ur friends at Breezy Mama had a chance to catch up with volleyball star, and web site creator of The Honeyline, Gabrielle Reece. How does she handle being a mother, wife, businesswoman, and do it all with grace? Read on!
Breezy Mama: What do you think is the most difficult aspect of motherhood?
Gabrielle: On a basic level, it’s the idea of worrying about someone so much. You don’t want to be run by fear, but you are really aware of their safety and their happiness - that part is a bit heavy for me; that part was the hardest. Then, trying to do the right thing for each personality; trying to feel comfortable with choices you make as far as discipline. I always joke with my husband that it’s going to be interesting to see which ways we screwed them up when they get older. My husband (surfing superstar Laird Hamilton) said to me, ‘The parenting is not for the kids, it’s for us to grow up.’ It’s true - how much patience do you have? How can you function on no sleep for three years? Can you maintain a healthy relationship? Can you take care of yourself? How can you keep your business going? How well do you do all that and give your kids time? I go to bed sometimes feeling guilty because I haven’t read a book to my kid in two days. It’s more about being responsible. It’s the honor of taking care of these people–that is heavy duty and it’s natural. Someone isn’t forcing you to feel that way; [the babies] come out and you feel that way. I was surprised by that. They always tell you, ‘You never know until you have one,’ and that’s quite true.
Breezy Mama: What is your favorite part of motherhood?
Gabrielle: I love watching them grow and learn. It’s so amazing to me. And the love. Even though
it’s psychotic and you want order in your house, there’s nothing cooler than hearing little kids laugh and running around. That energy in your life is such a gift.
Breezy Mama: When you and Laird are on the road, do your girls travel with you? What’s that like?
Gabrielle: When we’re together, they do for sure. When I’m on the road, they are with me. I don’t like to leave my kids until they’re about 3 years old. I never left Reece until she was 3 1/2 and then I would leave her with her dad. Generally, my kids come with me because I feel really strongly about being with the babies.
