Blogs | Access Hollywood: Preparing For Motherhood

Preparing For Motherhood

Posted by Nancy O'Dell March 14 at 06:04 PM

So, it has been a while since I've been able to 'blog' with you.

As most of you probably already know, I have been a little busy. My hubby and I are expecting our first child together...(as you may also know, we have 2 very wonderful boys from his first marriage).

This has caused quite a change in my life, more than I really thought it would. There are the doctors appointments, making sure I get enough rest, eating right, not pushing myself (which caused me to be 'blogless' lately), getting the nursery ready, making sure I have everything I'll need and I don't even have to mention the entire LIBRARY of books you can read on being a first-time mom.

This has caused me to take the time to reflect on exactly what it takes to be a mother...not just having a baby, but to really contemplate all that goes into bringing a new life into the world. When thinking of being a mother, there's the pressure of knowing that another human being depends on you for not only survival, but that you'll be a TRUE role model. You'll be looked to for comfort, for guidance, for appreciation, for discipline, for advice, for sympathy, for laughter, for just about everything that all of us are. Being a mother is so much more than just 'having a baby'.

As I was reading my 200th pregnancy and "How To..." book, it dawned on me the irony of our society...how we tend to put so much emphasis on people we consider 'role models because they are either successful in sports, have won an Oscar, acted in the latest 'blockbuster' or made Fortune Magazines 'Richest List'. I'm blessed to be part of one of the most successful and respectable entertainment news programs on television.

I get to see just how hard these actors and actresses work. I can tell you what a lot of these very talented people go through, I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy...the glaring spotlight, the endless criticism, the invasion of privacy, the rumors. I can only imagine how difficult that life must be. But, now that I'm pregnant, I am getting to see into the world of those who don't get "Oscar-like" awards, $20M contracts, magazine spreads, commercial endorsements or endless news coverage. They get ONE day a year...Mother's Day.

I don't think there is anything wrong with a 'healthy fascination' with your favorite actor or what movie is coming out next or what is happening behind the scenes. I don't think there is anything wrong with having a role model who is an actor, athlete or "Fortune's Richest". These people serve as public examples and we all have goals of where we want to go or what we want to be. And let's be honest here...that fascination is what gives me a great job!

I just want to take the time (on this day and on many days in addition to Mother's Day) to remind us that while we can pour our adoration all over 'celebrity' role models, there should be equal appreciation and thanks for the person who is responsible for the person we ARE...mothers (and, of course, fathers too). I can tell you with 100% certainty that without moms, we'd have no Oscar winners, athletes or successful people.

So, while "the show must go on" (we'll always strive to bring you the latest on Britney, show you what a classic movie star Leo is, congratulate Forest on his many awards this year, sing with John Mayer (not be so concerned with his personal life), show you behind-the-scenes of GREAT movies you should see (just rented Gridiron Gang starring my friend, the Rock...good movie!) or just give you all ACCESS to HOLLYWOOD, I just want everyone to know there is another group of people who work just as hard and are just as successful...mothers. They deserve equal attention and appreciation and this blog is just a small token of my appreciation and respect.

I'm due to deliver in the summer. As I move closer to that date, I'm sure I'll continue to read, prepare, 'nest and rest'. I will be looking forward to being a Mom, the best role a woman can play.

Comments

Nancy, i am so excited for you! You are going to be a wonderful mother!!! :)

Posted by: maria | March 14, 2007 06:26 PM

hi nancy having your 1st baby is so exciting and scary at the same time, just enjoy it because it fly's by also, i have 2 little ones a little boy tyler who just turned 5 and a little girl kaitlyn who just turned 2, and it is the best thing i have ever done (becoming a mommy) it's been the hardest thing thats for sure but deffently the best thing, and when they look up at you and give you that 1st smile you automatically know this was meant to be !!! good luck, lillian (middletown, ohio

Posted by: lillian | March 15, 2007 02:48 AM

Hi Nancy
Congratulations, I hope that you have a little girl, you are so nice and very wonderful human being that I know that you want a little girl for you and your husband.
Congratulations also to the future brothers, because you dont want them to be left out.

Take care Nancy, and I hope you have a very good delivery
:)

Posted by: Araceli | March 15, 2007 09:02 AM

You are too pretty even now. Smile. My daughter and I do love you grace and your values.We do wish you the best. We would like to know more about Highlander the Source Producer Adrian Paul. Doesn't he look like Sean Connery alot. If he had played James Bond I might have watched that movie..smiling. again best wishes Nancy

Posted by: Cheyenne | March 15, 2007 10:00 AM

Congrats Nancy! Great post!

