So the other day, I walked into my local Morrisons and saw the poster above my head and screamed (sorry to the lady in front of me who jumped)...but I had good reason because there, hanging over me in the Nutmeg clothes aisle was a HUGE, make that MASSIVE poster featuring my son Oliver (4) modelling (far right)!
Mother's Day has gotten me thinking about the simple things I love about motherhood, the little moments that make me appreciate being a mother more than anything in my life, when my kids aren't tantrumming of course, fighting over which Peppa Pig episode to watch or refusing OVER and OVER to share (yawn)....but here are the times when it's truly JOYOUS:
When photographer Kirsty Mattsson kindly offered me a family shoot, we'd discussed a Mother's Day theme to start ( it also evolved into head shots and a style shoot too) but the most important, most utterly enjoyable part of the day was with my family: my husband Peter and our sons Oliver (4) and Alexander (18 months)-a Mother's Day shoot I'll always cherish.
The fab folks at Ticktock sent my son Oliver two vibrant, captivating books 'Animals' and 'Planes, Trains and Cars' to entertain and they sure, did deliver.
Kids have honestly made me more creative. That's a fact.
I was of course creative before kids working as a screenwriter, director and magazine editor...you get the picture. I was born creative, baby.
Hear me out though, those kids took my creativity to another level.
Throughout history (and I've found throughout my life so far too), creativity arises and thrives within limitations, be it time, budget, tools/access, they exist and are are actually vital in making creativity happen.
If there wasn't enough anxiety-filled pressure when you're pregnant (big bump, little bump, too much weight, not enough) once you pop that baby out or have him airlifted as I did twice, first an emergency, second an elective (the latter a whole other set of pressures, of which I ignored wholeheartedly) you are quickly, at least with first baby anointed with parenting pressures.
I found myself scribbing away after dinner on a dog-eared bit of paper (simultaneously trying to watch XFactor on Catch Up), all the things Alexander can now do, aged 1.
We lived in London for many years before relocating to Leeds a year ago and like to head back and see our friends on family breaks when we can. I still often work in the Big Smoke but this break was purely for family time and fun and the little man loved every minute.
Woop Woop! Today I had a three month scan as there is most definitely a little bun in the oven: a sibling for my 2 year old. We are all very excited. On hearing the news, said 2 year old (and 2 months) stated, "Where is it? Want to see it? Cut it out".
Being a blogger has it's perks-as well as sometimes getting paid for posts, companies often contact me and ask whether they can send me gifts for Oliver. Check out the presents for Oliver below from Find me a Gift . Lucky Oliver!
Happy Valentine's Day all!
...Since a new man entered my life that cold January two years ago, my heart belongs to him. I still gave my husband Peter a pretty card I made, including the heartfelt words of, "You're the best husband in the world and would be nearly perfect if you managed to put your dirty socks in the wash basket" scribbled lovingly inside.
You have lofty ideals about what you will and won't do with your imaginary children. Then the reality of parenthood nappy-slaps you off that pedestal.
Things I promised my pre-baby self I'd never do:
