Isn’t it funny that when we have kids we loose our identity? To many people out there I am ‘Amy’s mum’ – that’s my name as far as they’re concerned. I don’t mind, I’ll answer to just about anything these days. It does make you think though about the monumental change occurs when you become a parent.
Back in the days when my name was Julie I had a job. I woke up with the alarm clock, showered, ate breakfast sitting at the table, dressed in freshly ironed and co-ordinated clothes, and went into London to work. At work I was a marketing manager of an international company, responsible for all ad campaigns, promotional literature and press liaison. I controlled large budgets in 7 different currencies, flew round the world on business, headed conferences and generally behaved as a professional business woman (when I wasn’t too sloshed from having one too many glasses of wine at a business lunch!).
Today things are a little different. I wake up when one of my children jumps on me, stick my head under the tap if my hair needs a wash, eat a bit of toast with a cooling cup of tea whilst wandering round the house packing school bags, throw on any clothing (I draw the line at mixing lime green with magenta but otherwise anything goes) and rush out of the door with Amy in tow for a quick march to school. My day consists of washing clothes, knitting, tidying up toys, knitting, hoovering, making gluten-free bread, knitting, a bit of blogging and more knitting.
And yet I couldn’t be happier. I wouldn’t swap back to how things were for all the wine in Italy. Blogging has been especially rewarding and it makes my day to log on and see that someone has left me a comment. Thanks so much everyone for your compliments about my work – it means a great deal. Love Amy’s mum xxx
PS. I am not bald – although I look it in Amy’s picture above – I must have been having a bad hair day!!
little cotton rabbits 
Ain’t life grand. who would have thought being a mum could be so much fun.
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I too am a mum, but at the moment I work full-time whilst my husband finishes off our house renovation. I’m currently at work dreaming of a day when I can stay at home, find a way of earning a small living whilst being there for my son (probably not very 21st Century thinking!) I do love your blog, and your lovely knitted bunnies and cupcakes. Will you be posting knitted xmas puds soon?
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Love this post Julie and Amy’s drawing is lovely. We women go through so many life changes in a lifetime and its so nice to hear from someone who is relishing her time as a Mother instead of bemoaning the loss of freedom. I love being a Mother and , although I’m a little biased, think it’s the best career ever.
Carolyn
ps This blogging thing is fun isn’t it?
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Some mornings I return frazzled, post-school run, look in the mirror, think “I used to be a Management Consultant” and laugh. I’m glad I did it, but I can’t quite believe it.
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We go to see a peadritician regulary at the hospital, and he always refers to me, and I think all mothers, as ‘Mum’, to start off with it really bugged me, but now, well it feels quite nice, and it makes life easy for him.
We also have an unusual surname, so when I ring up places, they go, ‘oh you’re Edwards mum’ !!!!!
By the way, workwise, I remember the all the do’s we went to, the men, etc etc ……… happy (different) days!
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I loved my 8 years at home when the children were little. Now they are teenagers, those days seem long ago. Honestly enjoy them while you can. You are now your own boss. Also, think of all the lovely knitting that you can do!
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I hear you! I am Matthew, Meg and Collin’s mom and love it when other little kids come up to me and say “Are you Collin’s mommy?” (he’s my littlest). I used to be an Advertising Director at a large firm here in the US – not as international as you were, but a similar job. I also wouldn’t trade what I’m doing now (and have been doing for 9 years) for ANYTHING!! This is really the best!!
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Isn’t the child alarm clock great, I miss those days, now I’m working part time it’s back to the clock.
I agree so much about the work drill in the morning v’s going with the flow of the house, much lower stress levels, that is as long as there’s no homework due.
Have a lovely day knitting.
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Hi Julie, I laughed out loud reading your post, and my hubby asked me to read it out for him, and he laughed too!
I used to be a marine biologist and I’m glad I did that, but like you, wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Although I have to admit, I have mixed magenta and lime green, but only at night … a pair of hand me down pyjamas … how sad is that! Must get a new hair ‘do’ and fish out that black silky nightie.
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my names are John’s Mum, Owen’s Mum and Martha’s Mum – I even answer the phone like this sometimes – and you’re right – I wouldn’t swap it for the world – I did think it might change as they got older – but no – I will always be someone’s mum.
lovely
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hi Julie I can SOOOO relate to your post, it made me laugh. I just made a post with a similar tone too about how the world of blogging is wonderful. I am still peeking at those slippers!! 🙂
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Just found your blog and love it! Your posts are so right on the mark.
P.S. Love love love your bunnies!
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I relate to that. But sometimes daydream about being an eighty year old lady sitting in my unit watching tv and doing a little embroidery, not having to cook dinner, just having a slice of toast with honey for tea. (thanks for your email, you rock)
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Hi! I hear what you are saying about not having an identity. I actually had a dream the other night about someone stealing my identity and nobody believed that this other woman was not me (twisted).
I love you bunnies! especially the bunny with bunny slippers!
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It took me a while to get used to my new name, “Abby’s mom.” We had a birthday party for her the other day, and 8 cute little 4 year olds – “‘scuse me, Abby’s mommy?” I loved it! I have a regular job too (legal secretary) but my better job is definitely MOM. Loooove your bunnies -the bunny slippers are too cute.
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I have just found your blog by way of your knitted cupcakes.
I can so relate to your post, when you say that you lose your identity when you become a mum.
I had to laugh.
I was delivering an order of cakes for morning tea to my daughter’s office one day. One of her work colleagues met me in the lift and introduced me to another person in the lift. She said I’m sorry I only know you as Amanda’s mum. Dare I say my daughter turns 30 tomorrow so I don’t think I will ever
be known by my real name.
I will keep looking back to your post now I’ve found it.
Oh I almost forgot…I just heard of a new coffee shop near me and it’s called Woolly Latte..a coffee shop in which they sell wool, knitting patterns and cater morning teas and the like. Apparently they encourage young and older knitters to come to enjoy a coffee and help out with any knitting problems etc.
If you ever print a pattern for your cupcakes I’d love to make some.
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Hello. I love those rabbits! I have a two and a half year old who only wants a green rabbit from Father Christmas but I can’t find anything that is quite right. Could you help?
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