I had been a mother for a little over eight years when I first became the mother of a mother. I felt more than ready. I felt confident, even. But after we moved to our rural property and welcomed a very spirited rescue kitten into our family, I would soon come to realise that I was not at … Continue reading When I First Became the Mother of a Mother
When I became a mother for the first time, I naively had a plan in mind. I had visions of me patiently settling my new baby for her day naps, before putting a tiny load of even tinier baby clothes into the washer, taking all the minutes I needed under a steaming shower, and then sitting down in my tidy … Continue reading How to Help Your Baby Stop Catnapping and Sleep Longer
As an amateur writer, I continually try to extend myself and delve deeper into my passion. I look for inspiration everywhere and every day. This story was written late one evening in response to an online writing challenge. With no restrictions on theme, it was to be no longer than 99 words, including three pre-chosen … Continue reading A Tale of One Mother, in 99 Words
I didn't notice you when I first arrived at the local aquatic centre. Amongst the usual commotion of scuttling children and bustling parents, I was too distracted by my two excited little boys, each racing off in different directions. Although I'm at the pool every Wednesday afternoon, taking my sons to their swimming lessons, today was the first time I'd seen … Continue reading To the Mother at the Swimming Pool with Her Autistic Daughter
I check my outfit one last time, hoping it will be appropriate for the event, and while feeling every last knot of nerves in my stomach, I grab my bag and buckle my 3 year old into his car seat. The bright morning sunshine lifts my spirits. Although I'm an introvert, I really enjoy meeting new … Continue reading Why Making New Mum Friends can be More Stressful than Dating
At a time that is usually bristling with stress and anger, is there anything better than an impromptu moment of hilarity with your children? Dinner time. And a special treat for dessert that night - a few tasty sweets each. Predictably, our three kids each selected and devoured their sweet quotas in an instant. Their … Continue reading The Night Our Kids Discovered That We’re Awesome
The best thing I did today was ignore my son. Yes, it's true that he's unable to fix his own meals, true that he can't manage to dress himself, and true that he can't even go to the toilet on his own. Yes, it's also true that I am my son's main carer, but today I … Continue reading How Ignoring Your Child Can Improve Their Happiness
I lazily open my eyes to the half-light of early morning. A gentle smile relaxes my face as I recall that it's a Sunday, and there's nothing on my to-do list that absolutely requires me to first shower and fix my hair. Double win. I'm not sure what woke me. Apparently not my husband, still softly snoring beside … Continue reading 7 Unexpected Things I Miss About Life Before Kids
When holidaying interstate, I always enjoy catching up with the good friends I've sadly left behind. While our kids all play together with the effortless enthusiasm that accompanies fresh friends, there's always plenty of news to share over a hot cuppa. One such visit with a family of four came with the surprise announcement of a … Continue reading One, Two or Chaos? How I Came to Have Three Children
I saw myself today. And at first, I didn't even realise it was me. She was huddled against the cold of winter in thick folds of grey and black, stepping carefully out of the car. Her husband - one hand closing the door, the other instinctively, lovingly, resting on the small of her back - said something … Continue reading 5 Things I Wish I Could Have Told My Pregnant Self
