This week’s lovely local Mumma is Natisse Richardson. Having moved to the Shire earlier this year she shares with us what she loves about raising a family in our beautiful area.
Where and how long have you lived in the Sutherland Shire and what do you love about it?
I live in Sylvania Waters with my Husband and 4.5-month old son. We moved here from the Inner West at the end of March this year because we were looking for a change of lifestyle. Unfortunately, I ended up at RPA hospital with pregnancy complications not even 2 weeks after we moved in so I didn’t get a chance to get to know the area well until recently.
What I love most about where we live is the air, it probably sounds strange but there’s this feeling of nostalgia that comes to me and brings back memories of my childhood, maybe it’s the sea air, who knows! I also love the people in my neighbourhood, everyone is just so friendly.
Tell us about yourself and your family
I’m 28 years old, I thrive on being organised, absolutely love cooking from scratch, movies are my obsession but I also love getting out of the house and heading to the beach and sightseeing. I’ve been married to my Husband Jay for a year on the 19th of this month but we have been together for 5 years now. We have a beautiful 4.5-month-old son named Maxwell “Max” and a super naughty 3-year-old cat named Kalea.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My son Max is my current alarm system. When he wakes up, I pop on some music and he does what I call a little “dance”, we have a little bonding time, have a “chat” and lots of cuddles. We then do the normal morning things you do with a baby, I have a coffee that normally goes cold by the time I get to drink it and I do some housework and/or paperwork, cooking, etc. We head out for the day if the weather is good because Max generally hates being cooped up in the house.
Favourite Park and Why?
Haven’t found one yet, what age would you start taking a baby to a park? I have no idea!
Favourite thing to do with your bubs/kiddies and why?
I love dancing around the house with Max, he has just started squealing with laughter every time we dance and seeing his face light up just makes my day.
Favourite kid-friendly cafe and why?
I haven’t really needed a kid-friendly cafe so far because Max is pretty easy going, doesn’t run around yet and only drinks milk, but my favourite cafe is Stace & Co. in Sylvania. There is plenty of room for prams around the tables and the coffee and food is consistently great! I have high expectations and I’m quite picky about what I eat but I have never had a bad, let-alone average meal there.
Favourite restaurant or favourite night-spot and why?
I’m a massive foodie but so far I’ve only had a chance to go to a few places in the Shire. Sea Level Restaurant has really stood out to me so far, they were super accommodating when my Husband and I wanted to go out for dinner with our newborn baby, they gave us a very conveniently placed table and our food came out almost instantly. We had the seafood platter and it was definitely among the top 3 best seafood platters I’ve had.
Favourite Mother’s group location
I haven’t joined a Mother’s group, I struggled to find a relevant Mother’s group within walking distance from Sylvania Waters.
Favourite wet weather location
We just stay home, there’s something quite comforting about the sound of rain from inside your home. Even Max (who hates being cooped up inside) is happy to stay in and have cuddles with Mum.
Work or SAHM
SAHM who is looking to go back to work soon but hoping to work from home if I can.
Motherly advice on how to stay sane
Remember that you’re still a person too, it may be hard to push away those feelings of guilt for caring yourself but you can’t survive thinking of everyone else only. I would forget to eat, forget to drink water, forget about follow-up appointments with the doctor all without realising because I was so wrapped up in caring for everyone else.
Funny Mum moment
When I first had Max and was living off next to no sleep, I found myself on many occasions rocking the cat to sleep in my arms instead of the baby. Not that the cat was complaining, she loved every bit of attention she could get now that she was no longer the “baby” of the house.
What is your guilty pleasure
I try not to eat dairy products so occasionally I’ll have a really decadent dessert as a treat. Nutella pizzas are definitely one of my favourites.
What makes you lose your shit?
People who don’t have a baby who expects you to work around their schedule. My child’s needs will ALWAYS come first, I will lose my shit if you try to tell me otherwise.
What’s something not many people know about you?
I have a thing for horror movies, I love putting them on in bed right before I’m about to go to sleep. My Husband hates it and thinks I’m the biggest weirdo.
Favourite local shop/online store or Instagram business
I absolutely love Market Run! I order a box of mixed, seasonal fruit and vegetables for two almost every week for just $39.95. I actually heard about it through the Mum’s of the Shire page. The food is always fresh and there’s no way you could get that much good quality food for that price anywhere else. Once the box is delivered, I plan my meals around what I received and then prepare them and store them in the fridge or freezer for the week.
What’s the best product/service you can recommend since becoming a mum? For baby/kids or you
The sleeping bags with the TOG references. A friend of mine recommended them to me when Max started wiggling out of his swaddles and wasn’t sleeping well. He started sleeping through the night as soon as he started wearing the sleeping bags. They also made it much easier to know just how warm he needed to be without the fear of him overheating during his sleep. I couldn’t believe I had never heard of it before. I once made the mistake of washing both his sleeping bags at the same time and they didn’t dry in time for bedtime. He didn’t sleep at all that night.
How have you changed since becoming a Mum
I feel like the luckiest person in the world! Becoming a Mum has been one of the best things that have ever happened to me, I have been happier with myself and have more confidence to trust my instincts. It’s amazing that such a tiny little human can have such a big effect on you. All of these things sound so cliche but you never really understand that what people tell you is true until it happens to you.
What is the greatest challenge you have faced since becoming a mum?
I used to always pride myself on being so organised. Somethings cannot be anticipated though, even if you are the world’s greatest planner. I ended up with severe morning sickness and pregnancy complications that prevented me from working and from having everything in control the way that I like. I broke down and it took me a really long time to come to terms with things. Although that was tough, it really put things into perspective for me.
Would you like to share your local #mumlife with us like Natisse has?
If you would like to feature as our next ‘Local Mum’ we would love to hear from you! Please tell us about yourself here.
