Welcome to “What’s in your changing bag?”; my weekly Tuesday feature where I ask one Yummy Mummy (or Daddy) to share the innermost secrets of their changing bag, and the five items they couldn’t possibly live without!
This week I’m joined by the beautiful, blooming Leoni!
Hi Leoni – I love the photo! Please can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi, my name is Leoni, I’m mum to 2 year old Big Girl (Oct 2010) and 1 year old Baby Girl (Feb 2012). Life is crazy with them being just 15 months apart, but I think we are finally (19 months in) getting the hang of things. I’m also expecting Baby Pop in May 2014 and have become a little bit of a pro with the whole carrying of the changing bag…
I firstly want to offer a massive apology, I was meant to do this weeks ago, 11 weeks to be precise, but soon after agreeing I began to feel really ill; I was so tired all the time and was barely functioning. After a few weeks of feeling rough I eventually took a pregnancy test that turned out to be positive?! After the shock had worn off and the morning sickness had subsided I am finally getting round to telling you about my changing bag!
No worries at all; you’re growing a baby inside of you – that takes priority!! Congratulations – and good luck with three under four?!
What would you say is your favourite thing about being a Mama?
The answer to this question changes daily, as there are so many great and amazing things about being a mum to my girls, I don’t quite know where to start! But I guess the greatest thing would have to be seeing the look of wonder on their faces when they discover something for the first time. That look is amazing and priceless.
Gorgeous.
What would you say is the hardest thing?
Is there anything easy about being a Mum? I’ve found the not knowing is hard; not being given a handbook for my children and being told how to do everything. Each child has been very different and I feel like I’m stumbling around in the dark most of the time, just guessing where the door is!
So true!
What three words would you use to describe Motherhood?
Exhausting, life changing, rewarding.
How do you preserve/maintain your sense of self?
I think time away from my girls is important, but this isn’t always possible so taking time to do small things for myself like blow-drying my hair, painting my nails or even just putting some perfume on. It’s the little things that make me feel like I look good, that then make me feel like ‘me’.
I agree with the nail painting.
So the last question, before we find out about your changing bag; if you could share one piece of Motherhoodly wisdom with us all what would it be?
I would say your instincts are very important and without a doubt you should listen to them, even when everyone around you is telling you you’re wrong. If you feel it’s right, just go with it no matter what.
Excellent advice – thanks Leoni!
It’s business time: what make is your changing bag?
Having had my girls so close together I feel like I’ve been carrying a changing bag around for years, it’s constantly changing and my favourite of the moment is my Koto Leatherette Changing bag. (Although I am thinking about treating myself to another new one once baby Pop comes along!)
Beautiful!!
What are the five items in your changing bag that you just can’t live without?
My number 1 without a doubt has to be wet wipes. They come in handy for everything from runny noses to spilt food. They are also great for that ‘oh crap’ moment when you’re picking someone up and realise how dirty the inside of the car is thanks to the little angels!
Number 2 is Bonjella. Baby girl’s teeth are taking their time coming through but they are moving around a lot. Many times when she’s grumpy, having a tantrum and I’m at the end of my tether with her, I remember to put some Bonjella on her gums and the transformation always amazes me (and makes me feel guilty in equal measure).
Up at number 3 is nappy sacks. Not just for wrapping nappies but also useful as bin bags, sick bags, bags to separate toys or food when the girls just won’t share. Nappy sacks are a very useful tool in my changing bag!
Number 4 has to be snacks and drinks, These can be a real life saver when the queue is really long, or you have a Drs appointment, or the car has broken down and the children are threatening to kill each other. Food always helps!
And finally, number 5 has to be my phone. It’s great in emergencies and for keeping me sane when we’re stuck in that supermarket queue while the girls fight. It’s also good as a camera when the girls do something cute or funny and I don’t have my big camera on me.
Thanks for sharing the contents of your changing bag with us, Leoni! Your bag is gorgeous!
Leoni blogs at Cakes, Kids and Other Ramblings and tweets as @CakesKids.
Hannah
