Erin Masek was a mom of three when she learned another was on the way. The former fitness center owner made the difficult decision to close her business to be home for new son Quinn and his siblings. As the youngest, Quinn rolls with his siblings’ many activities. From swim team practices to the soccer and lacrosse fields, he is a sideline fixture!
Gender reveal? While it was super exciting not knowing the gender of our first son until he was born, I really wanted to know with this baby. I wanted to be prepared as much as possible … since life was so busy with the other three.
Favorite maternity clothes store: A Pea in the Pod. But being an “ambassador” for Lululemon, my wardrobe mainly consists of its clothing. Fortunately, they have a lot of stretch.
Favorite store for baby stuff: With each of our kids, we picked their nursery bedding and furniture from Pottery Barn Kids.
Labor and delivery experience: It was awesome. My mom and sister came in town from Louisville to be with us and help with the other kids. They were with Kevin and I in the labor room right until it was time to push.
Sibling transition: Seamless. They always wanted us to have another baby. Our son, Sam, always wanted a brother. His wish came true. Our girls are like little mamas.
Favorite mom gift: Prenatal massage.
Tips for the early weeks: If you can have a close friend or relative come and stay for the first week, it is very helpful – especially if you have other kids at home.
Best part of raising a family in Ann Arbor: I love how fun and family friendly Ann Arbor is. Living a few miles from the university, we see lots of campus life, game days, tailgates and team spirit. I love how our kids are really into Michigan athletics. Our girls were both born in Houston, but they bleed maize and blue just like their Michigan-born brothers.
Dream for your child: I hope Quinn is able to capture the true importance of this life and the things that really matter.
More about Erin Masek
Age: 37
Husband: Kevin Masek
Gig: Stay-at-home mom and former fitness center owner
Latest addition: Quinn Nicholas, born Nov. 22, 2014
Other children: Madi, 12, Reagan, 9, and Sam, 7
Baby name background: Kevin and I both had our lists, but it was tough to nail it down. A couple weeks before I was due I told Kevin I was going to order some personalized bedding and needed to know the name. It was at that point we were able to settle on Quinn. We decided the middle name, Nicholas, on the way to the hospital.
Hospital/birthing center: St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor
OB-GYN: Kelly O’Connor, MD, IHA Associates in Gynecology & Obstetrics, Ypsilanti
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