fter roles on Ed, Lost, and Boston Legal, Julie Bowen is savoring her latest role as mom to Oliver, who was born on April 10.
The Cradle: Any unexpected feelings while you were pregnant?
Julie: Yes. Feelings like, “This sucks.” I didn’t like being pregnant in general, but then the baby would kick and squirm around and I was in love. I really liked feeling him move.
The Cradle: Did you feel any pressure going through your pregnancy in the public eye?
Julie: Well, since I wear underwear and don’t do a lot of clubbing, the paparazzi weren’t exactly chasing me through the back alleys of Hollywood. But it was tough sometimes to go to work and have to deal with wardrobe. I just wanted to wear my super-comfy pregnancy jeans, but playing a lawyer, I needed much more tailored clothing which I grew out of weekly!
The Cradle: Did you worry that you were going to lose out on any career opportunities while you were pregnant?
Julie: I was working right up to the day Oliver was born (my water broke on set!), so I didn’t feel like I was missing any opportunities. No, I couldn’t audition for movies over the hiatus, but that seemed a very small price to pay.
The Cradle: If you knew now what you knew then…
Julie: It ends. Nobody stays pregnant forever. It isn’t a party, but it does end.
The Cradle: Which baby goodies were you excited to receive?
Julie: Oh, god, I have way too much “gift guilt.” I felt so embarrassed receiving such gorgeous stuff. Everything was a shock to me (including my surprise shower at work). I guess I was most excited about the practical stuff: the wipe warmer, the diaper pail…. things like that made me feel prepared. And I like the classic stuff. Silver spoons. Monogrammed onesies the baby will probably never wear. A gorgeous cashmere baby blanket I wish was big enough for me!!
