Settling into life with a newborn is no easy task, but Corinne Martin makes it appear effortless. The new mom took a few minutes out of her jam-packed day as a designer with Pulp Design Studios, marketing whiz for Cycle Center of Denton (her husband’s motorcycle dealership) and mommy to 4-month-old Caroline to dish on life after labor as a family of three.
Any labor and delivery fears you had that seem unmerited now?
I was really apprehensive about the actual labor. The whole idea of it freaked me out. But my mom kept telling me, “Your body is made to do this. You will be fine.” And I was fine. I’d never really had a surgery or anything like that. So, it was just the whole thing of going to the hospital and being hooked up to all the monitors. But it was a really good experience. Plus, my doctor was the one who delivered me; he was the best person in the world who could have been there to experience that with me. And my husband was amazing.
Now that you’re settling into motherhood, how does reality differ from expectation?
I didn’t have any expectations, because I didn’t want to set myself up for anything. I’ve been taking it day by day. There are some days that are harder and there are others that are amazing – like when she laughed for the first time or when she smiles. It’s definitely a balance. Now you have to really schedule your time and stick to it. But balancing working at Pulp, doing marketing at Cycle Center, taking care of a baby and taking care of a house have all become a big job. It takes a lot more planning.
Describe Caroline’s personality.
She’s a really happy baby. She’s perfectly content just being on the floor playing. She’s an observer. As soon as they handed her to me, her eyes were wide open, and they have been wide open ever since. She’s so alert and aware of what’s around her. She recognizes people and is always smiling. She’s observing the world around her, which I think is really fascinating, because I think it makes you see something again for the first time.
Any funny mom moments so far?
It was a funny day when I discovered she liked Broadway tunes better than lullabies. I spent hours downloading baby songs from iTunes and would play them and sing along; she was less than impressed. Every morning we sing Oklahoma!'s “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” and she loves to dance to Chicago's “All That Jazz.”
How have you changed as a woman since you became a mother?
You’re a grownup now. You’re responsible for this little life, and everything you do now – instead of thinking of yourself – you have to think of this little person. I’ve always told my husband that when you’re in a relationship, you have to think for two people, because it’s not just about yourself. And now I have to think for three people. I’m a different person, but I’m a better person.
How has your marriage changed?
It’s a different dynamic now that you have an extra person you have to take care of. But it’s good. Kenny has always wanted a baby. He loves babies. Our marriage has been really good since having her.
Have you gone out for a date night yet?
We did on Saturday! We actually went to a motorcycle race and watched the races and had a beer. It was nice, because it was just the two of us. I’ve been really hesitant about doing that. I also don’t like to inconvenience people to babysit. But I have to remember that grandparents aren’t inconvenienced. They want to be with them.
What are some things you look forward to sharing with Caroline as she grows?
I just look forward to watching her grow up. That’s what they’re supposed to do, even though it’s really sad to put those newborn clothes away. I’m looking forward to watching that whole process. I can’t wait until she can run into your arms and give you a big hug – that’ll be so special.
Will your family get any bigger?
I’d love for her to have a sibling. That’s probably where I would stop. I always say you’re outnumbered if you have three.
Published March 2013
