Where and how long have you lived in the Sutherland Shire?
We have lived in Caringbah for the past 4 years.
Tell us about yourself and your family:
I am originally from Gundagai, a small country town in New South Wales. I moved to Sydney to complete university. I have been a lawyer for over 3 years now. I met my husband Nick at Oatley Pub some 5 years ago. We were married at Terara House Estate last year and have welcomed our first baby, Jack into the world in May.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Jack and I are usually up by 6am. We have breakfast (and I have my coffee!), watch Paw Patrol, we go to the gym together at either Fitness First Cronulla or Sylvania, then a walk outside if it’s a nice day. If we are lucky, we will catch up with our friends for lunch or coffee. I’m currently completing my Masters so when Jack has his afternoon nap, I will jump on the computer and do some work. My husband is a self-employed gardener and is luckily able to finish work a little earlier in these cooler months to help out with Jack. We will then take our two dogs for a walk (Pugsley the Pub and Mia the French Mastiff), make dinner and get Jack ready to bed.
Favourite park:
Castelnau Park Caringbah and Shelley Beach Park.
Favourite thing to do with your bubs/kiddies:
Walking outside in the pram (Jack loves watching the trees and the leaves), playing on the play mat, laying in the park on a rug in the sunshine, baby talk and reading stories.
Favourite kid friendly cafe:
The Lane Way, Caringbah.
Favourite restaurant or favourite night-spot:
Bistro 32, Alphabet Street and Caringbah Pub.
Favourite Mothers Group location:
Castelnau Park, Caringbah.
Favourite wet weather location:
Cronulla RSL or The Prince.
Work or SAHM (Stay at Home Mum):
Currently a SAHM working about 5 hours per week.
Motherly advice on how to stay sane:
Always look on the bright side, breath and don’t be afraid to ask for help and discuss your challenges.
Funny mum moment:
Leaving the house with clothes on inside out (many times) – the struggle is real!
What is your guilty pleasure?
A coffee and row of chocolate every day.
What makes you lose your shit?
Not a lot. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful baby, a supportive group of friends and a very helpful husband and family. If I had to say anything, it would be multiple nappy and outfit changes just before we are due to go out, hanging the washing out and then rain or the dogs trying to jump on the lounge!.
What’s something not many people know about you?
I used to be a bit of an adventure junky – I’ve skydived twice, bungee jumped off Nevis in New Zealand and used to own a motorbike!
Favourite local shop/online store or Instagram business:
Baby Bunting, Bonds, Big W and of course Kmart.
What’s the best product/service you can recommend since becoming a mum?
Mothers Group, My Little Cloud Cradle Swing, my Haakaa, Playgro and Lamaze toys, pram hooks and clips, Bjorn bouncer, Ergo 360 carrier, play mat, white noise and Sophie the Giraffe teething toys. Oh and the “Happy Baby Song” – YouTube it if you have not heard of it. This song has saved me multiple times in the car if jack has a meltdown!
How have you changed since becoming a mum?
I definitely have become more patient and cognisant of the challenges other parents face. I was only joking with a friend the other day that we would have bought the most terrible baby shower gifts for friends (for example completely impractical outfits that were for the wrong season), not allowing room next to the passenger side of a car that had a car seat in it etc). It is safe to say I have become a much more aware person.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced since becoming a mum?
Finding enough time in the day and balancing motherhood and my career/study.
Would you like to share your local #mumlife with us like Kirsty has?
If you would like to feature as our next ‘Local Mum’ we would love to hear from you! Please tell us about yourself here.
