Elisabeth's Baby Blog

Meet Elisabeth

Elisabeth Hasselbeck has had many roles in her life - daughter, art student, shoe designer, Survivor contestant, wife, The View co-host, and many others, but her favorite by far is Mom.

Journal Entries

Week of November 26: Taylor Thomas Hasselbeck Has Arrived!

Where to begin... as the last week has been both a blessing a complete blur! I heard that the second child can rock your world, but to experience it is beyond words.

On November 8, around 8pm or so, I was planning my next day down to the minute. I had it all color-coded with alarms set up on my computer. I had been to my doctor that day, and still nothing was really happening, so we had talked about me going in on the following Sunday evening to be induced. With that in mind, I had a list of things that I wanted to accomplish, and figured that Friday would be the day to conquer the world. There I am out in our backyard, micro-managing my world as if I am in total control- and my water breaks! I had not experienced that with Grace, and was not quite sure...so I stand up, and scream to Tim and his mom..."I think something just happened!" Tim was totally taken off guard (not as much as I was!), gave me a hug, and then started packing up cell phones, cameras, chargers, etc. Tim's mom runs up to me, feels my pants (she is a saint!) and confirms that yes; my water indeed just broke, and writes down the time.

I will spare you further detail regarding the terrible labor that I had. The actual delivery was the best part, as adrenaline took over for the pain, and being able to actually DO something about the situation felt better to me. My doctor and nursing team were heaven sent. I swear Ann; my OB-GYN smiled the entire delivery. One last push- and at 7:52am on Nov 9th and I saw tears in Tim's eyes as he said: (I think, unless I was delirious) "I think we have a Taylor Thomas here!" Onto my chest the baby came, and my heart immediately made more room to love another child.

Grace came to the hospital to see us later that day, and she immediately ran to Taylor and hugged him. She was all dressed up, and curious why I had to stay at the hospital...sad to go and not have me come home, too. But honestly, I could not have asked for a more caring, and instinctively nurturing big sister for this little boy. If he cries, she runs over and says” “It’s ok, It’s ok”...singing to him...etc. Nonetheless, you have to keep a keen eye out whenever a toddler is around a newborn! My pediatrician told us that he has seen cases of toddlers and siblings pulling car seats off of countertops, or throwing something in the bassinet!

To help her feel the importance of her new role, I had been planning a BIG SISTER PARTY since we moved out here. I am glad not to have done it the day I came home from the hospital, as that alone was enough emotionally for everyone. We had one of her good little friends over, and a princess craft table set up where they decorated crowns, and a special table with candy necklaces and hats for them to eat at…and ice cream cake with candles! She totally got it! Here is a photo of the setup:

We have been showered with so many wonderful notes and cards, and gifts, and she thinks 3 out of 4 are for her...and I let her! Although, he may have her beat, because we received an incredibly warm note from Senator Hillary Clinton today, addressed to the little man himself, welcoming him into the world! I am sure the ladies of The View will be excited to hear that!

Feeding him is so different this time too. With Grace, that is pretty much all I had to do, sit and feed her. Now, as I have him on me, I am making lunch, or playing a game with her, or walking around. Poor little guy! It is true what they say! I think the score is even though, as he has already peed on me at least three times.

Tim has been amazing. His schedule with the Cardinals is tough, and physically demanding, yet he has never been one to shy away from this stage in the baby-game. He wishes he could do more, but unfortunately the "dairy queen" here is the only one making the milk! Thankfully, we have had incredible help from our moms since Taylor has come. I could not do it without them. They have done everything from help with Grace’s LONG bedtime routine, to night feedings... to dealing with my emotional meltdowns! Being a new mom makes you love your moms more and more.

It felt great to go for a walk yesterday for the first time, as I have been in a lot of pain, and cannot go anywhere without a donut pillow. Tim told me about a dinner that we were invited to, and I immediately told him I would have to bring it! Needless to say, we thought it best to stay home. Which, for now, is fine with me, as I am in this little mommy-cocoon happily.

Off to get a snack! Come back for my next update the week of December 3rd and get to know Taylor Thomas even better!

Elisabeth