Being a mom, wife, and career woman isn’t an easy feat. But, this twenty-something year old makes it look simple. Jennifer Borget, aka Baby Making Mama has a knack for successfully balancing career and motherhood. She’s an anchor/reporter by day and a mom 24/7.
In her spare time, Borget writes about her journey as a mom and her many domestic pursuits in her blog, Baby Making Machine. She began this journal in preparation for her journey toward motherhood, long before conceiving her precious Lil J. Now Borget shares her parenting adventures thus far and proves that she’s a Rockin’ Mama!
I remember stumbling across your Project Pregnancy blog while I was pregnant with Princess, and was so happy to learn that you were expecting too! It’s been great following your journey. What inspired you to start blogging?
I write every day at work but I wanted a space where I could write about my thoughts and opinions; a place where I could ramble as long or as short as I wanted. It was a place where I could creatively express myself. I guess I really needed something like that in my life. This was all way before I was pregnant with my daughter.
Blogging is obviously a passion of yours, but I’m sure being a mom trumps that! What do you enjoy most about being a mom?
My favorite thing about being a mom is watching her learn things I teach her myself. And then seeing what she picked up on her own. Like saying new words or hugging me tight around my neck. I seriously feel like she amazes me daily.
You are also a full time anchor/reporter in Austin, TX, which can be a very demanding job. How are you able to balance being a career woman, wife, and mom?
Umm, I don’t do it very well. I have better days but it’s a learning experience. The one thing I know that’s important is to focus. When I’m at work, focus on work. 100%. Don’t worry about my daughter because she’s in good hands and it’s work time. Then when I get home, close my computer, turn off my devices and give her 100%.
I’m so amazed at how much you do! What are some of your other hobbies?
I love to read. Reading is my escape. I don’t mean reading other blogs or real-life things that make me think too much. I mean straight up fiction that takes me to another world.
As moms, we do our best to do everything and be everywhere. But let’s face, we can’t be in two places at one time. Sometimes we may have to ask for help. What kind of support system do you have?
Unfortunately we don’t have any family close by, but luckily we’ve built up a support system of friends who either I work with, or my husband works with. Most are also young professionals with kids. It can take time to feel as comfortable as you do with family, but it’s so worth it when you know you have a friend’s house you can swing by at the drop of a hat.
Let’s talk relationships! Like myself you’ve been married for almost 8 years, I remember reading your post “Guest Who’s Coming to Dinner: Meeting MyHusbands Parents for the First Time.” This post hits close to home for me because I’m also in an interracial marriage. I remember the first time meeting my husband’s family. I wondered whether or not they’d accept me. I’m so happy they did. But, everyone may have a different experience. What was it like for you?
I wondered if his family would accept me as well, but he assured me they’d love me. And they do! Same thing on my side- race quickly became an afterthought in our relationship. I forget he’s a white dude, and he’s not thinking about being married to a black woman, just being married to me.
As a mom of a beautiful biracial toddler, you’ve also written about the importance of making sure your daughter isn’t forced to pick a side. Why is that so important?
I hated growing up and feeling like I didn’t know where I fit in. I was class president, a cheerleader, a journalism enthusiast, and pageant girl. Typically I was one of the only black girls in any of the groups. I learned to be confidant in who I am and my heritage at the same time. I want to teach that to my daughter so she can be proud of herself, and her family’s background.
On a much lighter note, you look amazing! How were you able to shed those post pregnancy pounds so quickly?
Ha! Thanks. Umm. I think breastfeeding helped, I did some postnatal yoga from time to time. And just plain running from place to place, always being busy and not seeming to have enough time to eat. Definitely not the healthiest way to do it. Next time around I want to take the kids for daily walks, and teach them to eat healthy snacks early on (which I’ll take part in).
As much as we love our kids, sometimes we need some time away. How do you manage to squeeze in some ‘me’ time?
My husband is good about letting me get some time alone. He’ll watch her when I want to go out for a lunch with friends, though usually I’m wanting to bring her along. He also encourages me to take a spa day from time to time. Honestly, we pay for full time daycare even though she normally goes part-time. Some weeks though I’ll let her go to school for a couple hours at lunch/nap time so I can take a nap too.
What would you say is the secret to being a “Rockin’ Mama?”
I’d like to know myself! Somehow I think patience may be the answer though. When I find myself feeling overwhelmed I just remind myself to be patient, it’ll all get done, and I need to take things in strides. As my daughter embarks on the terrible twos I’m learning to be more patient with her, and keep calm as she throws her fits. Eventually I’ll have the chance to be good at all the things I want to learn to master, but it’ll take time. I’ve just gotta enjoy the journey in that direction.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Nobody’s perfect. Don’t compare yourself to other women or moms cause it’ll drive you nuts. Your kids love YOU for being mommy. Not cause you’re perfect, cause Lawd knows we’re not.
You can also find Jennifer Borget blogging for sites like babycenter.com and parenting.com.
Weather Anchor Mama
Great interview! I totally look up to Jennifer too – she seems like she has everything down to a tee!
Great interview! Loved it!
Thanks so much! So glad Jenn was able to do it!