Real Mums #07 – The L’s Mum

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.

My name is Rachel and I write The L’s Mum blog. I also run a business from home called Organic Bambino Boutique. I am 28 years old and a first time mum to a 19 month old boy known on the blog as Baby L and I am also a step mum to a 10 year old boy known as Little L. I am engaged to The L’s Papa and we have been together for nearly 3 years. I live in Cheshire and I blog all about my life, experiences, and lifestyle. I recently struggled with the Baby blues and so I’m blogging all about my journey at the moment.

Describe a typical day in your life

A typical day for me would normally start at around 6am. I get up even if Baby L is still asleep and use the time to have a quiet coffee, and catch up on some blog work and some admin for my business Organic Bambino Boutique. Baby L would normally wake around 7am, and so will The L’s Papa. Baby L has some milk whilst I prepare breakfast and then our day begins. I tend to catch up on more work till around 9.30 because L is usually happy to relax and watch a bit of tv and play with his toys. Sometimes we go to a playgroup in the mornings or for a walk, and then the afternoons again would be spent either doing some activities,or getting outside and enjoying the fresh air, or alternatively we will try and attend another baby group.

Baby L naps at about 12 pm for up to 2 hours and I use this time again to work, check emails and catch up on housework. I try and get L involved with some of the jobs throughout the day as well as I can’t get everything I need to do done in that 2 hour window.

The L’s Papa is normally home by 6.30 and Baby L has a bottle of milk at 7 and then goes straight off to bed. The L’s Papa and I would normally then have our tea and watch a box set, we’re currently working our way through Criminal minds at the moment. We tend to be in bed by 10pm because we are so rock and roll.

Weekends tend to be a little more relaxed, and if we have Little L staying with us we try and get out and about and enjoy quality family time.

What is the best thing about being a mum?

I love the cuddles, I love how sometimes he just needs me and no one else. But I think the best thing has to be what I have learnt about myself and how I have changed. I found it so difficult to identify with my new identity as mum at first and 2014 saw me experience a fair few highs and lows on the emotional front but now I am through the tunnel and out the other side I feel proud to be Baby L’s mum and proud of the person I am because of him.

What have you found hardest about motherhood?

Lack of sleep really gets to me, I’m lucky because L has always been  relatively good sleeper but he has his moments where he will wake a lot and I really notice the difference in myself when I have had no sleep.

I also find it to be a little isolating at times, but that’s more my own doing and I need to make more of an effort to get out and meet other mums’.

How has your body changed?

I had a c-section so I suppose I have a little wobble that sits above my scar. My body isn’t as toned as it was.

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

I do wear make-up most days. I find I firstly feel better for making that effort, I also feel like it’s a sort of armour and I’m ready for the day. I tend to apply a mac foundation with a little bronzer and blush on the cheeks. A mascara and then a bold lippy. If I have more time I will wear some eyeliner and eye shadow but most day’s it’s just that. I love the bold lippy because it distracts other people format he bags under my eyes. I don’t know what it is but if I’m dressed for the day with my make-up on I am much more productive. Even if it’s just doing the house work glamour style.

What’s in your handbag? 

Many screwed up receipts, my purse, phone goes in there when I’m going out, the lippy I’m wearing, perfume, baby wipes, a nappy, a fruit pouch and carton of drink, keys, lip balm, a baby book (small one) and a soft toy. I have a huge tote bag that I sue for everything now rather than taking a nappy bag out and a separate bag as Baby L doesn’t need so much with him these days.

What is your relationship with housework?

I don’t have the best relationship with housework. I clean pretty much everyday but it’s only the rooms we use most so kitchen, conservatory and lounge. Everywhere else I try and get round throughout the week such as our bedroom and Baby L’s room. Little L’s room is always tidied before she stays which is fortnightly. Other rooms like dining room, and movie room I tend to leave until it needs doing. I hate cleaning our bathrooms but try and do them as often as I can, even if it’s just wiping round with a baby wipe. (sssh don’t tell anyone)

How do you relax?

I like to enjoy a glass of wine although (at the time of writing this) I am currently involved in dry January so I don’t have that luxury at the moment. I like to relax in a nice hot bath, or have a little pamper session. Mostly though it’s just chilling with my hubby and watching a box set.

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

Hmm, I suppose the best advice for me was trust your own instinct. You know your baby better than anyone. I always wanted other people advice at the beginning and then ended up trying things that perhaps weren’t right for us. Trusting myself and my own decisions was the best advice anyone gave me.

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

Not to worry although easier said than done. If you are ever struggling with anything the best thing you can do is talk it through and have support. Also sleep when the baby sleeps, I wish I had done more of this when L was a newborn but I tried to be super mum and ended up doing too much and coursing more harm than good. Enjoy those first fe months and savour the moments where you can just sit and cuddle your little bundle of joy because it doesn’t last forever.

What makes you happy?

Baby L’s smile and laugh. And seeing him master something that I have taught him. I am at my happiest surrounded by my family.

And finally, complete this sentence:

I am a great mum because…..  This is difficult, because it has took me a while to believe I was a good mum because I went through a bad time with the baby blues but I am a great mum because I am Baby L’s mum, I’m all he knows, and to him I am perfect the way I am. 

Oh Rachel, I am sorry you took so long to realise you are a great mum but you are so right- your are Baby L’s absolute world. I hope you saw my post about different mums– we are all amazing! 

I love that you clean your bathroom with a baby wipe! They are just fab aren’t they? xx

If you want to find out more about Rachel and her world then head over to her blog The L’s Mum.

She is also on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest so pop over and say hi!