Mug moments look so different to every mother which is why they are so special, and personal. Take us through what a typical mug moment looks like to you?
A mug moment for me means time to recharge. After the school drop off before I tackle the big to do list, or in the afternoon while my girls play outside and my baby is sleeping in my arms. It’s the chance to slow down and just be, if only for a minute. I think I appreciate the moment when I sit down with a fresh cup of coffee (my goal is to always drink it reasonably warm!) so much more since becoming a mum too. It’s literally crucial to keeping me feeling somewhat grounded in the wonderful but oh so busy days of being home with three little kids. I love sitting down by myself, on our veranda overlooking the roaring ocean and really just soak it up. The views, the coffee and the fresh air. I try to not drink too quickly, and take a few deep breaths. It fills my cup in more ways than one.
While my mug moment provides me with a little bit of time alone, I also love nothing more than sharing these moments with a dear friend or my husband too. It’s so good for the soul to chat away about both big and small. Add in a cookie plus some laughter and we’ve got the perfect way to spend an hour or two!
You know what they say - it takes a village to raise a child. How does this resonate with you?
I think as I’ve become a mum of three, not long along now this resonates so much more with me than it used to. Farm life can be very isolated but I’m lucky to have beautiful mum friends around me which makes a huge difference. Especially when you’ve just had a little baby and your husband is busy on the farm, it really is amazing what a friend dropping dinner off when you are feeling completely overwhelmed can do. It mean so much and I think you just never forget that type of kindness. A hug and a chat goes a very long way because it makes us mums feel better and then helps us be better parents too!
There’s no doubt motherhood has its ups and downs. Tell us what the most rewarding part has been for you?
Oh it really does! It’s such a wild ride this thing called motherhood. The most rewarding thing for me has been seeing my girls grow into these absolutely beautiful little humans. To see the kindness, wit and energy they bring into the world. Sounds cheesy but I really think they are so incredible! And while I have to work a fair bit on hair brushing with my three year old and a fair bit about not turning the whole house into a giant cubby just before bedtime (and today also to both of them about not putting Vegemite all over the sofa..) I couldn’t think of anything more fulfilling.
One slice of advice you would give to new mothers that you wish you knew?
Becoming a mother is the absolute best but it can definitely be a bit overwhelming. You learn so much about yourself and I feel like it kind of brings you to your knees and then builds you back up again. There’s so much growth happening, so many lessons about oneself that you have to learn while also teaching tiny humans about life. It’s so beautiful and so challenging at the same time and while I love looking after my beautiful family, I find I really need to prioritise things outside of motherhood too. So, the best advice I would give is do not forget about yourself. I try to do things that makes me happy on a daily basis, and I mean things not just related to my kids. Be it take a beautiful photo or challenge myself creatively or have a nice lunch with a friend. It can be something small but it’s a must! I am basically never without my kids and I love it but I also need to prioritise myself, it makes me a much better mum!
- Nathalia Crabtree
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