Law Mom: Julia Ibanescu

Julia Ibanescu (1L)

Hometown: Dej, middle of nowhere, Romania. Well, to be precise, middle of Transylvania, Romania.

Undergrad: Media and Communications, Babes-Bolyai University, Romania.

How many children do you have and how old are they?
Joshua, is 5; Jesse is 3; Bianca, our little princess is 9 months.
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Law Mom

Melanie Johanneson, 3L

Kids’ names and ranks?
Sierra, 10
Ashley, 8

How has being a parent changed you?
It has made me more patient, but also more tired.

Did you and your significant other go through the pregnancy process in law school? If so, what was it like?
No—didn’t go through the pregnancy process in law school.

When was the first moment it officially sunk in that you were a parent?
The first night that we were home from the hospital with our daughter. I tried to stay up that whole night to watch her sleep to make sure she was still breathing. I soon quit doing that.

What are your kids’ favourite meals?
I was a Rotary exchange student to Thailand when I was 18 and fell in love with Thai food. Over the years, I have learned to become a good Thai cook. My family loves pad thai and chicken with cashew nuts.

Which prof would make the best babysitter?
Professor Gall—he’s funny, patient and laid back.

Is there anything that you buy for your kids that you secretly just want for yourself?
Maybe some of their Barbie clothes. I used to play their DS games, but I no longer have time for that …

What celebrity’s kid would you adopt into your family?
Maybe one of Dr. Phil’s sons—they’re grown up and look to be well behaved—plus I’m a big Dr. Phil fan.

What is your secret to success in being both a law student and a parent?
Using my time well and remembering to have fun once in a while (both with and without the kids). I also try to exercise a lot outdoors for stress relief. I try to remind myself how LUCKY I am to be able to go to law school, both academically and financially.

How will your kids help or hinder you when you study for exams?
Sometimes they bicker a lot, which really adds to my stress. Last year during exams, my youngest daughter broke her wrist so I was studying in the emergency room for my Property final ….

Any funny anecdotes about your kids?
There are many—but that would take pages and pages to describe them.

Law Mom – Annemarie Larsen Clarke (3L)

Kid’s name and rank? Erik William Clarke, born on October 9, 2008.

How has your kid changed you? I can’t press the snooze button anymore. I’ve realized that you actually can function on less than 5 hours of sleep per night… though the quality of that functioning leaves something to be desired. I can’t procrastinate anymore (because there is never time to do it later!). And the cheesy first-time mom answer – he’s put a lot of things in perspective for me. Being totally responsible for another little person is crazy! It’s scary, but so amazing!

What was it like going through the pregnancy process in law school? I was quite sick for the first few months (February-April) so exams were not so much fun!

When was the first moment it officially sunk in that you were a mom? I’m not sure that moment has arrived yet!

What is your kid’s favourite meal? Can I say “boobies” in a Canons article?

Which prof would make the best babysitter? DeCoste. Nuff said.

What gift are you going to buy your kid this season but secretly want for yourself? Lego.

Any holiday traditions? Eating, drinking, visiting with family. I don’t think having a baby is going to change that!

What’s your family’s favourite holiday-themed movie? Erik (obviously) doesn’t have any favourite movies yet, but my husband and I love Scrooged (Bill Murray!!!), Elf, and The Nightmare Before Christmas.

What movie would you never let your kid watch and why? Anything with Tom Cruise or Kevin Costner – no explanation required.

What celebrity’s kid would you adopt into your family? Hmmm… tough question. I’ll adopt Prince Harry – hot.

How will your kid help or hinder you when you study for exams? Lack of sleep may be an issue. But he is a pretty cute study break!

Any funny anecdotes about your kid? We learned quite quickly to be on guard when changing a little boy’s diaper. They pee everywhere! Seriously, who knew that babies could pee at least 4 feet away?!?! Because Erik is still a newborn, most of his funny moments involve bodily functions. I guess that is what your life becomes when you have a baby!