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…

Here we Go!

By Katy Hill on 09 Sep 2011 No comments

Happy Back to School week! Or pre-school, or starting school, or last year of school…or even Uni! Whichever scenario is being played out in the life of your family, that first day back is an achievement all around.

We celebrated the end of the hols at a Festival last weekend, and appropriately the thing that got the kids most excited was a huge puddle! I got some funny looks from parents as I let them splash around, getting totally covered in mud but really, what are wellies and puddles for? They had the best afternoon. They ended up as covered in chocolate ice cream as mud!

My little lady didn’t go back till Wednesday so the re-entry to the school atmosphere hasn’t created too much of a bump. I felt the pain this morning though. I guess that first morning was a breeze since I’d sorted everything the night before: clothes, PE kit, water bottle for the classroom, wellies for the classroom – EVEN packed her lunch! (I know – get me!). But this morning I just sauntered out of bed at 7 and for some reason the military precision was no longer on my side. Or if it was it only manifested itself in the shape of my barking orders like some kind of Sergeant Major!

And I’m thrilled to report there were no tears, and she’s taken to Year 1 with a smile. Phew! The 'world's-most-expensive-school-shoes – but-don’t- tell-my-husband-Lelli Kelly’s' were worth it, since she’s gone off with a skip in her step every morning, ready to proudly debut her choice of changeable strap for that day ;-)

Typically her new emblem embroidered cardy’s are STILL nowhere to be seen, four weeks after ordering the damn things. What’s that all about? Seriously – it’s not like they hand stitch the emblem on! One woman who contacted me via twitter @KatyHillTV ordered her school sweatshirt last May 2010…and got a call this week to say they’re ready!

At the other end of the fashion spectrum, and Kaya and I were invited to celebrate the first day of school at a Stella McCartney party in London. Kaya was SO excited when I collected her from school. She loved every minute of the party. There were pony rides, jelly, a helter skelter, balloon modelling, candyfloss – think of your kids ultimate old school party and you’ll be there.

The place was filled with the yummiest mummy’s who made me feel like a) their minder they were so tiny and b) something the cat brought in! Too funny though – when I asked for a coffee, the guy said 'black'?! I was so tempted to say 'er...no actually I was wanting a full fat Mocha with extra cream and sprinkles if you have it' just to hear the gasps!

Kaya was very excited to see Stella because she thought it was such a great party and I’d explained that she made clothes. 'Wow' said Kaya 'How does she make all those clothes by herself, she’s very clever'. She then overheard someone talking about being famous, so I had to explain that some people are known all around the world for being brilliant at something and you see their pictures in the paper. Kaya thought for a moment then, with a eureka look on her face she said 'Is it like on Mary Poppins when she wins the horse race and the men takes her picture and say it’ll be in the papers?' Hmm…never thought of it like that but yes, I suppose it is!

I’ve always been a fan of Stella’s and the way she manages to juggle four children and a hugely successful career. I remember reading an inspirational interview with her, when she said her mum never once asked them to pose for pictures as kids and I’m slowly trying to do the same myself…TRYING! There’s nothing worse than that really bad forced smile kids do for pictures. Equally, I remember that awful feeling as a kid when I’d be asked to smile and wanted to do anything but. I’d end up standing with my hands by my side, like a soldier – as in all my early 'first day of school' pics!

I’ll leave you with a pic from my school days to enjoy! What my mum was doing dying my hair brown when we all know I’m a natural blonde is anyones’ guess! ;-) x

The things they say:

So at the party we were in the loo and Kaya said in a very loud voice: 'Mummy…Why are you wearing those funny shorts under your dress?!' BUSTED!

This week I’m loving:

Stella McCartney Kids

Her new kids range is amazing. She has the best hoodies for boys with integrated superhero mask - which they’ll LOVE! (and you’ll love because it can be folded down!) And there’s the coolest cotton Hudson Jumpsuit I want to get for Akira. It’s delicious! I intend to keep it for always! Check out the new line:

http://www.stellamccartneykids.com