A: Who is in your family?
D: My husband Larry, myself, our three sons Brooklyn (7), London (5), Cortez (2) and our little girl Birdie (8months).
A: How did you feel when you found out you were having a little princess? How did the boys react?
D: I really can’t quite put into words how I felt, I tear up just thinking about it actually! I have always longed for a little girl! At London’s 20 week scan we were told he was a girl at first and as the scan was nearly over she said he was actually a boy. I can’t put into words how that felt! So when we were told we were having a girl at our 20 week scan with Birdie I couldn’t believe what my ears were hearing! I didn’t really 100% believe it even after she was born haha for a good week after I kept checking to make sure a Willy hasn’t grown haha! I still pinch myself each morning I wake and see her little face, she completes our family and I feel so blessed beyond words to say I have 3 sons and a daughter..so so blessed!!
The boys were so excited to hear they were having a sister and the first thing London said was “I am going to play dolls and barbies with my little sister. Whatever she wants to play I’ll play with her” and so far he has stuck to his word!! I hope it stays that way too it’s really the sweetest thing to watch!
A: How do you describe the way your little boys are with little miss Birdie?
D: My boys honestly blow me away! They are so rough with each other..I mean ROUGH..but with their sister they are the complete opposite! The way they softly speak to her and look at her truly melts our hearts, they just adore their baby sister! They are very caring and protective of her..goodluck future boyfriends!!!
A: Birdie Valentine is such a beautiful and unique name, how did you come up with it?
D: Me and hubby had a deal from the day we got together..if ever we have kids he names the boys and me the girls..that worked out real well for me didn’t it?! Haha! Of course we both had to be happy with the names tho and we were really struggling, everything I picked hubby didn’t like! A friend mentioned the name Birdie when I was asking around for suggestions, I hadn’t really heard it before apart from the singer Birdy and the character in a book we got our youngest son called ‘Dreamer’ is called Birdie. At first I didn’t really like it much and it didn’t make the list but as time went on and I kept hearing and seeing it pop up it grew on me and out of our list of names it was the only one that I kept being drawn to, there was something about it and I don’t know what..I knew in my heart that that had to be our little girls name! It took ALOT to convince hubby but now he loves her name and couldn’t imagine her with any other! Her middle name I came across on good old google when searching for middle names! Funnily enough and 100% unintentional all of our kids have place names! I had no idea up until recently that Cortez and Birdie are also place names!
A: What inspired you to share your little ones' memories and adventures on IG and on your blog?
D: I have always loved finding new/cool products that no one has seen before and when I had Brooklyn I was right in my element, I purchased all kinds of bottles and gadgets from the USA and used to share mini ‘reviews’ on my Facebook and soon discovered people were removing me as a friend haha!! I don’t remember how I came across Instagram and I didn’t really know how to use it either but I soon discovered a whole new world of new and unique products and a whole heap of people who were into the same kind of thing as me! I felt like I found a place where I belonged..a place where I felt excited to share cool things! I have always had a bit of a ‘thing’ for photography too which started back at high school with the old SLR cameras so Instagram is a place where I get to get a bit creative and have fun doing something that I enjoy!
A: Speaking of your blog, I just want to say, I love it! Please tell us more about it.
D: Oh thank you! I don’t consider myself a blogger, I just really wanted a place where I could write whatever I wanted, a place I could write more than what I can in a description on Instagram and always come back to it easily. I really enjoy writing posts but I hardly get time to them these days! It is something I really want to put more effort into in the near future tho!
A: How would you define your personal style?
D: I’d definitely say that the best way to describe my personal style is versatile. I hate conforming to a specific style because I’m always open to stepping out of my comfort zone and switching things up.
I do really love to dress up tho, 9 X out of 10 you’ll find me in heels and jeans and ALWAYS wearing a nude lippy! I make sure that I do a lil somethin’ somethin’ for myself every morning before my children wake up and that is putting makeup on and doing my hair (although the hair part has gone out of the window a bit lately!) I love waking up and starting the day feeling good about myself (and I do that for myself..no one else). When we become mums we give up so much, our wants and needs get placed on the backburner, it’s just how it goes, us Mama’s are always put everyone else first! So for me taking that little bit of time in the mornings before everyone wakes is super important!
A: How do you like to style your kids and what are some of your most favourite pieces for them?
D: Again I don’t really have a specific style that I dress my children in, if I like something I’ll get it! However with saying that I don’t really get to style my older two anymore- they are all about that rugby/sportswear life! I mostly dress Cortez in a classical style tho, I think he really suits it and I guess it takes me right back to my childhood, I was OBSESSED with the Victorian Era throughout primary school!
A: What does living ‘beautifully’ mean to you and how do you manage to do it while raising little ones?
D: To me living beautifully means many things, it means appreciating where you are right now in your life, counting your blessings and being thankful for everything you have. It means surrounding yourself with people who inspire, lift and encourage you and cutting off those who do the opposite! Even if they are family! There’s nothing worse than spending time with people who suck the life out of you, don’t do that to yourself! Living beautifully means giving love to everyone you meet in the form of kindness, understanding, tolerance, acceptance and generosity. Loving yourself for YOU, just as you are and letting go of all self judgement and criticism.
A: What have you found to be your biggest challenge when it comes to motherhood?
D: My biggest challenge was letting go of the ‘perfect mother myth’ you know- the pressure that your kids should always be happy, they should only ever eat things that are healthy, being a perfect housewife and making sure the house is ALWAYS spotless and so on... It took me a long time to accept that I will never be a perfect mother and that being a good enough Mum is enough!
A: And the biggest reward?
D: I’m getting teary eyed thinking about this now! The most rewarding thing is when my boys stop what they are doing and randomly say “Mum......I love you” and when Birdie’s face lights up when I enter the room! Every single day with my babies is rewarding!
A: What 3 words best describe your family and home life?
D: Loving, fun, laid-back
A: If you could time travel to 10 years back what do you want to tell your younger self?
D: Don’t EVER let the ignorant opinions of others EVER destroy your self confidence! Stop wishing away time.There will be a time, sooner than you know when you wish you could turn back the clock! Confidence not only attracts people, but opportunities and situations as well. KEEP WORKING AT IT AND BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!!!!
A: What makes you the happiest in this world?
D: My family. Waking up each morning and seeing my husband and children, knowing that we are in a really good place in our lives, we live in an amazing area, have a roof over our heads, food in our belly’s and smiles on our faces! And also I can’t forget all of the amazing friends in my life.
..What more could a girl ask for 💖
A: How can other #kariboumamas connect with you?
D: On Instagram @fromlondontobrooklyn and on Facebook From London To Brooklyn
