I started this feature to celebrate real mums. Mums come in all shapes and sizes but sometimes we can feel alone, we can feel as though we are the only ones struggling to keep on top of things. I want to lift the lid on motherhood so we can all feel a part of sisterhood, to feel proud about our own achievements and know that we are doing the best we can!
Without further a do let me hand over to Rachel!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.
Hi I am Rachel. I have a Husband and two daughters. C is my eldest who is 9 years old and M is my youngest who is 4 years old. I work from home so I am around when my children need me and to watch their school plays (I’m the one who can’t sit down and has to stand at the back to get the best view!)
Describe a typical day in your life
My day starts with being woken up at 6.30am by my Husband going off to work telling me my coffee is in the kitchen (love him!). Downstairs my children are half awake watching TV. At the moment they both like watching the Flintstones. I make their breakfast (cereal and fruit) while I am trying to get my caffeine fix drinking my coffee. I have cereal with them so I know I can’t forget to eat breakfast later on.
Next it’s getting ready and off for the school run, my neighbour takes my youngest to preschool for me. Then if I don’t have any shopping to do I come back home, make myself a cup of tea and clean the house. By 10am I’ll have opened my laptop to either blog or work. I’ll be on it pretty much from 10.00 – 2pm. I then have a few biscuits and a cup of coffee before I make sure I’ll look presentable for the school pick up.
Back at home its empty the school bags, check for reading and homework, getting the kiddies a snack to cover them until dinner time. They will play or watch TV while I cook. Dinner is around 5-5.30pm – cue hubby walking in.) Then I’ll clear away (by that I mean I load the Dishwasher and push the ‘on’ button). Bath’s are then run. After this it’s what we call ‘down time’. 6.30pm is our family time to read and chat about our day. 7pm is M’s bedtime. C goes to bed at 7.30 so she will watch the Simpsons or Futurama for 30 mins When they are both in bed I then blog, study or just chill with my hubby.
What is the best thing about being a mum?
Cuddles, especially night time cuddles – I love them. I also love it when they say to me ‘mummy I love you’ Oh and when they are so proud of themselves and that smile they give me with that glint in their eye – that proud heart warming mummy feeling as well.
What have you found hardest about motherhood?
That it is 24/7. It doesn’t matter how tired I am – I have to keep going.
How has your body changed?
Before I had my children I had Anorexia. Looking back to before I developed anorexia, I had a shape to my body, I was a pear shape, trousers sat on my hips so I could wear fitted clothes. I went straight from a recovering Anorexic to being pregnant so my shape has changed. I am slimmer then I was before and my shape has gone, I am straight body shape now, no curves, I would like my hips back. I am happy though, the happiest I have been for a long time.
Do you wear makeup? If so what does your routine look like?
I have a timesaver makeup bag if you want to pop over and see!
What’s in your handbag?
I have a lot in my handbag! Which you can see in my ‘What’s in my handbag?’ post.
What is your relationship with housework?
I like to have a clean and tidy house. I do have times where I blitz my house from top to bottom chucking things out. Both of my children are very good at putting their things away. “everything has a home” is my moto!
How do you relax?
When I want to relax I work with my crystals and meditate to meditation music. I work on my breathing and relaxation.
What’s the best parenting advice you have ever been given?
Breath deep and smile. If it gets too much walk away ( make sure your children are safe first) leave the room for a few minutes while you gather your thoughts. Then come back thinking positively.
For any new mums out there, what would you like to tell them?
If you don’t know something don’t be afraid to ask. If you need extra support then ask for it. We are only human after all.
What makes you happy?
My children! Being a mummy to two gorgeous precious girls who are mine! Oh and the sunshine and warmth.
And finally, complete this sentence:
I am a great mum because… I love my daughters and I tell them every day!
Oh Rachel, I suffered with my weight as a teen and so know how hard it is to admit to something like that. I hope that is all in the past now though.
If you want to find out more about Rachel and her world then head over to her blog Life of My Family and me. She is also on Twitter so go say hi!