Shelby Zarotney joined NEWS9 in 1998 and is an anchor and reporter. Shelby anchors NEWS9 Midday and co-anchors NEWS9 Live at Five and NEWS9 at Six. On November 13, 2007, Shelby and her husband Gary welcomed their first child into the world.

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PICTURES: Wynnie - 1 Month Old
PICTURES: Wynnie - 4 Months Old

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Yep, I'm Her Role Model Sunday, February 24th 2008

I can remember much of my early grade school years, of teachers who helped me to memorize my home address and telephone number, of school counselors who encouraged me to love the person I saw in the mirror-- the girl with "crazy" curly hair who didn't quite look like the other girls in the class. I can remember English teachers in high school who encouraged me to write about anything and everything, whose eyes sparkled out of sure delight to see one of---- any of, their students get really excited about and passionate about what he or she was teaching. I most especially adored my 8th grade Spanish teacher, Sra. Hutchison. Sra. Hutchison was formerly a Spanish translator who decided later in life, to then teach the language to us poor, unsuspecting little teeney-boppers who thought we knew it all--- only later to learn, we had not a clue. Sue was fantastic and I was hooked on Spanish from day "Uno."

I remember going home from junior school that day (in my school district, 7 through 9 was in the junior high and 10 through 12 was the high school) and reciting to my parents in English then Spanish all the words I had learned. I felt as though a brand new door had just been opened and I was walking through what would be one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life--- learning a brand new language!!! It was when I started talking with my mother about the Spanish words I had learned and trying to put them together that night at dinner to impress my brother and sister-- that I realized, someone else in my home had a leg up on me in this whole "learning Spanish thing." As a child, mom had played Spanish language tapes--- everywhere.... in the car, at home, in the kitchen-- no matter where I went, I always remember now hearing this monotone-sounding man and the repitition of words; "house- casa, case-- car- coche, coche." I fell in love with Spanish the first day of my 8th grade Spanish I class, or so I thought. Many years before, mom put that language in my head and always told me, "Shelby, you can learn and do anything you want."

What she did was so powerful. I mean, as a child I just thought she was enjoying hearing this faceless, apparent void of personality, voice repeat words and phrases over and over and over, first in English, then in Spanish. Little did I realize then mom thought, "What would happen if I planted this seed into her head? Could it take off? Might she like Spanish later in life?" Well, mom, you accomplished your goal!!! I have loved Spanish since the first day of 8th grade Spanish I class. Thank you.

Our influences are so many, aren't they? It seems with each generation-- heck, with the passing of every 6 months anymore, there's something new out there. Some new piece of technology, some new and faster way we can share information, get information and be influenced by what we see, hear and do. Looking back, I feel like I know and knew where my influences came from, who my role models were. Who are the role models for our kids today? Seriously--- who are they? I have this precious, beautiful, angelic 3 1/2 month old here at home and I wonder, who will her strongest role models be? Gary and me? Will they be teachers, child care providers, characters on tv or in the movies, friends, enemies, news personalities, clergy, the neighbor?

Remember that phrase, "Do as I say, not as I do." I like it, it absolves us (parents) from the silly or questionable things we did (but will never admit) and instead presents that proverbial finger-pointing at our child--- "Listen to your mother (or father)."

I know our children have so many influences and will have quite a number of role models. I guess they should-- no, of course they should. I ran track in junior high and high school because I looked up to a runner, who at the time, was at the top of her game and I wanted to be just like her. In track, she was my role model. I watched just about every Audrey Hepburn movie at least 10 times over and to this day, love her classic look. She's one of my clothing role models-- (thanks to mom, again.) I try never to cower at doing what's right, especialy when its not the most popular thing to do-- and boy was that tough as a teenager-- because that's what my dad taught me to do and he is my role model because he always tried-- and tries-- to do the right thing (thanks, dad!!!)

I sit here and think, what an enormous responsibility, what a huge job- ever changing one I might add- to be our child's role model. Gary and I are not perfect, we are not infallible. I guess its in that imperfection that we can be role models for our children. While its quite a task, I am also so very excited that I get to teach her things, that I get to experience with Arwyn, things as a baby and young child I (of course) don't remember learning about and doing. So as parents, as role models, we get the opportunity to re-experience so much-- most of which we have no recollection!!!!

So the way I see it, as role models to our children, we owe it to them, and to ourselves to wake up everyday and try to, even if for a second, to see the new day as a child would. They'd see it as an adventure, as an exciting new experience, wouldn't they? We owe it to each other to see situations through their eyes and tend to each individually with love, compassion, patience, strength and determination. If we are their role models, that means they're hanging on our every word and action as clues on how to handle life.

