Kendra Wilkinson, who shot into the spotlight as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends on the hit reality show, Girls Next Door, transitioned from Playmate to parent when she and NFL footballer Hank Baskett welcomed Hank Jr. in December 2009. We caught up with the sporty reality mom, who was in the midst of promoting her SOBE Bracket Challenge, to chat about sleepless nights, losing baby weight, and why new moms shouldn’t always listen to advice.

– Andrea Zimmerman

Who spoils Little Hank more – you or your husband?

That’s a hard one. Probably me. I don’t let him cry and Hank gets so mad at me. But I can’t help it – if I hear him cry, I have to grab him and rock him back to sleep.

What was the biggest motherhood adjustment?

The sleep. I used to go to bed around 3 a.m. and wake up at 3 p.m. Now I get up at 3 a.m. and stay up until 3 a.m. But if I could party all night, I can stay up with my baby up all night. The partying was actually an advantage – it prepared me!

Is he showing any traits that remind you of yourself or Hank?

So many little things! I used to suck on my index finger, and he sucks on his index finger. And he gets really mad when he gets hungry. That’s how I am too!

What was your secret to losing the baby weight?

In the first episode of my show, I lifted up my shirt to show what I looked like under my clothes. I wanted fans to know I didn’t lose the weight overnight. My stretch marks and big blob are all over the Internet. I had a long way to go.

Do you hope Hank Jr. gets the athletic genes?

We’re concentrating on being the best parents we can be and guiding him in the right light. It’s up to him what he wants to do in life – as long as he’s a good man and person, just like his daddy.

What advice would you give to new moms?

Don’t take all advice. You’re going to have advice thrown at you all day, everyday, from your mom, your mother-in-law, your siblings – everybody! You should do it this way! You should do it that way! No! Don’t listen to everything. Take the advice you want, but be your own mom. That’s what makes it so special.

Your mom is a staple on your show. What parenting advice did she give you?

Tough love. I’m very stubborn. But [in the end], I listen to her – she’s always right.

Any plans for more babies?

Right now, we’re pouring all of our love into baby Hank but when he’s in elementary school, we’ll definitely go for number two.