Who’s in your family?

Husband- Tommy

Son-Finn

Cats- Debra, Felix and George

Bulldog- Lola

How did you choose your kids names?

My son’s name is Finnegan Dominick. I have no idea where we got the name Finnegan but it was one of the only two names we had. The other was “Woods.” People had VERY strong opinions about the name “Woods” let me tell ya! Dominick is after my grandfather who passed away the day before his 98th birthday. He was a great man who took wonderful care of his family and of others. He grew up as one of 16 children of Italian immigrant parents and they didn’t have much. Because he knew that struggle, he helped people in similar situations every chance he got. When he passed people came out of the woodwork to share stories about how he had influenced their lives. If Finn could grow up to be half the man his great grandpa was- I’d feel like a successful mother.

Location?

Los Angeles/Hoboken, NJ.

Occupation?

Actress/Occasional writer.

Tell us some of your most loved ways to spend the day with your clan?

I like to do regular things during the day with the fam. Walks along the Hudson if we’re in NJ. Hanging with friends and their kids by Teresa’s pool if we’re in LA. My favorite part of the day though is right before Tommy and I put Finn to bed. Normally he’s a squirmy little guy but when he’s tired, he gets all mushy and cuddly and just melts into my arms. We put him to bed together and it’s just the best feeling.

What are some silly/fun things that the kids do or say?

Finn is only 4 months old so he doesn’t say much yet but he does makes this little gurgle sound. We’ll do it back forth and he loooooves it. I think it’s because he thinks we’re communicating and that I’m getting him. Ha! He also farts like a full grown man, which I find hysterical.

When you were a teenager what did you dream of? Do things look different?

When I was a teenager I always dreamed of being an actress and took for granted that I’d have a family. Pursuing the career came easy, not the career itself, mind you, but the pursuit was something I always enjoyed. The pursuit of a family was not as easy. I found dating to be incredibly difficult. I definitely got my heart broken a few times and for a while, thought I might die alone. My cat count was high (3). My husband was an acquaintance from high school, in Upstate NY. It does look a little different than I imagined. While dating/living in LA the past 10 years, I always found myself wondering, “Who is he?” Where is he?” I never would have dreamed that 1. I already knew him and 2. He was from my hometown! …or that when I found him, he would be so perfect for me. My track record was not great!

What are some things you really believe in?

I really believe in God. Some people call it “the universe” or a “higher power”, but whatever your label, I feel it very strongly in my life. I never really doubt that I’m protected or that there’s a plan for me. Sometimes things fall into place in such a way that I know it can’t be coincidental.

Where do your passions lie?

Animal rights. I started following PETA on Facebook and I tell ya, if you have the courage to watch some of the videos they post, you will never feel the same way about eating meat or even fish again. There was one particular video I saw of a Dairy cow chasing the truck that had just taken away her baby. She was crying and in an absolute panic. Since I became a mom, that video became especially powerful to me and I can’t taste cheese without thinking of it. I don’t want to be a part of another sentient beings pain… no matter how much I love ice cream. And I love ice cream A LOT! I think future generations will look back on the way we treat the animals, we raise for food, and think that we were barbarians. Maybe that’ll be the best thing about a robot takeover… no more factory farms.

Has your relationship with your other half changed since having kids?

We’ve gotten much closer since having our boy. It’s truly the most intimate experience you can share with someone. And he is such a great dad. I mean, I always knew he would be, but seeing him with Finn is just the greatest. How hot is a handsome man with a baby? I love him even deeper than I thought possible because of it. Don’t get me wrong- we’ve had some interesting fights because we’re both so tired… which was new for us. He ate my leftover dumplings when I was super pregnant and I swear to you I wanted a divorce. I could NOT understand how he could do that to me. Normally I would not feel so passionate about dumplings!

What do you wish you could’ve told yourself when you were a teenager?

I would have told myself- chill! You’re going to be fine. Trust yourself!

What do you find most challenging about being somebody’s parent?

Not having the same amount of freedom is challenging. I’m the type of person who likes to do what I want, when I want. Also- I like to sleep in. It’s my one true joy. Sleeping in is not possible with a baby. Otherwise- I’ve found it much easier than I thought. Maybe check back in when he’s a teenager and I’m trying to make sure he doesn’t get anyone pregnant!

What do you want your kids to learn about the world?

That, although it can appear effed up at times, they have the power to add a little light… and they shouldn’t underestimate that fact.

What are 4 things you can’t live without as a parent?

My husband

My UPPABaby Cruz stroller. It’s the best.

This microwavable bottle sterilizer thingy.

This awesome Fisher Price swing. He’s obsessed with it.

Follow Brooke

Folks We Love with Brooke Stone, actress