The best thing we can do as their role models, I think, is to obviously love them--- but in loving them we may also have to discipline them or disagree with them. I want little Wynnie to grow up strong-- but not be afraid to ask for help, be vigilant-- but not believe the world is all bad, be sensitive to others-- but not get taken advantage of, be proud of who she is-- but not flaunt herself, be honest-- but know how not to embarass someone, love-- but not to give it easily.

Wow!!!!!!! That's not too much to teach, right??? (Kidding) Its the journey we all go through, we all experience--- finding our place in this world, isn't it? Our place-- no matter how little or how much money we have, how few or abundant our friends are, how close or distant our family and no matter our beliefs--- there's room for everyone in this world and somehow, we've all got to figure out how to get along. Hopefully as role models to our babies, our children out there, we can help them find their niche, their place and be happy with it, be satisfied yet achieve what's in their heart.

My hope is to touch her in such a way that when she looks back on it all---- decades down the road she'll think, "Mom and dad, they weren't too bad and I learned a lot-- I love them."

I can't stand knowing there are children out there who are hurting, abused, alone, neglected, constantly berated and never praised, tossed from foster home to foster home, ignored, lied to or constantly scared.

As Arwyn's mom, as her role model, its my responsibility, its God's law, that I raise her to know love, faith and family. Its the biggest task of my life and I started it the day I found out I was pregnant.

I'm going to sneak her a kiss now. I hope you kiss yours, or call or write them and let them know. Let them know-- your heart.

God Bless,

Shelby Zarotney

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She Likes Sleep, Finally!!!! Tuesday, February 19th 2008

Sometimes, when I look at Arwyn I feel like she's literally growing before my eyes. This little angel, this perfect gift from heaven-- she astounds me everyday.

Wynnie is much like her mother, she likes to be 'in the know,' she doesn't like to miss anything going on and because of that, its taken her a little while to get with the sleep program. Finally, in the last week, she's been sleeping through the night now, anywhere from 8 1/2 to 10 hours straight!!!

Wynnie turned 3 months last week on the 13th, now I don't know if it was just sheer coincidence, but on that night she slept 10 hours straight!!! What a birthday gift for her and for mom and dad!!! We almost thought it too good to be true, Gary and me, but when she did it the following night and the one after that and after that, we realized Arwyn may finally like sleep!!!

Rocking her to sleep is one of my most treasured moments with my little daughter, mostly because its quiet and in those first few moments, she looks up at me with those adorable dark eyes and just stares. She may quite possibly be so tired that she's just gazing, but for me, its another opportunity to bond with her. Now, when she starts to get really sleepy, she rubs her eyes, but she'll only rub the right one. I gently give her her pacifier and then ever so easily stroke her nose--- that, for some reason, gets her sleeping in no time. It takes everything for me to get up and place her in her crib, I may just hold her for a few minutes longer before setting her down and leave her in her slumber.

Watching a baby sleep is hypnotic. The way a baby curls up, each one different from the other, is so adorable. Arwyn will sometimes place her right hand on her head, as if she's deep in thought somewhere in her dreams and often tucks her thumbs beneath her first finger. Then there's the sounds babies make. I know when she's in a deep sleep or when any sound may stir her awake. In a deep sleep, you can barely hear her breathe and her entire face is relaxed, completely peaceful. When her sleep seems broken or disturbed somehow, she'll crease her forehead and move her hands around a little.

Its quite a powerful feeling, to be able to comfort a child, help her feel safe and content and to be able to provide her with a loving and consistent surrounding. When she's sleeping, its like all is right with the world.

God Bless,

Shelby Zarotney

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Baby Talk: Grade Me Later Sunday, February 10th 2008

Everyday brings with it new adventures, new milestones. New life is so amazing, isn't it? A new baby, just the touch of her skin, the softness, her coos, the wonderment with each move she makes, gives renewed sense of purpose, it seems, to anyone who comes face to face with a new baby.

We're nearing the 3 month mark with Arwyn, and she's doing more than cooing. Its funny, even her cries now have much more character and zest to them. In other words...... she's getting ever louder. Sometimes the end of her cry has a high-pitched screech to it-- that's new.

She is now starting to make sounds that are more distinct and more than a coo. I'm in baby talk mode now. I think she knows we're constantly waiting for her to communicate with us, its as if she knows she holds all the cards and her mommy and daddy are just waiting for her to pull the next one for us to then react.

We're trying to maneuver our way in understanding her language, its getting easier with each day. Moreover, I am just so excited with each new milestone she conquers...and lucky to witness them when I can.

