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I Don’t Know How She Does It – Lori Morgen

2013 March 14
by WWGD

LoriMorgen

Lori is a friend of a friend in New York. When I asked that friend if she knew any fabulous working mamas who might be interested in being featured on the blog, she didn’t hesitate a second before recommending Lori. And I can see why. Lori works in the fast-paced modeling world as an agent at Women Direct, where she helps develop and build the careers of some of the most beautiful women in the business. By night, she gives up some of the glam (but only some) and shifts into mommy mode at home in Tribeca with Jagger (8) and Jett (3). Here is how she does it:

What time does your day start and how?

My day starts at around 7-730am when I have to literally drag my boys out of bed – it is such an issue and makes me so angry when I know I let them stay up a little too late each night. I get them dressed, make sure the teeth are brushed and they are washed up. Make breakfast, pack lunches and basically run around like a chicken without a head before handing them off to my husband who takes Jagger and Jett to school. Then I jump into the shower and get ready for work myself. I do not know what I would do if I didn’t have the ability to pass off. I would never make it to work.

Of course on the weekends they bounce into my bed before the rooster is even crowing (not that I have a rooster)! I never understand that- but then again I always love the early morning bed snuggles with my boys.

What time does your day end and how?

My work day ends at 6pm and then I run home to spend time with the kids. The great thing for me living in the city and working so close to home is that I can be with them in the evening doing homework, bathtime , reading and bed and still go out after for a work or social dinner and not feel like I compromised my time.  Even going to the gym is usually done after I have spent time with the kids. Going to the gym later at night is not great but it is really the only time I feel comfortable going unless I want to get out of bed at 5am and that is not happening in this lifetime.

Do you work from home or in an office? What is the set up like?

I work in an office.  I do enjoy the time that I have away from the kids and having a circuit of people around me during the day. I think that if I worked from home it would give me a lot of room to slack off which I do not like about myself. Also, I am a very social person so I thrive on having people around me on a daily basis. I basically sit at a large round table where my co-workers and I face each other. This is efficient for work purposes but does not give you much privacy. On any given day my colleagues will hear me talking about the latest case of lice or a play date being organized or my dismay at the cost of camp or karate etc… I think I sometimes scare the ones that do not have children into keeping it that way.

Do you see/speak to your kids throughout your work day? If yes, how/when?

I do not speak to them all that much to be honest. My big guy is so busy running around with school or camp all day and sports and after school activities that I do not have an opportunity to speak to him. My 3 year old will sometimes ask our nanny to call me on my cell. I have had the same nanny with my children since my 8 year old was 3 months old. She is my saving grace and I do not know what I would do without her. My boys love her dearly – this used to make me quite  jealous but I realize now how amazing it is that they do love her and I literally trust her with my life.

What is the best thing about being a working mom? Hardest thing?

Best thing is that I have a “life” outside of being a mom and that makes me a better person. My kids sense that and it is very important to me. The hardest thing is leaving them when they are feeling needy or sick. Sometimes my little one will ask me to please not go to work and stay with him and it just breaks my heart.

Be honest, what is one thing you envy about stay at home moms?

Pilates and yoga during the day. Being able to just schedule what you need to do during the day at your own leisure and not cramming it in during a lunch hour or in the time between work being over and getting home. Also, not always being able to volunteer in the classroom as much as the other moms can. Sometimes I feel like it takes all the power in me to keep all the school activities and responsibilities in order and trust me a lot falls by the way side. I will hear it good from my older son if I have forgotten anything and it sometimes happens. I try not to be too hard on myself.

Answer the question “I don’t know how you do it?” in ten words or less.

I’m not sure I am always “doing it” but, I try my best to prioritize. That is the key, that and A LOT of help.

And here are Lori’s current must-haves for mommy and he and he:

WhatWouldGwynethDo-LoriMorgenMust-Haves

 

(Clockwise from top left)

Helps make brushing easier! Anything Spiderman is fine by my 3 year old.

O2COOL Mist ‘N Sip Hydration Bottle.

Any dress like this one above from Reformation– amazing store, amazing designer. All of her clothes are sustainable and repurposed from vintage and surplus materials.

Any DC high top that we can find. Super cool according to Jagger and can take him from skateboarding to basketball.

Burt’s Bees lotion.

Anything and everything from Jennifer Fisher Jewelry. The best funky cool rock and roll jewels ever in life!

Child perfume.

I am really digging Zara lately- must have these shoes!

4 Responses
  1. March 14, 2013

    Great to read about your busy, busy life Lori.

    Aunt Janis’ friend – Elizabeth

  2. Kim Lefkowitz permalink
    March 17, 2013

    Amazing interview my lovely daughter!!!

  3. Jennifer Walsh-Barton permalink
    March 18, 2013

    And you stay absolutely beautiful!!!!
    Loved this , I work part time and get overwhelmed just keeping up with all the things I have to read from the kids back packs….it’s like running on a hamster wheel each day but its the best!

  4. Michelle Minucci permalink
    December 30, 2013

    Lori and I grew up together on longIsland -One of my Best friends from high school (unfortunly we lost touch )Seeing her and her Adorable boys brought a huge smile to my day.
    Being a mom and being successful takes a lot of love and support and her husband Doug from what I remember is one of those special treasures!
    I have two beautiful children and an amazing husband ,maybe one day we can reunite.
    Love your article.

Comments are closed.