Katy Hill's working mum diary

As a Blue Peter presenter Katy Hill had her fair share of adventures, but these days she faces tougher challenges - juggling full-time motherhood with a TV career. From Daybreak to day’s end, Katy and husband Trey have their hands full with a five-year-old daughter and toddler son. And there’s not a nanny in sight. This could get messy…

Breakfast at Katy's

By Katy Hill on 27 Jan 2012 No comments

This picture makes me laugh. It was sent to me on Twitter this week (@KatyHillTV) by a guy called Carl, who made it because I told him Breakfast at Tiffany's was one of my favorite films. And it is!

But it made me laugh at how the reality of my breakfasts these days as a mum couldn’t be further from the glamour in this picture. Holly Golightly I am not.

Holly Go-A-Hundred-Miles-An-Hour? Yup... that would be me!

For those first 20 minutes in the morning I feel like I’m running a hotel: Milk for both, cereal for both, fruit for both, then just as I think I can possibly sit down to join them, somebody wants a second bowl. And before you know it, you’re clearing up, making packed lunches, showering, dressing yourself and everyone around you, and heading out of the door!

But however manic my life feels, it can’t come close to my sister's right now. Already mum to my two-year-old niece Aurelia, this week she’s had the most gorgeous TWINS! Check out her twins product guide, coming soon to iVillage!

I’m loving having newborns in my life again. They seem SO small. Every time I change them I feel like I’m gonna break them they’re so delicate. Trey’s been running for cover since I’ve been beyond broody! Ha ha - he can run, but he can’t hide (just kidding)!

And, as is always the way, when I see Akira next to newborns he looks SO grown up.

Speaking of my little man, what’s with this crazy story in the press this week, about the couple who’ve brought their son up gender neutral? They insisted on referring to him as 'The Infant' since birth (ah - the warmth!) and didn’t tell anyone whether he was a girl or boy. Sasha Laxton has now finally been announced as a boy at the age of 5 and only because he’s starting school. SERIOUSLY PEOPLE? Are you insane?

That poor kid. Like starting school isn’t hard enough, without there being you-tube links and pictures with you, as a boy, dressed in girls' clothes? I’m sure the parents had his best interests at heart, but what were they THINKING?

The knock on is - it’s got ME thinking! Since that story I’ve been amazed at the stereotyping that goes on in everyday life, and whilst I think his parents are beyond extreme, I do think everyone needs to calm down a bit with kids and how they should/shouldn’t behave, according to their gender.

I took Akira out the other day and he happened to be carrying a Minnie Mouse. Everywhere we went people were saying 'ooh - is that your sister's - does she know you’ve got it?' Wow - the ignorance! I found myself feeling really defensive of him. Then yesterday, he was carrying Kaya’s doll to school for her, and a mother pointed at him and point-blank laughed in his face, saying 'ooh Akira - has daddy been buying you dolls!?' Seriously? Are we still THAT backward thinking and ignorant?

And I have to say, I’ve noticed the stigmas are WAY more marked with Akira than they ever were with Kaya. One of her favourite toys was her wooden Thomas train set, but nobody ever remarked on that being unacceptable in the same way they would if Akira loved dolls? Surely small kids should play with what they want to when they’re two? But playing with things you want to, and being brought up with NO gender identity whatsover are, I believe, two very different things!

I guess 'The Infant' family have succeeded in one thing - they HAVE they’ve sparked debate! Shame they’ve totally confused a five-year-old in the process!

This Week I’m Loving

Out N About Nipper - 360 rrp £259.95

www.outnabout.com

http://www.facebook.com/outnaboutuk

The search for a cool buggy that has style AND substance is over! The Out N About Nipper 360 not only looks great, but it can cope with high streets AND off-roading!

My love affair started when I chased a woman down the road to ask for details of her push-chair (sorry if that was you!)

Suitable from newborn, the 360 has amazing maneuverability down to its namesake front wheel that can swivel 360 or be locked in position. Akira’s so excited to go in it, largely because it’s so comfy with its lovely padded seat and great suspension on the back tyres. With its five point harness and five options for seat position, Akira now complains when I get him OUT! Who knew!? At 5ft 8" mummy’s loving the height adjustable handle, and it’s deceptively light with its aluminum frame.

And the proof that it’s a desirable set of wheels? Now mums chase ME down the road to ask about it!

What goes around, comes around! ;-)