Real Mums #10 Picnics in the Rain

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 Jess!

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your family.

I’m Jess and I’ve been married to Jim for nearly four years (although we’ve been together for nearly twelve – we met at University). In December 2013, our baby girl, Rosalie, was born beneath the Christmas tree and has brought us so much joy ever since.

Describe a typical day in your life

My day starts at 6:30am when the alarm clock goes off to bully Jim out of bed and into the shower. I usually reach straight for my phone to log into the baby camera and see if Rosalie is awake, which nine times out of ten she isn’t. So I do a sneaky bit of social media and blog checking before dragging myself downstairs to make tea. Rosalie usually wakes around 7:45am, so I try to ensure I’m showered and dressed before getting her out of her cot.

I make Rosalie porridge for breakfast every day – her favourite is porridge with blueberries in, but sometimes we mix it up and I make raspberry or apple and cinnamon porridge! We sometimes go wild and have eggs at the weekend! After breakfast I brush Rosalie’s teeth (and my own), wash her face and hands and get her dressed.

We try to do our ‘fun’ things in the mornings, as that is when Rosalie is most jolly –  we either go out for a walk, to the swings, to the library, to the shops, or we do some playing at home – what we do tends to vary depending on 1) the weather 2) chores I need to do 3) work I must achieve 4) organised groups or meet-ups.

We usually have lunch around midday and after the clean-up we read a few books before I snuggle Rosalie into her pushchair (she refuses to take daytime naps in her cot) for a two hour nap. This gives me a nice block of time to get on with my work or blogging or chores around the house.

At some point during the afternoon, perhaps around 4.30 Rosalie will have a snack and I might start making dinner. We all eat together at 6.15, Rosalie has a bath at 7pm, then a story and a breastfeed and is usually asleep by 8pm. We don’t hear a peep from her until the morning.

The first portion of my evening is often spent working or blogging, accompanied with a cup of tea. Sometimes Jim and I watch a show (usually cheesy American sci fi) or otherwise I go to bed and read. I like to plan my day and write a short gratitude list before bed.

What is the best thing about being a mum?

Knowing that you have made this little person and that your are their world. Rosalie isn’t really a cuddly baby, so I don’t get kisses and cuddles, but seeing her smile and hearing her infectious laugh make my worries pale into insignificance.

What have you found hardest about motherhood?

Without a doubt breastfeeding has been the hardest part about motherhood so far. I had such a battle in the early days and Rosalie lost so much weight; I was stubborn and horribly hard on myself. It took us 3 or 4 months to have healthy a breastfeeding relationship, and although I am pleased I persevered I do look back on those early months and wish I spent less time crying and more time cuddling Rosalie.

How has your body changed?

To be honest, my body really hasn’t changed that much… I guess I could do with getting back into aerobics and doing a few sit-ups to tighten my tummy, but that’s about it.

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

I’ve never been a make-up person and I never will be – I rub my eyes and touch my face way too much. I moisturise daily but that’s it.

What’s in your handbag? 

I don’t often carry a handbag anymore; if I’m going out with the pushchair then I chuck my purse and phone in the bottom, and my keys live in the change bag. My handbag, when it does make an appearance, contains an umbrella, a chapstick, a spare carrier bag and emergency Eric the Elephant biscuits!

What is your relationship with housework?

Housework and me had a bit of a falling out last year, but we’re trying to get our relationship back on track in 2015! The laundry always gets done, but vacuuming tends to get left… Dusting, well, vacuuming the dust up counts, right?

How do you relax?

I really enjoy reading, so getting an early night to read my kindle is one of my favourite ways to relax. I also enjoy American dramas and sci fi, of which we have loads recorded but haven’t got around to watching.

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

Enjoy the cuddles when they’re in the newborn stage. You won’t spoil them, and you will never get that time back. I wish I’d listened to that advice.

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

You are not a failure if you don’t breastfeed. Just do what you can, your supply will adjust, so even just one feed a day is a triumph, and if you can’t manage that then that still doesn’t make you a bad mother. Babies need love and happy mummies the most.

What makes you happy?

Getting outside in the fresh air – taking a stroll with my family in the countryside, having a picnic and just enjoying nature. So simple but so effective at improving my mood.

And finally, complete this sentence:

I am a great mum because….. I am doing my best to be a good role model, by being happy and healthy; and through praise and love I hope to raise a confident little girl.

Thank you so much Jess, I loved reading about your life! The advice you were given about cuddles was spot on- I hug Little L much more than I ever did with Little G. Love cannot spoil them! And yes… vacuuming totally counts!!! 

If you want to find out more about Jess and her world then head over to her blog Picnics in the Rain. 

She is also on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest so go check them out!