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Guest Introduction

Steph is married to Ben (the builder) and a mum to a 14-month-old little pocket rocket Nell. Steph has been on maternity leave for the past 14 months and about to go back to work .  Steph is originally from Perth. Both her Mum and Dad worked multiple jobs to send us to a private school for high school.

A day in the life of Steph

Nell is an early bird at the moment – usually 5am-5.30am. Ben leaves for work by 6am. Breakfast with Nell – usually eats everything in sight. Days vary but usually a morning outing to the library, gym, shop, and beach, catching up with friends/Mothers Group. Home for a lunchtime sleep for Nell and TV/internet surf/relax for Mum. Followed by lunch. Afternoon is either running errands or catching up with friends. Dinner, Ben arrives home, Nell has a shower with Dad each night, feed, story time and then in bed by 7pm. Ben and I have dinner and usually in bed by 9/10pm – no later!

Steph's LIFE HACKS

• Plan, plan, and plan your dinners. I’ve only just started to do this and it makes life so much easier
• Lists, lists, lists. I consistently right lists so I know what I have to do – even if it’s ‘Nell’s asleep list’
• When out and about take enough food for the little one – and then take more. I have learnt to take lots of snacks as Nell eats all day long.

The best advice you received

Steph's mum always said she couldn’t remember a lot about her as a baby as she was the youngest and life was pretty hectic. I also think she comes from a different generation, had not a lot of support or help so we do have differing view points about things.

However along the way Steph's mum has provided some tips:

• Buy Clark’s shoes – best quality (tick – did that for Nell’s first shoes)
• Pear and kiwi fruit for baby constipation

Recipes

Chicken Feta and Sundried Tomato Rissoles. Super easy to make and each family member devours them.

How have kids changed your world?

Completely!

While it’s the best thing Steph has ever done – it’s also been the hardest. The past year has been an emotional and physical rollercoaster. While it’s got easier, there has been lots of pressure on some aspects of her life. Financial they've had to stick to a tighter budget, physically – the lack of sleep has made Steph a cranky person (at times). Steph told me that she thinks she has gone slightly bananas as she doesn’t have that freedom to walk out the door and do things pre baby used to do – movies, run, hair, nails, facial – the relaxing things.

However Steph couldn’t imagine life without Nell. 'To actually watch something Ben and I created grow day-by-day is like nothing else. Her little personality and character is coming through. Being a parent is such an eye opening experience and makes worry less about the small stuff in life.' Steph said to me.

What book are you currently reading

Steph is not a big book worm. Before Nell she wasn’t and Steph doesn't really have the time and she prefers magazines.  However as she is quoting sugar, she has been referring to I Quit Sugar by Sarah Wilson

What two areas would you like to improve in your life?

Physical Health – before Nell, Steph used to be a bit of a health nut including a healthy diet and regular exercising. Steph would like to work towards this and as a bit of motivation she has signed up a half marathon in May.

Time – more time for herself and quality time with Ben and Nell. Steph wants to achieve the right work/life balance.

Quick Questions

What website have you signed up to that you actually find value in receiving their emails?

www.babycentre.com

Also the Wonder Weeks App has given Steph guidance when she was lost.

What’s one piece of advice you would give your pre baby self

'Go with your gut' – you know what’s best for your child

What’s the most useful / useless baby item you have?

Useful - Dummy – Steph struggled with giving it to Nell in the early days but it was a life saving device.

Useless - Baby Shower/Bath Wash – A year on and the four bottles that she was given are still pretty full.  Steph's Baby’s skin just needed water – no much else.

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