'There's Not Been A Ton Of Sleep': Paul And Mariel Swan Discuss Life As New Parents

Paul and Mariel Swan’s day-to-day has completely changed since they let cameras into their lives ahead of the birth of their daughter.

The couple is giving people an inside look in the first season of “Austin Dillon’s Life In The Fast Lane,” where they bring viewers inside his life as a NASCAR pit crew member while she carries their firstborn baby. However, the duo welcomed Bella Victoria Swan in June and explained that their lives have not been close to the same since. 

“I mean, it's definitely shown that our lives don't really matter anymore,” Paul told USA Insider. “Everything is about baby Bella, and we love it. Like, I wouldn't have it any other way. I think we're both at a stage in our lives where we're ready to be parents, we were ready, we're excited about it and it's been a joy.” 

He adds: “I mean, there's not been a ton of sleep, but I feel like we've managed it pretty well and we help each other out. We make a really solid team. So, I think that's a big thing. If you got a wife and a husband that can be a team.” 

Mariel agrees, noting that they’ve found new forms of compatibility as they continue to live their unusually busy lives and raise the most important thing in their respective world. 

“He helps me so much, so that's been really great,” she explained. “We love being new parents, we really do.” 

“I've got to give a big shout-out to Mariel because she's able to still let me do my regimen during the day, my practice, my training, my Peloton time,” he said with a hearty Paul Swan laugh. “I mean, she’s been a rock star holding it down at home while I got to go to work during the week and on the weekends. She's at home with Bella when I travel to the different races. So, I mean, she's been an absolute rock star and the rock in our family and I give all the credit to her.”

Not to be outdone, Mariel notes that Paul has made his fair share of sacrifices for her so that she never feels overwhelmed with their new responsibilities.

“To give him his props as well, the moment he gets home, like, there has been some races where I've been dog tired and he comes home and he's like, ‘Hey, I'll take over,’” Mariel said. “I'm like, OK. Heck yeah. I'm going to go get some sleep and then I'll come back later. That allows me to still getting my little workouts here and there for what I can, to get outside and we'll go walking. The whole family will. So, it's been really great.” 

Mariel concludes by noting that she’s relieved to have finally had baby Bella and no longer be trying to juggle life as a reality TV star and pregnancy. 

“Especially while we're filming because I was like, so pregnant, you know? That was a lot,” she said. 

Fortunately, both Paul and Mariel as well as viewers will be able to see what their lives were like while they were prepping for what would ultimately be a very successful first few weeks of parenting on their new reality show. 

“Austin Dillon’s Life In The Fast Lane” airs Thursdays at 9:30/8:30c on USA Network.