Real Mums #08 Harassed Mom

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 Laura!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

I am a freelance writer, blogger and wannabe crafter. I work from home in the mornings and in the afternoons I play moms taxi to my 4 kids. I have two girls and two boys, the oldest is 12 and the youngest is a year so we are dealing with nappies and hormones and everything in between. My husband sells aviation insurance and exercise way too much (well for me to keep up with anyway)

Describe a typical day in your life

Wake up is usually between 5h00-6h00 depending on when baby wakes up or when David’s alarm goes off.

We have the usual ‘get ready, ‘pack your bags’, ‘ no you can’t wear your pjs to school’ moments

I drop the middle two at school around 7h00. On a Monday, Wednesday and Friday Emma is looked after by her nanny who arrives at around 6h50

Mondays I do yoga from 8h00-9h00

When I get home from dropping kids I start working until 12h00 and then I go to gym.

Tuesday and Thursday I don’t get much done because I have Emma so I use that as my “clean” day. I tidy cupboards, bake etc etc

I fetch the middle two kids at 13h45 (they are at the same school)

Cameron gets fetch after that at about 14h00

We come home, feed the masses and then 15h00 I take Cameron to swimming

Back home to cook, supervise Kiara’s homework.

17h00 Cameron needs to be fetched.

When I get back we bath the younger two.

David gets home at around 18h00.

Emma goes down at 18h30 and then generally we all chill until 20h00 when the kids go to bed and David and I catch up or I read, watch series.

What is the best thing about being a mum?

I think it is watching them grow up actually. Sounds strange but seeing my 12 year doing so well and forming his own opinions and ideas, knowing that I have allowed that to happen, it’s pretty special. Jack will often, out of the blue, for no reason tell me he loves me, that is pretty special too.

What have you found hardest about motherhood?

Being pulled in 4 different directions. Trying to give them all what they need when they need it is a daily struggle for me.

How has your body changed?

It actually hasn’t changed much. I have a bit of cellulite and bit of a muffin top (but that is possibly due to the bread and peanut butter and not the kids).

Do you wear makeup? If so, what does your routine look like?

I actually don’t wear it daily. If I am going for a meeting or to a special event I do put some on. I am trying to make bit more of an effort with this but it is such a mission (or am I just lazy)

What’s in your handbag?

Oh gosh! What’s not in my handbag! Currently there is my purse, some hair bands, a tube of hand cream, a set of keys I need to have cut (they have been there about 5 months), an empty mentos packet and a few slips.

What is your relationship with housework?

We are ok now. I have a helper 3 times a week and she keeps it all ticking over. Because there are so many of us in the house, I do regular clear outs! I am not OCD about it but I also don’t just shove my head in the sand.

How do you relax?

YOGA! YOGA! YOGA! It is MY one hour a week. If there were more classes that were convenient I would attend more. This may sound funny but I have a long bath every day. I usually do it when Emma naps. It is my recharge time and actually where I come up with most of my blog ideas.

What’s the best parenting advice you have ever been given?

This too shall pass!

For any new mums out there, what would you like to tell them?

You are doing just fine! We are so insecure as new moms and there is so much information, often conflicting, that it just makes us feel even more insecure but we are all doing just fine!

What makes you happy?

Working from home makes me happy, having the flexibility to be there for my children and husband when they need it makes me happy. Writing makes me happy. Scrapbooking makes me happy. Baking makes me happy.

And finally, complete this sentence:

I am a great mum because….. even when I am covered in baby food or spending all day poolside or trying to get the shopping done with my screaming toddler, there is nowhere else I would rather be. There is nothing I would rather be doing than raising these four little people, teaching them, guiding them and shaping them into amazing adults.