Posted by: Paul | March 15, 2007 11:41 AM

Warm wishes to you and your family, Nancy!

You truly are missed when you're not on air, no one else can match your enthusiasm & great style....but, family is so much more important than work!!!

Posted by: nancy | March 15, 2007 01:39 PM

Nancy,

As a mother, I can tell you that there is NOTHING better! When you tuck your little one in at night and he says "night mommy, I love you bunches!" It makes you MELT! My son is 9 and I look at him and waunder where did the time go. Enjoy EVERY minute with your littke one. The grow up SO fast. Congrartulations and best wishes to you and your family.

Posted by: Mary | March 15, 2007 02:05 PM

Hello, Nancy, congrats. to you. We need more lovely, classy ladies like yourself in todays society. We all love watching you here in Calgary, Canada. Sincerely, Carol.

Posted by: Carol | March 15, 2007 02:54 PM

YOU HAD ME A BIT TEARY THIS MORNING READING YUR BLOG.. ITS NICE AS A MOM JUST TO HAVE SOME ONE REALIZE THAT WE TAKE THIS ROLE SO SERIOUSLY AND WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR OUR CHILDREN .. ., YOU WILL BE A GREAT MOM .. YOU GOT THE POINT RIGHT AWAY THAT FAMILY IS NUMBER ONE AND SHOULD ALWAYS BE ... THATS WHAT TRUE HAPPINESS IS ... GOOD LUCK ON YOUR DELIVERY , LOVE YOU THE THOMSONS

Posted by: TRACY | March 15, 2007 06:14 PM

Nancy, congratulations! I love your post. I have great respect for you (and the rest of the people from Acess) because of your strong values. It's one of the reasons I prefer watching Access Hollywood to any other entertainment news program.

I (along with my 3 siblings)was raised by a single mom. Parents are indeed the hardest working people in the world. My mom always told me:
No matter how crappy your day is, there's nothing that an "I love You" from your little one won't fix.

Congratulations to you and your family!

Posted by: Jennifer | March 15, 2007 06:47 PM

The best advice I can give you is... throw away the how too books. The best parents are not those that study for it but are those who just go with the flow and enjoy each new moment brought on by a new born. (Thats how it was explained to me by my mom and dad and they were the best) So good luck and don't worry... You will be a wonderfull mother.

P.s spit up and nasty diapers are a common occurence, so don't freak out (LOL)

Posted by: Robert Quinn | March 15, 2007 06:58 PM

Congrats Nancy. I love watching you and Billy on AH and wish you and your husband all the luck with the new little one. You make me hope that one day I'll meet someone as cute and sweet at airport security!!! :-)

Posted by: Kathleen | March 16, 2007 07:36 PM

congrets!!! i'm due in the summer also... i always check out the show just to see what you're goin to wear. i love the way you dress... good luck w/eveything..

Posted by: lyla | March 16, 2007 10:28 PM

Hi, nancy congrats to you. I am 5 months pregnant myself and just wanted to let you know that you look awesome how do you find the energy and most of all how do they keep your hair looking so beautiful? I am struggling with my roots showing and don't know what to do....

Posted by: Arelys Vasquez | March 16, 2007 10:37 PM

Warm wishes to you and your family, Nancy

Posted by: Dawn | March 19, 2007 07:39 AM

Dear Nancy,

I am a huge fan of the show and have watched you from the beginning. You bring such a positive energy to every show you're on.

When Billy did several teasers announcing your engagement to Keith, I smiled(nice ring!) When your gorgeous wedding was a segment, I smiled even more. And when you announced your pregnancy, my heart rejoiced for you, Keith and your two boys.

May God continue to bless your family as you have blessed us with your talent and gifts.

Audrey

Posted by: Audrey | March 19, 2007 09:51 AM

Nancy, i love all the pretty things you get for showers and welcome gifts,BUT, remember this much. DIAPERS AND WIPES AND ONSIES !!!!!!!!!!! They are trulet the most important baby items you need the most of.Good LUCK AND BEST WISHES!! pray and support our troops!

Posted by: vicki | March 19, 2007 11:42 AM

It was so nice to read your blog today. I currently work at a law firm in Maryland and I am contemplating being a stay at home mother.( I am due in the summer too)My husband and I are trying to decide whether or not I should stay at home and raise our child. You will not believe the opposition that you receive from the "career" minded people. I wonder why mothers that stay at home are perceived as uneducated or passionless. I think its an honorable thing when a mother can put her career on hold for five years to be there for her child.

