People often refer to their co-workers as their “work families.” Just like biological families, work families grow and change here and there over time. For KARK Channel 4 though, there has been quite a broadcaster baby boom. Eleven babies have been born in just the last 18 months and one more is on the way in 2015 as of press time. So besides news, weather and sports talk, there’s a lot of baby talk going on!

We joined evening anchor Ashley Ketz Nolan, morning anchor Mallory Hardin Brooks and their families behind the scenes at the KARK studios for Little Rock Family’s photo version of bring your family to work day.

Ashley and Mallory are accustomed to doing the interviewing, but were gracious to answer a few questions off teleprompter on what it’s like being new moms to Aven and Grace Anne. (Ironically, both daddies are named Aaron: Aaron Nolan and Aaron Brooks.)

New Mom Ashley Ketz

Little Rock Family: How was your pregnancy?

Ashley: We thought she was going to make her appearance early, so my doctor recommended I go on bed rest at 35 weeks. Aven had other plans though and decided to wait until 2 days before her due date.

I was so thankful to not have any morning sickness, just felt tired for about the first 12 weeks. It was hard staying up for the 10:00 broadcast!

Also, I craved anything salty. A bag of Lay’s potato chips didn’t last long at our house! Pizza buffets were my go-to on weekends.

LRF: What have been some challenges or adjustments?

Ashley: Babies eat a LOT! I had to keep up with it in my phone in the beginning or I would forget when we fed her last!

Some surprises included how many pictures we would take! My phone storage is almost full!

Also, how much we would rely on our pediatrician. He has been a wealth of information on everything from soothing Aven, to sleep methods.

We are definitely home a lot more than we were before we were parents. We used to travel on the weekends but now we have everything we need at home. We’ve also had to learn how to say “no” to some things.

LRF: How do you make it all work?

Ashley: Aven has taught me to slow down and live more in the moment. I like routine and with a baby no two days are alike. I’ve also become quite the muti-tasker which isn’t always good. Recently I was cooking Aaron’s dinner, while eating myself and talking to Aven at the same time. I ended up with a chipped front tooth!

Aaron and I work completely opposite schedules. I work nights and he works mornings, so one of us is always with Aven. We make dinner a priority. It may not be a home cooked meal every night, but I usually try to make dinner two to three times a week (doing most of the prep work in the mornings) and we eat leftovers a lot. Our families are close and willing to help us out with childcare when we’re in a bind.

Thank goodness for FaceTime, so I don’t have to miss cute moments when I’m at work. Aaron and Aven will sometimes FaceTime me in between the 5 and 6 p.m. broadcasts. We usually call him after the morning show and chat. Even though I work nights, I usually get to put Aven to bed. I also love that I get to see her first thing in the morning. Mornings are our special bonding time. We play and drink lots of coffee. (Well, I do anyway!)

LRF: How does being a journalist impact your thoughts on parenting?

Ashley: I think being a parent has made me a more sensitive journalist. When I have to report on a terrible crime involving a child, it makes my heart sink because I think of Aven. At the end of one of those tough days, I am even more thankful to come home at night to a healthy and happy child.

Ashley’s Diaper Bag Essentials

  • Aven’s favorite blue Nuk pacifier
  • Bib
  • Bottle
  • Burp Cloth
  • Extra Onesie
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Plenty of Diapers & Wipes
  • Sophie the Giraffe Teether

New Mom Mallory Brooks

Little Rock Family: How was your pregnancy?

Mallory: I had morning sickness from the start, which wasn’t made better by waking up in the middle of the night to go to work. There were mornings when I would run from the news desk to a trash can during commercial breaks, then wipe the mascara from under my eyes and go back on camera to anchor the rest of the news block. It didn’t take the rest of the morning crew very long to figure out I was pregnant! I tried everything—ginger, medicine, etc. —you name it, I tried it. I even got sick during delivery. Thankfully, Grace was perfect and healthy, although I wasn’t throughout the pregnancy!

LRF: What have been some challenges or adjustments?

Mallory: We both love this child more than anything. The biggest surprise for both of us was how quickly we’ve forgotten what life was like before Grace! She brings us so much joy and makes our life so much fun.

My work schedule has been the biggest challenge by far. I absolutely love my job and love the morning news, but the 2:30 a.m. alarm clock for work puts a strain on the entire family. Many nights, I have to go to bed before my daughter, so that leaves a lot of responsibility on my husband, Aaron. Thankfully, he is the best dad and puts her to bed and gets her up and ready in the morning! I couldn’t ask for a better man!

LRF: How do you make it all work?

Mallory: 100 percent teamwork—we try to talk about the big decisions in advance and get on the same page, and for everything that comes up without notice, we hold on for dear life.

Our parenting verse is 1 Peter 4:8—“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.”

My favorite moments are the times it’s just the three of us (and the dog) spending time together. Lately we love Saturday mornings snuggling with our sweet baby girl, drinking coffee and watching football! It doesn’t get much better!

I try to cherish every moment. It’s easy to get distracted, but when I get home from work I like to put away my phone and just love on Grace. She is growing and changing every day, and I don’t want to miss a moment!

LRF: What are your hopes and dreams for your daughter?

Mallory: I pray she has a heart for others and is kind and compassionate!

Mallory’s Diaper Bag Must-Haves

  • Babiator Sunglasses (Pink, of course!)
  • Burp Cloths
  • Diapers
  • Sophie the Giraffe Teether
  • Wipes

Here’s the scoop on the rest of the new additions to the KARK Family!

  • Jay Bir (KARK/FOX16 Photojournalist) – 18 month old daughter Avi Reese Bir
  • Vernon Crowder (KARK/FOX Commercial Producer) – 4 month old son Miles Fox Crowder
  • Kim Dunn (KARK/FOX16 Administrative Assistant to General Manager) - 10 month old son Jackson Steven David Dunn
  • David Goins (KARK/FOX16 Reporter, Capitol View Host) – 4 month old son Walter Boyd Goins
  • Rance Golden (Audio/Production KARK & Fox16) – 1 year old son Caden Golden
  • Trey Mallet (KARK/FOX16 Community Affairs Coordinator) – 2 month old daughter Anna Faye Mallet
  • Cheesa Parham (FOX16 Producer) & Keith Williams (KARK/FOX16 Engineer) – 10 month old son Cruz Montana Williams
  • Danielle Peterson (KARK Sales Assistant) – 1 year old daughter Reagan Peterson
  • Matt Thibault (KARK/FOX16 Chief Photographer) – 1 year old son Beckett Steele Thibault and expecting a new baby girl in 2015!