How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have two wonderful children, Madeline Belle, 4 and 1/2 years old, and Jackson Sawyer, 1 and 1/2 years old. They are both December babies, December 5th and 24th, respectively. We have a very busy holiday season!

What is a funny or rewarding experience you've had as a mama?
There are so many, but what stands out in my mind is how complete they have made my life. They are the reason I get up in the morning and do what I do. Family is very important to me, and they are two miracles that bring joy to me every day. Probably the funniest things my children have delighted me with is their growing contributions of new family language. Only the Doaks know what "bok-bok" chicken, "hungries", and "pick-your-food" restaurants are!

What did you think you'd be when you grew up?
As I grew up, I always knew I wanted to be a mother and involved with children. I really wasn't sure what form it would take. I had interests in psychology, business, the arts, and more. It was having children that really taught me about myself, and what was really important to me. It was like being reborn, suddenly I felt like I knew what really mattered in my life.

Who did your classmates think you were in high school? Would they be surprised by who you are now?
I think they would be. I was a former 80's punk, a real rebel. The level of maturity and domesticity I have reached would surely be shocking to them all.

How did you meet your husband?
We were working for a consumer advocacy group, going door to door for signatures for various political causes we believed in. I had a great crush on him -- this was in March of 1993 -- and invited him to see a movie. We have never been separated since.

Who were you before CuddleBuns... any interesting jobs or schooling?
I majored in psychology, and taught preschool of various age groups for almost 10 years. I also worked for internet companies and have a "techie" side to my personality that I did not discover until shortly before I conceived my first child, my daughter Madeline, in 1997. I have also worked with animals and with special needs and physically and mentally challenged adults. I have really run the gamut when it comes to caregiving and technical vocations.

If you could do any kind of work you wanted, other than the business you now have, what would you be doing?
If I won the lottery tomorrow, I would be doing what I am now. Taking care of my family, and running CuddleBunsByU. The only difference would be that I would have a staff so that I could spend even more time with my children, and a larger house!

If you have time for hobbies, or outside interests, what are they?
I am a film buff, X-Files fan (though it is now off the air), and also enjoy learning and playing with my harp, as I have always wanted to be a harpist. I also enjoy sewing for my children, website design, reading forensic crime novels, collecting mermaids, and learning about alternative medicine -- particularly homeopathy and bach's remedies. I am fortunate that my stepmother is quite an expert in homeopathy, and she is a great source for information when I run into a question or concern. Most of all I enjoy running my business and spending time with my husband, who is my best friend, and of course my children. My sisters, mother, and father and I also speak almost every day via email, family is very important to me.

Who, living or dead, real or fictional, would you like to have lunch with, and what would you discuss?
I would love to go back in time and have lunch with one of my ancestors, like my great-great-great-great grandmother. I have always loved history, and would love the chance to peek into the life that she had, and tell her all about her great-great-great-great grandchildren.

With which cartoon character do you most identify?
The Little Mermaid. Predominantly because I love mermaids and it is my favorite Disney film, by far. But I also admire her spunk and determination to go after her dream.

What's your favorite product from another WAHM?
That's a tough one! There are so many. Right now I have orders pending at Little Lambs and Girl Woman Goddess, both have wonderful customer service. Little Caboose rates high in my book, as well as Poochies (Diaper Dance), The Baby Lane, and many others. WAHMs are brilliant innovators, I always look there first for new products and clever items.

What's something that no one would ever guess about you?
That I taught myself to sew only 3 and 1/2 years ago.

Anything else you think would be fun for others to know about you?
I came to a crossroads with my business almost one year ago. I needed to either have my items made in a factory setting, or sell the business. I decided instead to provide an opportunity for other mothers to stay home with their children by selling cottage industry licenses. I am thrilled that the program is working and that I have had so much interest in it, and I hope to start a large community of CuddleWAHMs all over America, supplying CuddleBuns diapers either through their own personal sales, or wholesaling to retailers as a mother-owned mother-supported business franchise of sorts. This has been a very exciting addition to my pattern business, and something I can't wait for others to hear about.

http://www.CuddleBunsByU.com (mirrored at
http://www.DiaperPattern.com) as
well as http://www.CuddleBuns.com

The CuddleBuns Diaper Pattern & Pattern Kits
Specialty & Hard-to-Find Notions
Cottage Industry Licensing