Jamie Aderski is a new mom–she just had her first baby. Aderski is also an actress and comedian, having appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” “Comedy Central,” “Elite Daily,” and “UCB Comedy.” Being a new mom made her realize how sick she is of having to tell everyone how “great” she’s doing–because she’s just really tired.
This is what prompted Jamie to create her one-woman show, “Cry Baby: My (Reluctant) Journey Into Motherhood,” which focuses on her journey to motherhood. The show is based in New York City–you can buy tickets here for $7.
I was lucky to speak with Jamie about her show and new motherhood. This is what she had to say:
What surprised you about motherhood?
Everything. Nothing can prepare you for all that it entails emotionally, physically. I’m most surprised that I made it through the first few months.
When did you start writing “Cry Baby: My (Reluctant) Journey Into Motherhood?” How did you juggle it with being a mom?
If you could be anyone or anything, just for one day, what would you be?
It’s very jarring to think about being anyone else right now since I’ve just started to feel like myself again. I would say my teenage-self, specifically, 15. Knowing what I know now so I can tell myself and everyone how dumb we’re being because none of this matters. And I’d tell myself to stop getting sunburnt. I’ll never be tan like my friends, and I’m ruining my skin. Wrinkle creams are expensive.
What was your favorite children’s book or young adult novel growing up?
A young adult romance book called “Acting on Impulse.” I first read it when I was 11 I think. The girl on the cover was beautiful and had long, thick, curly red hair. She went with her class on a trip to Scotland and England. I had never even been on an airplane and couldn’t imagine going to Europe; eating scotch eggs in pubs, and exploring with a cute boy with an accent that thought I was pretty. The first time I went to London I was 32. I thought about that book and the redhead on the cover, and how my 11-year-old self would have flipped over my life now. And was glad I wasn’t staying in a youth hostel.
What TV show have you binge watched?
Real talk: I don’t have a great attention span. Especially with a newborn taking up so much of my energy. When I do get to relax and watch TV (on my couch, by myself, sweatpants, wine, and snacks involved) I tend to watch mindless stuff like “Teen Mom” (embarrassing) and “Real Housewives” (even worse?).
Other than that nonsense, I just watched “Atlanta” and absolutely loved it, also “Baskets,” and “Better Things” is amazing. And does watching MSNBC 24/7 count? Rachel Maddow is my best friend and doesn’t even know it.
Who are you, in one sentence?
Living my life to the fullest, and encouraging others to do the same.
Biggest pet peeve:
Lateness. And my own child was four days late. So rude! My friends though it was hilarious because I always give them a hard time.
If you were a Jewish holiday, which one would you be?
Purim! What a party. Energy, excitement, generosity, and feasting! All boxes checked.
What’s the best thing about yourself? What’s the worst?
(I think) I make the people I’m around feel good.
I have a hard time forgiving.
Childhood goal:
In fourth grade, the teacher asked us what we wanted to be when we grew up. I said “to be on Broadway,” but I didn’t really know what that meant. I imagined this long city street full of theaters where if you wanted, you could be in a show. I always loved performing, singing and dancing, and had recently watched the film version of “A Chorus Line.” I must have fallen asleep during the part of the movie were the actor’s get their hearts broken, one by one. That, and I couldn’t wait to have my own apartment and eat as much cereal as I wanted.
