take care!

Chris

Hi Ellie!

I am so excited to see First at 4! I am now a SAHM(stay at home mom) and its different for me. I am used to working(I was in Law Enforcement) and now its totally different.

Its the highlight of my day :)

Hi Ellie!
Love your blog… and love reading your columns! I am now up to date and caught up on reading all of your posts. What helpful info! I will check back often and hopefully I can pass on some helpful info I have learned sometime.
Congratulations on your new endeavor! I am so happy for you!