MEET LIA

 

First off in our ”Mom-series” is Lia. She is a beautiful mom to two littles, August and Isobelle. She is our out-of Town mom. Here is a short glimpse into her life, heart and her own individual motherhood.

Give us a short introduction:

Hi, I’m Lia my full name is Liandre, I was born in 1994 in Paarl where I have lived and breathed for 21 years of my life, I met a dashing old man (my husband will likely kill me for saying this) who became my husband a year and a half after we met. I have a huge passion for History and if I could be anything it would be a Historian. But for now I am working on bettering my photography skills and being the best mom I can be to my kids. I have started my own little blog that I really need to pay more attention to.

You can find Lia’s blog over at www.liaalsop.wixsite.com/amomsview

 

Describe your typical day in 5 words or less:

Coffee, kids, nap, gin, sleep. Repeat (jokes I do live in a madhouse though).

Give us three things you can’t live without

My husband, my kids and coffee!

Show us a picture of your ‘MOM-Bag’ and what’s inside

Name one thing you wish you knew before becoming a mom

How to deal with the heartache that comes with motherhood, when they’re sick, get hurt, or being mistreated by friends. Sad I know but it’s my biggest fear.

What do you do when the kids are napping/ sleeping?

A number of things, including ironing on Mondays (because kids +hot iron =disaster) , Netflix and chill, writing, or reading.

Whats the best part of your day?

Breakfast time. I make my kids their oats; we all sit down and have little chats.

Name a few of your mommy ”Guilty-Pleasures”

Animation shows, I get to rock out to itsy bitsy spider, if you’re happy and you know it clap your hands and wheels on the bus. Duplo blocks, dollhouses and building train tracks.

What has been the scariest moment of your mom-life and who did you look to for support?

Losing my son for all of 8 min at the V&A waterfront in Cape Town. My husband is my person, he calmed me down, and comforted me while I knew he wanted some comfort too, it wasn’t just my scariest moment it was his too. I am so grateful that I have him in my life, and I’m so proud of the father he is to our kids.

Who is your Hero and why?

My hero? Oh well I don’t know. I have a handful of famous and non-famous people that inspire me to be better every day including Michelle Obama, Ellen de DeGeneres and Lady Gaga. They are all so different Lady Gaga is just Lady Gaga, she’s not afraid to be who she is supposed to be, and I admire her strength. Michelle Obama is helping me raise a brave strong young lady who will believe that she can change the world, and Ellen well she reminds me to be happy even when there’s no reason to be. Am I being to cheesy?? (:

Name one thing (anything) that you would do if you weren’t afraid and were fearless and there were no consequences and nothing to hold you back

Going to the international space station comes to mind.

If you could be anyone for just one day, who would you be?

My dog.

Worst mom Fail???

August took a bite of fire blitz………………(no it wasn’t lit).

How has motherhood changed you?

Better in everything

Proudest mom moment?

I have a proud moment every day, when August tells his sister not to put the soil in her mouth because “siesa Dirty”. When Issy lies down with her brother, when they both play together without really making a big mess.

If your house was burning down, name 3 things you’d grab besides the kids and pets?

Our “important documents” folder, my big Atlas book that is my granddads who passed away and my phone.

Name one thing you would change about yourself and one thing you wouldn’t

To think more before I say something. I wish I could because I sometimes just blurt things out.  The ability to make friends wherever I go.

What piece of advice would you give to a new mom starting her journey?

Patience darling, just have patience.

Your biggest support?

What is the best part of being a mom, only ONE thing please, I know it’s a hard one?

The unconditional love.

Best book you’ve ever read?

This is a hard one. I love reading. But I finished the last book of the Harry Potter series in a weekend. I did nothing but read the whole weekend.

Have you ever been judged for how you do things as a mom or how you parent? If so why?

Yes, I honestly lose my patience sometimes. And my kids can be a handful. I was in the shop and August asked for sweeties I said no not today, he kept asking and I kept saying no at which point he was throwing a tantrum. I was already getting very annoyed with the situation and while I was paying August just decided to open the packet I lost all control, dragged him out of the store and couldn’t keep my calm anymore.

 How do you think raising kids in SA instead of Canada has or will benefit them?

South Africa is not the first world country that Canada is. So everything including the schools is of lower standards. They will learn to appreciate the things they have and the opportunities they have. August is extremely lucky he is a citizen of two really incredible countries and so will Isobelle.

Do you encourage and enforce any of your own cultural aspects or languages (if any) onto your kids?

They hear both Afrikaans and English at home. But main language is English. My husband didn’t speak a word of Afrikaans or understood any of it when we first met and I used to translate Afrikaans poems and songs to him, and I am doing the same now with the kids.

What do you think needs to change when it comes to bringing up a child in South Africa.

Children’s safety and education system. How can we expect our children to do better when they only have to know 30% of the work?  I remember the days when I used to play outside.

xxxxx

Thank you Lia for allowing us a glimpse into your life and into your motherhood journey.

You can find Lia over on Instagram @augie.and.issy

and she Blogs over at A Mom’s View