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…

So many parties; so little time...

By Katy Hill on 16 Feb 2011 1 comment

SOOO many parties...

and that’s just Kaya - the four year old party animal!!

Yes, it’s been a busy week keeping up with the social lives of everyone around me.

A belated Happy Valentines Day! When we lived in LA my mate Ali asked me one day how many valentines cards I’d sent. I was married and awkwardly laughed 'err... just the one to Trey, thanks' - thinking she was being minxy! But in the States Valentines is seen more as a celebration of those you love and you send cards like Christmas Cards to friends and relatives and those that matter, to tell them how much you appreciate them. At the time I remember thinking it was just a way over the top Hallmark moment.  But now I think it’s quite a nice idea since we never tell those around us how much we appreciate them.

So I’m going to make a concerted effort to tell people how I feel about them this week. Starting with my little people. 

I tell them how much I love them all the time, but sometimes I’m honestly so exhausted just trying to get through the day that I don’t take the time to 'see them'. I mean REALLY see them. And they’re GORGEOUS, changing by the week and I’m so aware that it goes so fast.   

Thankfully this week Akira’s sleep has turned a corner. We realised he was either afraid of the dark or couldn’t find his dummies in the pitch black, or both. So we now leave the lights on very dimly and he’s sleeping through from when he goes down to 5.30! HEAVEN!

Had you told me pre-kids I’d be getting up at 5.30 and feeling refreshed, I’d have thought you were a total nut job! But after the nights I’ve been having 5.30 feels like a lie-in!

Which is just as well, since it’s been a bit of a busy one.

Friday I was on Daybreak. I stayed overnight beforehand (bliss!) since it’s an early start, although the hotel had very honest lighting in the bathroom, and WAY too honest mirrors for my liking! Ugh. As a result, I’ve bought a GI diet book, and it starts for real tomorrow ;-) ... Enough of this madness - I HAVE to get my pre-baby body back. No more wine for me. My current habit for 'I make that four:thirsty' has got to stop! Dinner and bath is gonna be a hard slog without my little tipple to get me through!

Anyway, Daybreak was great. After the wonderful Jo had worked her magic in the make-up chair I was ready to update everyone on my Baby Friendly Britain campaign.

JLS were on Daybreak too, and I just kept thinking how I wished Kaya was a few years older so she could have come with me and LOVED it! In reality, my maternal instincts kicked in to my horror, and all I kept thinking was how much I just wanted to pull up the boys' trousers for them! (I’m sure that would have gone down really well!)  

Got home from Daybreak and had a quick turnaround to get Kaya home from school, fed, changed and out for her Valentine Disco. She was BEYOND excited and after all our efforts practising dancing in the run up to the 'big day' they spent the two hours running around and hitting each other with balloons. Who knew!?

Daddy was obviously relieved and is already dreading those teenage discos when the balloons are a thing of the past! 

Then, Sunday she had another party and for the first time agreed to have her face painted. And the lady (Jo) did an amazing job. Seriously - if you’re in Oxfordshire, Berkshire or Buckinghamshire check out Happydaysfaces.co.uk. She’s great! 

Akira started chatting with recognisable words this week (he says 'bye bye' to everyone... all the time!) but he also staggered five steps by himself! He’s not shown much interest in walking, but then this week just wants to walk everywhere holding our fingers. He’d still rather crawl, but he’s standing loads, and attempting more steps...

...Suddenly I’m regretting our choice of wood and tile floors throughout the ground floor of our house! Seemed like such a stylish idea at the time, but now my days are filled with that awful moment when they’re holding your fingers and then 'launch' and you hold your breath in the hope that they’ve got themselves supported! Seriously, my nerves are shredded!

Have a lovely week. Spring is on it’s way! Too exciting!

Xx

This week I’m loving

Petite Star Zukoo Pushchair, £124.99.

I’ve had umbrella pushchairs before, but this is the best! And perfect for the summer - with holidays and travelling looming - since it weights only 7kgs!

Akira loves the padded seat (which you can lie flat) and I love that it comes with ALL the accessories so you don’t have to buy a thing! Fleece lined footmuff, raincover and matching change bag that attaches to the handles.

It’s easy to fold and has a handle for those public transport moments. I got it in black but you can get Fuchsia (pictured) or Lagoon (blue).

It’s a GREAT pushchair - you won’t regret it!

Check it out - plus stockists - at: www.petitestar.com or 01923 663344

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