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!!
The Cradle: How did you decide on the name Oliver?
Julie: Actually, Tolliver is a family name, but it is spelled “Taliafero." I just couldn’t saddle the poor kid with a name he would have to explain and re-pronounce for his whole life. Oliver seemed like a natural evolution from Tolliver.
The Cradle: Was setting up his nursery enjoyable or emotional?
Julie: Neither. We didn’t know the sex of the baby, so I went very simple and middle of the road. Not a lot of stress.
The Cradle: Were there any pieces of maternity clothing that you couldn’t live without?
Julie: The Liz Lange black wrap sweater and the Bella Band. Absolutely crucial.
The Cradle: Did you receive any "memorable'"comments while you were pregnant?
Julie:: “It’s great to see you looking so 'full figured.'"
The Cradle: Any particular cravings?
Julie: Smartfood popcorn and sour candy. Reeeeally sour…
The Cradle: Was there anything you couldn’t live without during your pregnancy?
Julie: Just my husband and the park near my house. I hiked nearly every day, and it was a lifesaver…
The Cradle: Describe motherhood in three words.
Julie: Confusing. Tiring. Exhilarating.
The Cradle: Have you had any unexpected feelings with being a new mom?
Julie: Well, I have nieces and nephews whom I love unconditionally and fearlessly. I guess I thought having my own baby would be like that. It’s not. I discovered so much fear with Oliver. I love him insanely, but the incredible feeling of responsibility brings with it a distressing level of fear. This person relies on me for EVERYTHING.
The Cradle: Are there any books that you recommend for new or expectant moms?
Julie: I recommend reading everything and then picking and choosing what seems right for you. If you only read one book, you only get one perspective. Read On Becoming Baby Wise, The Happiest Baby on the Block, and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child. They are all so radically diverse. The truth lies somewhere in the middle.
The Cradle: How do you feel about going back to work now that you have Oliver?
Julie: I am shooting a commercial next week, so we’ll have a mini trial run. It will be interesting to see how we both do. I have a feeling it’ll be harder for me than for Oliver. He just wants the boob and a clean diaper. I am the one who worries and feels anxious about how he is doing every minute. It will probably be good for me to realize he doesn’t need to be fussed over 24 hours a day!
Julie, her husband Scott, and Oliver live in Los Angeles.