God Bless,

Shelby Zarotney

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What's Your Morning Routine? Saturday, February 9th 2008

I can remember as a child at first being frightened by, but then loving stormy nights. The crack of the thunder followed by a flash of light would nearly have me leaping out of bed, I would get so scared. I can remember those first crackles, then hearing the rain coming down on the rooftop and pattering my window which was just next to my bed.

Those kind of nights were frightening (to a child) for obvious reasons, but then became very soothing all for ONE reason. Mom and dad. I am the oldest of 3, and on those stormy nights you would no doubt hear the sound of little feet tapping their way down the hallway.

My sister is 5 years younger than me, and my brother, 2. Brie would often run to Michael's room.... I could faintly hear them talking and I knew she was a bit frightened by the noise mother nature decided to pound us with-- then they'd both come to my room. I was the oldest, I was supposed to show strength and offer them comfort in the way big sisters are supposed to.... funny thing, I was just as scared. So, in between the crackling thunder and flash of light, I'd say to them, "If you want, maybe we should go to mom and dad's room to make sure they're ok." The two agreed everytime. So, we'd gather our pillows and a blanket and quietly knock on mom and dad's door. "Mom, dad, can we come in? Do you guys hear the thunder outside?" They'd tell us to come in, gave us a hug and kiss and say, "Are you scared?" "No," we'd all reply in unison (of course the answer was an emphatic -yes- but we weren't going to admit that.) "We just wanted to know if it would be ok to sleep at the foot of your bed on the floor." "Sure," they'd answer back.

In that moment, we'd all take our space on the floor like usual-- Brie closest to my parents bed, then Michael then me. I'd lay there on my back, listening to Michael and Brie giggle to eachother for a few minutes before falling fast asleep, feeling much better that they were calm and not scared anymore--- then I'd stare at the ceiling. All of a sudden, the crash of thunder, flashes of lightning and pounding rain were all just that, elements of nature. When mom and dad are around, nothing can hurt us, scare us or make us feel small.

I am sure on those nights, my parents knew it would be a matter of time before their 3 little "angels" would come wrapping at their door looking for comfort. They were always happy to be there-- and now, as a parent, I understand why. At no time do I ever want Arwyn to feel frightened or alone, at no time do I ever want to feel like I can't comfort her.

On those nights as a child, I felt so close to my mom and dad, so warm-- walking into their bedroom, settling my blankets and pillow on the floor and just hearing the sounds of my family sleeping-- their room transformed everything. It was the place where, for 3 little children, all the worries in the world melted away. It was safe.

This past week marked my first week back to work since giving birth to Arwyn. I knew weeks ago we'd need a routine and one that would work for the both of us. So, I actually did what I call "trial runs" with her. I'd get up at 6 in the morning, feed her, get her dressed for the day and put her back down. By 7 I was eating breakfast then getting a shower to get ready myself. Sometimes Wynnie would wake up in that hour, sometimes not. By 8, I was blowing my hair dry, and turning it off periodically to make sure she was still asleep, if she was awake and screaming-- well, then its time to improvise.

Every morning this past week, either when she first woke up or during some point of the morning when I thought she really needed it, I brought her into our bed to soothe her, just as mom and dad did for me all those years ago. Now, its part of our morning routine.

I want her mom and dad's room to be a place, for her, of solice, comfort and love. I can remember on weekends, running into my parents room to greet them in the morning and getting hugs from them. For me those moments were everything. Gary and I want to create the same environment for Arwyn. Each morning this past week, Gary would bring her in to our room before he'd leave for work and I would lay with her. Sometimes we were quiet, other times we talked (well I talked, she cooed.)

I remember one morning laying on my side and looking at her, she actually rolled a bit to her side, that put us face to face. It was as if she were talking to me, I interpreted her communication through her body movements rather than sounds from her mouth. Its a moment that can't be described in words. I just kept thinking to myself in my head, "You are my daughter. I am looking at my daughter and I am the mommy." She looked so beautiful, laying there, so angelic, so perfect.

So as part of our morning routine, Wynnie and I take a few moments to --just be--. That's a statement my mother and father adhere to. "Just be." We just lie there, in the moment, as if time stopped just then, and look at each other. I am so moved now, because she holds a gaze and is at the age where she'll return a smile or giggle. If I get that during our quiet moments together, its a bonus for me and makes my whole day wonderful.

On weekends, --she-- gets the bonus because Gary and I lie with her. Its funny, now, if we place her in between us, she turns her head back and forth, as if each day she reacquiants herself with us, "That's mommy, that's daddy." Watching her facial expressions makes us laugh-- we hold hands and look at each other. I know what he's thinking and he knows what I'm thinking. We are both so happy and thankful to God that Arwyn is here.

