Waking the DFW area with the day’s top stories and breaking news comes naturally for Lauren Przybyl, FOX 4 GOOD DAY’s co-anchor. And, it seems, so does parenthood. But even this über-informed Dallas native isn’t exempt from the first-day jitters and magic-wand wishes that often accompany new mamahood. Pryzbyl spoke with us about parenting Landry on Facebook, becoming her daughter’s own personal paparazzo and how she and her physician husband, Shane, are the best they’ve ever been.
You were once surrounded by 100 rattlesnakes for a report, and you said you’d never be that nervous again. Did impending motherhood bring back old fears?
I was terrified of giving birth. I think I watched too many movies. My mother kept reassuring me that it wasn’t that bad. Thankfully, I had a fairly easy delivery. As far as being a mom, I couldn’t wait; I counted down the days [Landry was born April 27, 2013].
How was your pregnancy?
It was good, except for bathroom breaks. We’re on the air for four-and-a-half hours straight; that’s a long time to hold it when you’re pregnant. They had to build breaks into the newscast just for me.
You’re very open about your adventures in pregnancy and parenting on Facebook.
I was weepy after I had Landry, and I shared that [on my Facebook page]. “Oh my, gosh, she’s never going to be four days old again,” I’d cry. Shane jokingly called me Willow. I put it out there, the viewers responded and I’ve really enjoyed the feedback. It’s interesting to see the way everyone parents. There’s really no right or wrong way.
Parenting and Pinterest go together …
I’m addicted! My husband makes fun of me, because I’m on it all the time. It’s like a never-ending magazine with great ideas.
How many photos have you taken since Landry was born?
I can’t believe how many I’ve taken! We’ve already had to get another computer and another external hard drive. I’m actually pretty overwhelmed with how I’m going to save all of this, how I’m going to get organized.
Your on-air role requires a 2am wake-up call. How does this work with a newborn?
It’s worked really well; I’ve been surprised. Landry goes to bed about 6:30pm, my husband and I have dinner and then we go to bed. She wakes up around 5 am – we just lucked out in this department. The great thing is that I’m off work by 10am, so by the time I get home I can see her and play with her and then she’s ready for a nap. And I’m ready for a nap too.
Have you changed since Landry was born?
I’ve always been such a planner, always looking forward to the next thing. For the first time in my life, I’m living in the moment. And I’m also much more confident. I know my place in the world and I’m surrounded by so much love, I don’t know what could be better than that.
And your husband?
Shane’s always been very, very playful – he’s the perfect dad. He’s maybe a little softer now because he’s got this little girl in his life, and maybe he’s a little more of a pushover too. He looks at her, she smiles and he just melts.
Your marriage?
Since having Landry, I’ve learned that one of the most important decisions you make in your life is choosing your mate. I feel so lucky in this respect. Emotionally, Shane and I are stronger now. We truly feel like a team. Physically, we were an active couple before Landry joined us, and we continue to be active with her now.
What’s been the greatest surprise thus far about being a mom?
How quickly babies grow. Landry has some adorable outfits she only got to wear once. I’m so bummed.
And the not-so-greatest?
Landry’s first cold was hard to watch. In my head I knew it was just a cold, but as a mom, I felt so bad, I just wanted a magic wand to make her better.
What are you most looking forward to as Landry grows up?
I can’t wait to see the world through her eyes, as if everything old is new again.
Published September 2013
