Jana & Allsbrook: Babyourself's exclusive follow-up interview!

A babyourself interview
Photography by Elisabeth Nixon Photography
Hair & Makeup by Salon 510

We first caught up with Jana, radio host at XL106.7 FM in January 2011 as she was preparing for the birth of her daughter. Now, almost two and a half years later, life hasn’t slowed down for this busy mom and DJ. Whether she’s entertaining XL106.7 listeners with celebrity gossip or inviting you into her busy life – one listen and you’ll think of Jana as your new best friend.

BY: We last connected with you when you were still pregnant. Bring us up to speed on life!

Jana: Speed is the right word. Everything is so GO, GO, GO! Allsbrook is two and a half now… and fast! We just moved into a new home and now we are all about settling in. Work is going well and I’ve even added on a few more shows and stations across the country.

BY: Tell us about your typical day as a working mom.

Jana: Busy, indeed. I thought I was busy before baby, but now it’s at a whole new level. I usually get a few minutes of quiet time before my daughter wakes up and try to spend that time catching up on work, emails, and house work. Then it’s all about getting my daughter up, fed, clothed, and off to my Mom’s. I head into the studio and put in a full day of numerous shows, meetings, and office work. Then, home to cook dinner, play, and rest for a few minutes before we all head to bed.  It’s non-stop!

BY: What were some of your “must haves” for Allsbrook’s child care?

Jana: I am beyond blessed.  My mother watches AJ during the day. We are just now starting the process of looking for some day care/preschool options. In my mind I want the ability to monitor what is happening from a remote location. I’m leaning toward the preschool at our church.

BY: How do you find balance between working and spending time with Allsbrook and Andy?

Jana: I don’t think working moms ever really find a balance. When you are at work you want to be with your family. When you are with your family, work creeps in. Just recently I have had to learn to say NO. I can’t add anything else to my plate; it’s not fair to my family or me.

BY: What was the thing you most feared about becoming a mom? Was it really as bad as you imagined?

Jana: I wondered if I would know what to do. And guess what… you don’t, some of the time. But it’s okay, I have a great network of Mommy friends and family that I can talk with. I just try and figure it out as we are going along. When in doubt, ASK!

BY: What is your favorite thing about being a mom?

Jana: It’s a level of love that can’t be explained. She is my most favorite part of my every day. Now that she is talking, and showing her little personality… it just gets better each day.

BY: What toddler item can you not live without?

Jana: Right now for us… it’s her swim lessons. She just graduated from ISR Swim training and it’s been incredible. Our new home has a pool and she is convinced she is a fish. We have to pull her out of the pool when she gets tired. Brynn, her instructor, gave her such a great foundation of water safety. I can’t wait to continue working with her and teaching her all I can about swimming. It’s a great family activity for us all. FUN TIME!

Other than that, her iPod Touch is loaded with games, puzzles, and fun activities to keep her busy during long car rides or when she needs some quiet time.

BY: What were you not expecting?

Jana: The exhaustion. The early months…brutal. But even once things start to level out with sleeping and routines, I never feel rested. If I wake up early or in the middle of the night my brain clicks into over-drive thinking of all the things that need to be done. It’s like I can’t sit still. There is ALWAYS something to do.

BY: How was potty training?

Jana: Well, we are still in the midst of this now. It’s going well and I’ve even lost a few pounds! I didn’t realize that when that sweet little lady needs to go, or heads for the bathroom… I must drop whatever I’m doing and beat her there. It’s been comical at times. But I’d rather jump across the house in one leap than deal with diapers! She’s been a real champ with it all.

BY: After having kids, it’s so easy for moms to feel frumpy. What is the one thing you do to help yourself feel beautiful each day?

Jana: I struggle with this all the time. But I’ve just had to let it go. I look how I look. I try to eat, sleep, and take care of myself the best that I can. When I have a big event or filming coming up, I always go for cut and color. It always makes me feel better about my appearance. And when you feel better, you look better!

BY: Now that you’ve made it through the first years, what is your number one piece of advice for new moms?

Jana: Don’t hover. Your child needs the opportunity to become themselves. Sometimes that means a stumble, a fall, or getting frustrated when they can’t figure something out. If you jump in and do everything for them, it won’t help them learn. Try and relax and enjoy each moment… it is gone SO FAST.