I am so thankful for those stormy nights. I am so thankful for my younger brother and sister, who when we were kids, giggled about most anything. I am so thankful for how my parents handled those nights and welcomed us into their solice, to share their space and create a world for their children that was warm, inviting, loving and safe. I am so thankful because now, I have the tools-- created by them, to offer my daughter the same thing.

Its part of our morning routine. I love my new reality. I am now the mommy laying there, looking at this small person in absolute amazement.

God Bless All Children,

Shelby Zarotney

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Give Them Everything They Need; And Almost Everything They Want Friday, February 1st 2008

Its February, already!!! Boy does time fly!! Its just melted away for me since I had Arwyn. Giving birth...... it feels like a dream, I mean I know (obviously) I had her, but I feel like she's always been here, yet at the same time these last 3 months have gone by so quickly. Time really has a way of playing cat and mouse with your mind. "Here I am, try to catch me!!" But you can't---- you just can't "catch" time, grab a hold of it and freeze-frame for however long you'd like. So, we take pictures, make molds, use video cameras, journal and so many other things in order to freeze-frame a moment in time that's special to us.

I am already starting to forget, in a sense, what it was like to hold Wynnie just after she was born. I don't mean, necessarily, how she felt in terms of her skin or body structure, but her weight and trying to recapture the way I breathed in those seconds just after she was born, holding this new life.... there are no words in the English language to adequately describe --that-- but I continue to recall those early days, hoping to indefinitely burn them in my memory for all time.

When you hold a baby, when you hold YOUR baby, something deep inside grabs hold and sucks you in. Babies, new babies especially, have a way of making everything feel new again; these precious beings have a way of working themselves into the core of who you are and before you know it, you feel like crying just at the sight of them, in pure joy.

This last week before my return to work, I had a few outings with Wynnie..... we visited many people who were so excited to meet her in person and make contact, even if for a brief moment, with her. Its funny how when a new baby is brought into an office setting, her presence is equal to or even better than a holiday. "A baby's in the room!!!" There's no hesitation then to step away from your desk to go check out the new bundle of joy, no hesitation to take an extra coffee break, no hesitation to pop your head into the cubicle to the person next to you and say, "Hey, did you see the new baby?" I LOVE THAT. I love that a baby can bring so much joy to a person's face, I love that when you hold a baby, even if for that brief moment, all troubles or worries or anxieties drift away. Its like, saddness is a feeling that can't penetrate the moment you have when you're looking into the eyes of a baby.

I saw those moments of pure excitement and happiness over the last couple of days in so many pairs of eyes and that alone brought me true joy.... I almost felt, at times, like I was standing in the background watching everything happen, when all of a sudden, I was pulled back into the moment and saw Arwyn all over again and said to myself, these wonderful people are holding my daughter.... MY DAUGHTER. I have to say it over and over to myself... I am a daughter and now have a daugher. I visited one particular office, and I am recalling now asking the women there if they wanted to hold her, they happily obliged and as I lent over and gently handed Wynnie to the waiting arms in front of me, I saw this look of care and calm. I saw arms outstretched and fingers flexed waiting to feel this soft, gentle body beneath them.

Holding a baby.... feeling their skin, looking deep into their eyes, caressing their face, rocking them as if that swaying motion had always been there, you just needed the baby to help fill the space in between your arms, and listening to them as they sleep or coo. When a baby is in the room, faces light up...... God gave us babies and children as the greatest gift, and through them, through their eyes, we are able to experience all the things we did as babies and young children, but just never remembered.

Case in point-- I can't wait for Arwyn to touch grass. I remember when my niece did... when we took her out to her backyard and she touched blades of grass. Sounds simple or like such a small thing, but in that moment, I was so happy to be present for her new experience. And now, I can't wait to be in the presence of my daughter on that day.

As I was making my rounds in these last few days, one woman said something to me that has stuck, and I like it. Its something like a credo, I guess, in how a child may remember his or her upbringing. She said to me, "Give your child everything she needs and almost everyting she wants. Almost everything she wants." There's a lot to think about in that sentence.

Arwyn's starting to realize now that her hands are connected to her and she can actually do something with them. So, she found an activity that seems to soothe her... with her right hand, and just her right hand for some reason, she balls it into a fist and puts the entire body part into her mouth. Its so cute, and I watch her get excited about it, and for that moment I wish with all my might I could see inside her brain and know what she is thinking. Not only can you near literally watch your child grow before your eyes, but you can see her work through a developing moment and absolutely be astounded.

She's my buddy, she teaches me and boy do I have a lot to learn.

God Bless,

Shelby Zarotney