Meet the Schabs...: The Today Show

It's no secret that I enjoy the spotlight. Ever since I was younger, I always dreamed about becoming a TV reporter. Although this dream never came to surface...I have enjoyed a few "fifteen minutes of fame" moments. I was lucky enough to win a dancing contest on the Jimmy Fallon show back in summer 2009 and a few weeks ago, Rob, Ashleigh and I were cast as "extras" during a segment for the Kathy and Hoda Show. Here is how it all went down...

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: June 2009

Tuesday, after my work conference was completed, Rob and I decided to take the little lady to NBC Studios for some more sightseeing. As we made the journey to 30 Rock, I made it my MISSION to meet someone from the Today Show (which I love and would watch every morning during my maternity leave). As I peered in through the windows like a stalker to the studio, I quickly became very disappointed when I couldn't find Al, Ann, Matt or Natalie. As we were in the NBC store browsing, we became friends with one of the older staff members who works at the store. I told him about my "dream" of meeting the cast of the Today Show and he told us to stay right where we were.

NBC Nice Man: "I believe Kathy and Hoda are doing a pre-tape today and I believe they are taping upstairs in the cafe...hold on a moment."
Kristin: "That would be amazing if we could meet them!!!"
NBC Nice Man: "I received confirmation from the camera man that they are taping. See that door, Kathy will walk out in about 20 minutes."
Kristin: (in between squeals) "Oh my god, oh my god, we need to meet her! Rob, seriously, if she walks into the store, you grab Ashleigh out of her stroller (who was peacefully sleeping at this point) and put her in front of Kathy. How could Kathy turn away a cute baby?!?"
NBC Nice Man: "Ok, I just asked the production assistant if they need extras, do you want to be on the segment?"
Kristin: (if only he knew me for more than 10 minutes) "YES!!!!" (more squeals)
NBC Nice Man: "Ok, Ok, follow me." To the PA: "Can she be on TV?"
Kristin: "I have a cute baby!!!" (yes, I have no shame)
Production Assistant: "Oooo she is cute, yes you can!"

From there, Rob and I get escorted upstairs to the internet cafe where they taping was taking place. By this time, Ashleigh is awake and is displaying PERFECT behavior. We had to wait about 20 minutes in the cafe before taping began. To make sure we didn't have any melt downs, we fed her, made her laugh and thought, wow this will be fun. Welp, in walks Kathy, followed by a loud chorus of screams and cheers... all of a sudden I hear the worst cry from Ashleigh that I have ever heard in my life. The poor thing got so startled she started screaming/crying hysterically and even peed herself so bad that she was soaking wet. Imagine my heart dropping and thinking to myself that they would never put a screaming baby on TV. Rob starts to walk her around to calm her down and as I step out to be with me, he whispers sternly to me, "Babe, don't move. Hold our place, stay where you are." (we were in prime camera location). After a minute of kisses and saying peek a boo in her ear, she calmed down and we managed to get through the taping without any problems. What an adventure and such a wonderful memory we all shared together!