{Meet the Blogger} Meet Lindsay: “I thought I had to do it all by myself”

Today meet South African mom blogger Lyndsay, who, in this very honest post, tells us how she tried to do everything herself in the midst of colic and post natal depression.  She also shares some of her favourite blog posts at the end, including how  we can be mindful and have gratitude during those mundane mommy moments.

1) What do you normally get up to on an average day? (Give us a brief description about yourself)

I’m Lindsay Nell. I’m a writer, illustrator, partner and a mom from Cape Town. I love springtime, anything turquoise blue, good music, crispy base pizzas, baking and my family. I’m always trying something new and creative.

I wake up quite late (I’m not a morning person by any stretch of the imagination), make coffee, read a few blog posts and take a shower. Then I feed the dogs and my son. After that I tidy the home for a bit – starting with the bed and dishes. My son helps by handing the pillows, sweeping with his little broom or carrying an item to the laundry basket. We have a loose routine for the day. I set out activities around the house that he can engage with at any time. They include puzzles (wooden and foam), books, an ABC chart, dress up clothing, paper, crayons and musical toys. Lunch is at around 12 and then we continue playing or watch a few educational videos until bath time in the evening. I start supper after Mr comes home and he spends some time with our son then we eat supper together. Then it’s bedtime for the little one and we get some bonding time. I start writing, illustrating and blogging after 10 PM, which can go on till 12 AM or 3 AM (depending on what needs to be done).  Then I’m off to bed and do it all again tomorrow.

2) How do you feel about motherhood – what are your struggles and joys?

I love being a mother, but it wasn’t always that way. I battled with post-natal depression and my son had colic, which made it worse. I felt completely incompetent and was unable to tell people (my partner and my parents) that I needed help, because I thought that I had to do everything by myself. I started taking it one day at a time and things have become so much better since then. I love experiencing all the little things with my son. I enjoy helping and watching him learn new things. Everything is wondrous to him, which allows me to appreciate the simple and seemingly mundane things in life as well.

I wouldn’t be as good a mother without my step daughter. She is my first love and I’d do anything for her. The initial struggle in step parenting is finding where you fit in. I had to find the balance between step mother, fun aunt and friend. It has taken years of work, but it has been worth it. We met when she was five so I missed all the toddler years, which I have an opportunity to experience with my son. She’s a kind and caring sister and a loving daughter.

3) Tell us about your kid(s)

I have a nine year old step daughter. She loves dancing, singing, arts, crafts and netball. She likes having her friends over too. I admire her sense of adventure, her sense of humour and her caring nature.

My son is two years old. He loves cars, anything involving mechanics, accessorising (hats, shoes and sunglasses are his favourites) and PAW Patrol. He is always on the go. He loves exploring and being outdoors. I admire his analytical mind – If something moves, lights up or makes a sound he wants to know why and how it works.

My oldest fur child is Sam, a Sable Siberian Husky. She wandered into our yard at 5 weeks old.  We searched for her owners via the police, various shelters and online notice boards, but no-one claimed her so she’s been part of the family for almost a year now. She’s such a joy. She loves playing fetch, running around and taking naps in the sun.

The youngest fur child is Max, a black and white Siberian Husky. I love his quiet nature. He loves chew toys, treats, giving kisses and tummy rubs. He is very perceptive and observant too. Max knows exactly what to do to make any of us feel better when we are having a bad day. His easy going nature makes him wonderful to be around.

4). How did you start blogging?

I’ve wanted to start a blog for about three years before I started mine. My birthday was coming up in February and I wanted to accomplish that goal before then. I investigated the pros and cons of each blogging platform and decided to start a WordPress blog. Now I have my piece of internet real estate. I always have a lot to say so a blog was perfect for me. I am so happy that I started blogging. The blogger community is awesome.

5) Share with us a valuable blogging tip you’ve learnt. (or more)

Here are a few things I’ve learnt so far:

Your blog’s appearance matters.

Post every day.

Be authentic.

Read and comment on other blog posts.

Reply to your comments.

Never give up.

6) If you make money from your blog, give us a breakdown on how you do it. Give us some of your methods on how to get started on this, or any tips or advice.

I don’t make money from my blog at the moment, but I won’t be opposed to it in the future.

My blog is called Home, Hugs and Huskies – https://homehugshuskies.wordpress.com/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/LindsayNAuthor

Pinterest – https://za.pinterest.com/lindsaynell444/

Amazon Author Page – http://www.amazon.com/Lindsay-Nell/e/B00Y5R3CZY

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13849132.Lindsay_Nell

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