Anyway, thanks for honoring mothers today...

Posted by: Stacie | March 19, 2007 02:18 PM

Hi Nancy.

It's amazing how motherhood changes your views and/or perspectives in life. Being a mother is a lot of work, but worth every minute of it. Best of luck to you and your husband on this very special time in your life. Sue/Florida

Posted by: Anonymous | March 19, 2007 03:14 PM

Hey Nancy u look GREAT! I know ur going to be a great mom. Congrats to u and ur family. But i have to ask u were are u getting ur clothes from I'm also expecting and looking for the perfect outfit for my Babyshower
help please...

Posted by: chastity | March 20, 2007 08:41 PM

Hey Nancy you look so sweet and cute. Congrats on your baby and I can't wait to read more of your blogs about your baby.

Posted by: Tatevik | March 21, 2007 06:29 PM

Congrats Nancy. I love watching you and Billy on AH

Posted by: Mike & Dawn Loveone | March 22, 2007 03:26 PM

You'll love being a mom. You'll feel a connection like never before. I was 39 when I had my son and my husband died within a year. I've raised him alone (he's 9 now) and I was terrified at first but my friends told me just to relax and it's funny how your intuition kicks in. Don't worry about reading the books about raising kids - I think alot of them are too anal. Ha! Take care and learn to take a NAP when your baby takes a NAP or you will feel tired like never before. You'll do just fine.

Posted by: Lu | March 23, 2007 06:14 PM

nancy enjoy each moment of your pregnancy and even more your child birth experience. So many women in hollywood opt for a C- section. Do you know why this is? It seems as if each celeb who gives birth have had a c-section. My research and Doctor have always told me this is the last resort so Why is Hollywood mother an exception?

Posted by: kathy | March 25, 2007 09:28 AM

Hi Nancy,
Congratulations, I am so happy for you. You will make a great Mom.

Posted by: Lilllian | March 29, 2007 04:50 PM

hi nancy I'm very happy for you and your family . having a baby brings so much joy in your lives. on the show you look like your about 6-7 months me I'm 7 months I'm 31 weeks and my mom always says that you and are look the same in the belly we know that we are having a girl we already have a boy and he is 22 months but do enjoy being pregnant its so much fun and honey let me tell you your a hot pregnant mamma but enjoy every day it it and soon your little one will be here and you will miss all the me time and you will always have your kids your #1 focus being a mom is the best thing that a woman can have oh yeah and labour is not that bad i didn't take any drugs with my first one but remember that every delivery is different and don't listen to what ever bad stories people tell you you'll know what's right for you in that moment just trust your instinct

Posted by: diana Johannson | April 2, 2007 06:07 PM

Hello, 
We wanted to let you know that the BCBG Maz Azria shoes that Nancy O'Dell wore on "Access Hollywood" is currently up for auction along with the gowns, shoes, and make-up looks from the recent MAX Factor Salutes Hollywood Fashion Show at: 
www.clothesoffourback.org along with other celebrity items. 
Proceeds benefit children's charities. Please bid and pass along the information.

The auction for Nancy’s shoes ends April 17th & the auction for the items from the MAX Factor Salutes Hollywood Fashion Show end April 5th.

Thank you!

Clothes Off Our Back

Posted by: Anonymous | April 3, 2007 01:52 PM

Hi Nancy,
Congratulations to you and your family! Enjoy every moment of your pregnancy....this is the only time you'll get spoiled. Take a lot of pictures. You'll see that time will go by fast. I have a 13 year old son & his is going to HS this fall. Next thing you know he'll be out of the house. Girl, I don't want to think about that. You're going to enjoy beening a mom. Through good or bad you always going to be mom & VERY MUCH WANTED. To tuck them in bed, give them TLC when they are sick. My son was sick a lot...when he was a baby. Almost every week I was in the hospital with him. I never left he side....even if he had to stay for a week. It was hard for me....I was a single mom for 6 years. I found a great husband who watch's over us. My God Bless you & your family, now & forever.Always remember "La Familia is first."

Posted by: K. Mendez-Ferrer (Florida) | April 10, 2007 01:44 PM

Congraulations Nancy!!!

