Mum Life, Is the Fun Life!

Nineteen months ago, I never expected to fall in love with the idea of just being a Mum, I always envisioned myself working fulltime straight after birth. Throughout my maternity leave I came to the realization that a tiny human is in my hands and she was raring to learn and grow, and you know what - I wanted to be there to teach and watch this happen.

After five months maternity leave, I made the choice to go back to work for two to three days a week and I’m so happy with my decision. I love my job but I also love being a Mum, and over time it wasn’t just Holly who was learning and growing but I have grown as a person too, and I love the challenges and new skills Motherhood has brought to me.

 First of all, I had no idea how cool it is to be a Mum, with the amazing Mummy communities I’ve come to find on social media sites - they gave me a whole new outlook on "Mum Life". I’m not one to stay at home all the time, I crave excitement and adventure, so I’m always looking for fun things to do with my new little bestie. When I found out I was pregnant, I started searching on sites such as Instagram and Pinterest for fun things to do with a baby. I created a Baby bucket list and I still add new adventures to it every week as she grows.

The things we love to do are trips to the skate park, foraging at the local markets for fresh produce whilst tuning out to a live band playing in the background, and of course we love the going to the beach. Holly was born to be a beach baby. She loves the water, and isn't afraid to dive straight into the ocean. In preparation for this, at 8 months old, I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to put her into swimming lessons. Not only was this educational for her, it was also a great way for a new Mum to bond with her babe. Through these lessons, I've learned a lot about Holly's personality and her limits in what she can and can't do.

As a family, we're always working on having days well spent together. I think it’s just as important to have fun with my partner on his days off work. We love food, and with my partner Ryan's background as a Chef, we tend to eat out at different restaurants and cafes a lot. Just recently we found a little truck stop cafe, selling delicious gourmet pies and freshly made milk shakes. Sometimes the smallest places have the tastiest meals. As new parents, we also try to find cost effective fun days out which involve picnics at the national park or fish and chips at the beach. We love creating meals at home too. The best family meal to create would have to be homemade pizza. Holly loves having the freedom of choosing her own toppings and sneakily eating some cheese as she places it on her pizza.

I have added our family bucket list below and would love to hear your thoughts and ideas to add.

 Our next adventure is moving to a new home for a sea change and I can't wait to share with you more of our little family adventures.

 Cheers

Kim @the_hollytree

A Bucket List Full of Sand

Here are 20 favourite things I've enjoyed doing with Holly so far. The ones unticked are still to come. Xx

1. Visit a zoo ✔
2. Family weekend to the hunter valley gardens ✔
3. Markets on a Sunday ✔
4. Go fishing
5. Mummy and me yoga
6. Trip overseas
7. Drive in movie ✔
8. Go on rides at a fair ✔
9. Make homemade pizzas ✔
10. Play putt putt golf ✔
11. Visit wet and wild
12. Bunnings (you'll be surprised how much this place wears them out) ✔
13. Plant a veggie/ herb garden
14. Strawberry picking
15. Go on a picnic ✔
16. Hang out at the beach ✔
17. Finger/ hand painting (became body painting) ✔
18. Go to the circus
19. See the wiggles (I know she would love it)
20. Fish and chips on the beach ✔

Bed time whisper to Holly: “My favourite part of today is you”

Thanks Kim! We love seeing Kim and Holly styling their daily moments and fun adverntures with TopKnot Girl. So so cool!

Thanks for reading xx Holly!