Tell us about your family. How many Kids?
My family is myself, my gorgeous husband Sam, my daughter Matilda and my son Harry.
What was the biggest adjustment for you when you became a mum?
The biggest adjustment I’ve had to deal with is never having any time for myself. I’m honestly lucky if I get a shower during the week.
I used to be able to get my nails done, listen to an audiobook while having a bath and take walks along the river. It’s hard not being able to find a minute to yourself.
I’m finding that as they get older, I’m getting more snippets of time back, but they’re fleeting.
How do you manage the juggle when it comes to trying to do it all?
I definitely find it hard to do it all. If I could, I would work five days a week, but to make sure the kids and household jobs are in order, I have to have at least a few mornings off work and sometimes a full day off.
I always feel like I’m not giving 100% as a mother and not giving 100% as a working professional. I’m always comparing myself to my colleagues and feeling like they’re achieving so much more than I am, but with small children, you just can’t move at the pace you want to sometimes.
I also get a lot of help from my parents and my husband’s parents. I have no problems asking for help to make it through the week, even if it’s just an afternoon of childcare so I can do some emails and a load of washing.
What is the best thing about being a mum?
There are so many good things about it, it’s hard to pick just one. I think it’s crazy how much you can love your child. You think you know love, and then this little creature gets put on your chest and you realise you never knew love until you lay eyes on your baby. It’s mind-blowing.
One of my favourite things at the moment is seeing their little faces after they see me walk into the room to pick them up from kindy or daycare. Knowing that you are their safe place and all their worries melt away when they see you. It’s so incredibly heartwarming and so special.
I feel the same way when they crawl into our bed at night. On one hand, it’s frustrating getting woken up and having a broken night’s sleep, but knowing that they think being close to you is the safest place in the world is so special.
It’s a real privilege to be their safe place.
What has been the biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge becoming a mum was actually becoming a mum.
We had a long battle with getting pregnant in the first place and we did IVF with my first. We were lucky enough to get pregnant on the first round, but it was still a long road and we were so thrilled to become parents.
What surprised you most when becoming a mum?
I was surprised by how many snacks I would always have to have at all times. Snacks for the nappy bag, snacks in the car, snacks when we’re at the park, the beach, or just at home. I feel like all I do is constantly prepare and organise snacks.
And they get sick of the same snacks, so you have to present them in a different and creative way, rotate and reshuffle the snacks so they’re appealing. I could do my thesis on snack preparation.
I was also surprised that you kind of never get to sleep in… ever again. I didn’t really realise that sleeping in, or just sleeping through the night, would go away for ten years. You know that sleep will be sparse, but you don’t really realise for how long.
My oldest is almost 7, and she’s still coming into our bed. Last night she came in and woke me at 4:45am and wanted to get up for the day. I got her to go back to bed, and I slept in her bed. I woke up this morning with vanilla custard all through my hair, and it was crusty and hard.
This is the kind of stuff no one warns you about.
What do you wish you knew before becoming a mum?
I wish I had learnt more about sleep programs for babies.
We had an awful time with our first bub trying to get her to sleep at night. I didn’t realise I was letting her sleep too much during the day.
About six months in, a friend told me about an app called Little Ones. It completely changed the way she slept and we were all so much better for it. I used the same program with my second and we had no issues. Absolute lifesaver.
If you could go back, what would you tell yourself before becoming a mum?
To enjoy the baby stage a little more.
It was daunting and overwhelming, so it was easy to panic about small things. But if I could give any advice to anyone, it would be to enjoy the snuggles and the walks with the pram.
Another thing I would do is record more videos. I have a million photos, but not nearly enough videos. Watching their little mouth movements when they are newborns and hearing their tiny noises is priceless, and you can never have enough of those memories.
Do you have any tips or tricks to manage the day-to-day juggle?
Asking for help! I definitely ask for help from the kids’ grandparents when I need it.
Now my daughter is at school, I’m finding the other parents are super helpful and are usually very happy to offer to pick Tilly up and drop her home, or during the holidays have her over for a play for a few hours so I can work or just do jobs.