Being a widower of two years now and having only one child who is a girl (young woman now 24) I can tell you she will be the love of your life and it will be a bond that will grow forever. May God bless you and your family with this new gift that will capture everyones heart from the day she is born till the day she becomes a mom herself. Then it really gets to be a blessing as I know because I have to great and wonderful grandsons. So with this I end and may God watch over you all in this new walk in your lives. Oh, one last thing if you every feel that or think that you fat and ulgy because of being preganent. Let me tell seeing my wife and daughter that way I thought I was the most blessed man in the world and had the most beautiful women in my life that God could have ever blessed me with. I'm sure your hubby feels that way as well for God's greatest gift to us is our children, grandchildren, and of course our spouses, God bless and may God continue to bless you even more. :-)

Posted by: Steve (Florida) | April 12, 2007 08:12 PM

Nancy...
You look Wonderful...
Motherhood agrees with you..
I don't think it is all the stage lights either...Just Glowing....
The recent pagent you did,you looked great then,too...
Take care..Drink LOTS OF WATER...
They may want to add some chairs or a couch or something on set for you to sit down during the show...
when those ankles swell up,that will be uncomfortable standing the whole time...
Congratulations and good luck...

Posted by: Malia | April 12, 2007 11:16 PM

Congratulations, Nancy!

You look fabulous as you grow with your bundle of joy! Motherhood is an absolutely indescribable experience (every stage of growth). When your baby is put in your arms for the first time and looks into your eyes, you will have the awareness that you have always known that precious being with whom G-d has entrusted to your love and nurturance as a mother.

Blessings to you and your husband!

Posted by: Kira | April 19, 2007 10:39 PM

You look beautiful pregnant! Congrats to this new bundle of joy about to come into your lives!
Jenn Jarvis

Posted by: Jenn | April 21, 2007 04:15 AM

Hi Nancy, Just wondering when your baby is due? How long will you be out on maternity leave?

Posted by: Deborah McMillian | April 26, 2007 01:00 PM

Congrats Nancy,
Good luck with your new baby girl.

Posted by: Wanda Ellis | May 8, 2007 07:43 PM

Hope You Had a Wonderful Mothers Day! Congratulations To You And Your Family. I Just Want to Tell You I Think You Are The Most Stylish Mom To Be. I Love All Your Maternity Clothes Where Do You Shop? I Just Found Out Last Month That I Am Expecting For The First Time. Any Ideas For Where I Can Shop And Strive To Be As Stylish As You?? Thanks Amy

Posted by: Amy | May 15, 2007 12:34 PM

hi nancy
i hope that you will have a safe delivery i have not been keeping up with access hollywood and you since i have three children of my own but take every minute of her been as you can cause they grow up so fast
one love from sue in jamaica
stay as swweett as u r

Posted by: susan a laylor | May 25, 2007 11:30 PM

hey ! my name is Ashby also! and it is a family name from my mother's side of the family =)

Posted by: Ashby | June 25, 2007 10:31 PM

Congratulations. Just wanted to say that remember when you are getting up at night and feeling tired, give thanks for every second you have with her. My daugther is 5 months now and a miracle. She died for 5 minutes after about 24 hours and after surviving brain hemorages and heart attack and many other problems she is home with us. SO in the moments of stress, (bcs being a mother is THE HARDEST JOB)remember to give thanks for your precious jewel.

Posted by: linda | July 2, 2007 10:31 PM

Hi Nancy, or should I say Ashby's Mommy. It might be a little late but I thought I'd send a BIG CONGRATULATIONS to
you and Keith on the birth of your new little bundle. I really enjoy Access because you and Billy are such a great hostess and host, now I look forward to seeing Ashby make her tv debut, and with a Mommy and Daddy like the two of you I'm not going to be shocked to see how gorgeous she is. Take Care.

Posted by: Brooke | July 5, 2007 06:46 PM

Nancy
Congratulations on the Baby. Hope you and your baby is doing fine. We both have watched you from day 1 on AH.
When will you be back
Charles & Dianne

Posted by: Charles & Dianne Sweitzer | August 13, 2007 06:48 PM

i love you so much & miss you alot on access hollywood did you have the baby yet. i haven't heard anything about you. i wish you lots of love. remember WHEN THEY BABY IS BORN THE MOTHER IS BORN don't sweat it. god will guide you with much love mae

Posted by: mae | August 15, 2007 12:21 AM

Hey Nancy!
Ashby Grace was so adorable on Friday’s show. May God Bless her and your family.

Posted by: Tatevik | August 19, 2007 01:04 AM

EVER NOTICE THAT YOUR DAUGHTER'S EYES ARE VERY CLOSE TOGETHER LIKE YOURS?????

Posted by: sARAH MILANO | November 8, 2007 08:38 PM

Preparing For Motherhood

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