“You’re going to be with our new anchor today. You’re gonna love her,” beamed THV 11’s Senior Producer Shayla Teater, referring to Denise Middleton filming the weekly Little Rock Family segment with me for the 5 p.m. newscast.

Denise rounded the corner into the newsroom and greeted me with her infectious smile. As a young child in the 1970s I watched a lot of musical variety shows. The lead female vocalist of the musical group 5th Dimension was Marilyn McCoo. I instantly thought of her when I met Denise. Denise has that same beauty and rich tone in her voice along with warmth and humility. One of Marilyn McCoo and the 5th Dimension’s biggest hits was “Let the Sun Shine In.” Like that song’s lyrics, Denise’s sunny disposition brings light to her family at home and her family at work.

Fellow mom and co-anchor Dawn Scott is an important member of Denise’s THV 11 family.

Denise, her husband, Brandon, and their then 2-year-old son, Isaiah, moved here from Louisiana in 2014. Denise was reentering the workforce after a year off with Isaiah. While still acclimating to a new city and state, they found out they would also be welcoming a baby girl in late April 2015.

Parenting, like delivering the news on live television every night, Denise knows you have to be ready for anything. Denise says if she had to write a story about her family she’d call it, “Love, joy and hilarity at its best!” She says though her biggest challenge as a parent is to not be overprotective. “If I could’ve kept him in a bubble I would have. I’ve gotten much better now,” she muses. She says of her husband, Brandon, “He’s always been cool, calm and collected.”

Denise gives Little Rock Family the scoop on the Middleton family story.

Little Rock Family: How did you and Brandon meet?

Denise Middleton: My husband and I have been married for almost six years. We met at the University of Houston during my freshman year and his senior year in college. We always kept in touch and later reunited after I graduated college.

Describe the time you were a first-time mom and reentering the workforce.

I was ecstatic and nervous at the same time. It was so surreal to me. I was head over heels in love with this little guy. It was a lot of work though. I was breastfeeding, so I had to constantly pump at work. Not to mention I was sleep deprived because my little guy was eating every three hours. I worked the morning shift from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m., so I felt like a zombie. I eventually ended up taking off from work when Isaiah turned one, because at the time my and husband and I were working and living in two different states. It was important to me for us to be together as a family.

Denise Middleton with son Isaiah and husband Brandon.

During the year that I was off, I was very happy to be with family and spend more time with my son, but I really missed my career. Brandon was very supportive and we decided to move somewhere where we could both pursue our careers.

What are your thoughts on adding another kiddo to the Middleton mix?

I am extremely excited about having a girl. I look forward to forming a strong mother-daughter bond. I love how protective and sweet my son is towards me, but I know once he gets older he’ll naturally want to hang out with dad and do guy things. So having one of each will be perfect! Though, I’m a little nervous that she’ll be just as energetic as my 3-year-old, judging from her activity throughout this pregnancy. She’s much more active than he was during my (first) pregnancy.

How would you describe your parenting styles?

It’s still a little difficult to get past that cute little smile. I’m stern when I need to be, but most of the time he wins me over with a sweet smile and kiss whenever he knows he’s done something wrong or he wants more of his favorite snacks. What can I say, he has my heart! He’ll forever be my baby, even when he’s married with kids.

Most of the time, the smile or tears don’t work as easily on Brandon. He never treats him like a baby or toddler. Instead he talks to him like he’s a big boy. He’s a great dad. He’s patient, loving and very hands on…also the best playmate Isaiah could ever ask for. They have the most fun wrestling, playing ball or racing cars and I love watching every minute of it. It brings me so much joy and puts the biggest smile on my face to see them interact and watch their bond grow even stronger.

What’s the best parenting advice you’ve ever received?

Be patient and don’t beat yourself up over everything.

How do you handle your busy schedules?

During the week, we make sure we’re constantly communicating with each other, whether it’s by phone or through face time. Whenever I can’t make it home during my dinner break, we use face time and Isaiah loves it. We make the most of every weekend and spend as much time as we can doing family activities.

What are your hopes for your children?

My hope is for them to become God-fearing, family and goal-oriented individuals. I want them to be the best that they can be and achieve whatever they want in life.

What inspires you in your work?

Since I’ve started working at THV 11, I’ve had the opportunity to highlight people in different communities who’ve gone above and beyond to help others. I absolutely love the My Town Hero segment, because these people inspire me and give me the opportunity to show viewers that there are some incredible people in the community doing remarkable things!

Little Rock Family’s Tips for Adding a Sibling to the Mix

1. Have a reciprocal sibling gift exchange to mark the new baby’s birth.

2. Create ways to celebrate your older child and have special time.

3. Feed on the couch where toddler can still be nearby.

4. Reminisce positively with your toddler about times you had with them before baby.

5. Role-play and read stories with the older child to help them adapt to the new family dynamic.

6. Encourage and celebrate your older child as a helper and an important part of the family.

Denise Middleton with her son Isaiah.