I love the working-from-home thing. It really helps having my husband at home for a few days a week so he can do a kindy drop-off, and he’s the best washing captain. He’s way better at housework than me, so when he’s working from home, he manages to help a huge amount.
Also, iPads, computers, Nintendo Switch, and YouTube games have been a lifesaver for managing to get jobs done or just have an hour of peace. I know we’re all supposed to limit screen time, but stuff that. Sometimes you need them on devices for a few hours so you can breathe and have a shower.
How do you manage your time to fit in career, being a mum, relationship and time for you?
To be honest, I don’t really get much time for “me”. If I have time without the kids, I’m usually working or trying to clean the house.
That’s also because I am an artist and run a small business, so if I do have spare time, I feel guilty doing anything that isn’t working or doing something for my brand.
I do try to offload the kids to their grandparents and get babysitters from time to time so my husband and I can just be a couple and not tired parents for a night. It doesn’t happen as often as I would like though.
Who is in your village and you couldn’t live without?
My parents-in-law and my parents are incredible. I couldn’t do it without them.
They are so generous with their time and they try to help in all different ways. Sometimes my mother-in-law pops over with a beautiful home-cooked meal and it just makes the evening so much easier.
The 5 things in your bag you can’t leave home without?
The number one thing I can’t live without is my phone. I just got a new one and it has the best camera for filming artwork and the kids being silly. I also have to have a podcast on when I’m working or shopping, so my phone is essential.
My next favourite item in my bag is my AirPods.
Another favourite I can’t be without is Lucas’ Paw Paw Ointment. If I don’t have it, I go nuts.
And lastly, a simple hair tie. I can’t concentrate if I’m trying to work and my hair is in my face.
Your favourite holiday spot is…
Port Douglas is one of my favourite holiday destinations.
It’s only a three-hour flight, it’s always warm and we have friends who live there so our kids can play together. It also has so many family-friendly things to do and it’s always relaxing.
I first visited with my boyfriend at the time, who is now my husband, in 2013 and we’ve been going almost every year since.
Why do you love this place?
It holds so many memories from past visits and it never disappoints.
What location is on the top of your wish-list to travel to next?
My husband speaks French, so we both want to go to France with our kids.
What is your favourite brand and why?
I am totally not into fashion. I usually get around in leggings covered in paint, but I think my favourite brand would be Gorman.
The trend you’re loving right now
Baggy pants. I’ve always loved rolling baggy pants because it makes me feel like a gangster.
The trend you can’t get on board with
High socks. I’ve tried, but it feels like I’m being a fraud.
Your latest brand discovery
Where do you do most of your fashion shopping?
What does a healthy lifestyle mean to you?
Before kids, I worked out at the gym with a personal trainer. I lifted weights, did cardio and spin classes, and ate very well. That’s what I considered to be a healthy lifestyle.
After kids, I prioritise my mental health more than my physical health. I still try to go for walks and do a bit of exercise, but I think if I’m limiting how much wine I drink, not smoking, keeping my relationship and friendships healthy, and keeping my kids happy, then I’m thrilled.
I think a healthy lifestyle is about balance.
What do you do to keep your body moving?
I try to play with the kids, take them on bike rides, and we have a park near us that we walk to most days.
I also try to go for a walk around my neighbourhood when I’m working from home. I love a good audiobook or podcast, so I enjoy putting in my AirPods and heading out for a walk.
What are your top 5 tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
- Making time for yourself and your partner
- Being active at least three times a week
- Eating dinner together as a family
- Having at least four nights off alcohol each week
- Managing stress through meditation
What are your non-negotiables when it comes to health and wellness
I have to have a few days a week where I’m working and not with the kids.
Having some time away from them helps my mental health and makes me a better mum.
I also need time at night to relax and meditate when I’m alone.
What does the word ‘balance’ mean to you?
It’s a lovely word, but it’s hard to achieve when you’re a working mum.
Maybe I’ll find balance in a few years’ time.
