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 six-year-old daughter, Kaya, and almost-three-year-old son, Akira. And there’s not a nanny in sight. This could get messy…

I've got the January blues, but I've also got a plan!

By Katy Hill on 16 Jan 2013 No comments

No - I’m not talking blue skies - even though, unusually for this time of year, this is my view as I type!

I do actually have the January Blues. Bleugh.

But don’t worry - January is half way through so the end is in sight! Whoop!

I’ve just had the last of my Christmas visitors leave (I know!) so we finally have the house back for ourselves. Which means I’m now in the midst of January clear out / cleaning madness! Great, but it does mean there’s stuff everywhere as the cleansing process begins... or rather gets started, then I have to work! I have 'charity' piles everywhere.

I’m also feeling it today as Akira’s doing his first 'longer day' at nursery. He’s going to be doing two longer days a week but the drop off is just a bit heart-wrenching. Sometimes this juggling game is tough! I know nursery is great for his socialisation but sometimes it’s not so great for me! This morning, blinking hard, I said to his nursery teacher: 'He’s never done a long day before so call me if you need me to come early?' She saw straight through my bravado and very sweetly replied 'And if YOU need to come early, then do'! BUSTED! I could have hugged her in that instant for 'getting it' although I’m guessing a wet shoulder wasn’t quite what she wanted to start her day!

I’m also TIRED which doesn’t help (I know - show me a parent who isn’t, right?). For reasons best known to themselves BOTH my children have been waking up at 5 this week. Really? I thought they were meant to hibernate and sleep longer in the winter but apparently not! So I’m running on EMPTY.

But possibly the biggest dent on my happy-ometer comes from the reality that I feel as if someone’s snuck into my wardrobe and boil washed my clothes since EVERYTHING is tight! Not the most fun game! Just ask the Mr who witnesses the daily 'I’ve got nothing to wear / don’t look at me' shennanagins! (I’m getting dressed in the privacy of the bathroom - never a good sign!)

And yet - just when I’m having one of those weeks where you feel like EVERY mum out there is doing a better job than you, slimmer than you, more fun than you - my gorgeous girlfriend in LA, Alison, send me THIS link. It couldn’t have been more timely...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/amy-morrison/motherhood_b_2271349.html

So - if you’re feeling it too, Keep Calm & Make a Plan! Here’s mine:

EXERCISE - Bye bye muffin top! I’ll be going to my gym more, and taking the kids since www.davidlloyd.co.uk are so amazing for families, and now Akira’s three he can join in too! I’m 42 in April and intend to be in the best shape I’ve ever been! Good luck me! These 'cobra thighs' and 'middle age spread' are GOING! Ya heard!

ME TIME - In the midst of my juggling madness, I intend to make more time for MYSELF. Though being self employed is liberating, it also makes it hard to relax, since there are always more emails to send and more articles to write. I’m always last on my 'to do' list. In 2013 I won’t be!

EATING RIGHT - for us and the kids. 2013 is our year for uber healthy!

Yup - It’s happening!

Normal service will resume shortly!

The things they say

Akira saw me with a piece of toast this week and said 'Mummy, can I have cheese on MY toast too?' It was BUTTER! Oops! Hmmm... I just don’t know why all my clothes feel tight?!?!

This week I’m loving

Slugs & Snails

www.slugsandsnails.ie

From £12.99 (£5.00 for seconds)

THE most amazing tights - for BOYS! At last! Because why should all the best things be for girls?

On the birth of her son, the lovely Kat saw a gap in the market and filled it with her gorgeous company - Slugs & Snails.

Akira loves his tights and they’re so cool and cosy! I’ve teamed them with shorts (I call it his Will-i-am look!) or under trousers for extra warmth.

Boy or girl, Slugs & Snails make the best tights I’ve ever found! They have enough space for a nappy (yes, at three he’s still in them but hey, lets not judge!), fit perfectly and the designs are DIVINE. Plus, made from combed cotton and free from any harmful substances or chemicals, they’re best for your boy in every way!

Akira’s got the toadstools and boats and has been alternating them daily! He even sleeps in them! Very proud! And I’ve been very smug in the snow! Thanks Kat for putting the BIGGEST smile on both of our faces!

See also: