What are your plans for this Mother's Day?
I'm on Dave Fanning's radio show on 2FM, just after 11am, along with Lucy Kennedy discussing whether we’re turning into Irish Mammies since we both had babas. Will is going to drop me up with the two kids and wait for me in reception while I’m on air. Maxi is well used to playing up there; the automatic doors are his favourite thing to, em, play with!
Then we're heading over to The Marker for cronuts and coffee because strangely enough I was on the radio on Mother's Day last year as well, and we went there, so we thought we'd start a bit of a tradition by going there again this year. It's a kiddie friendly kind of place. With doors. And a lift. These are my 23-month-old, Maxi's latest obsession! Then we'll head home as I'm nursing my 3-month-old, Seren or Mini as we have taken to calling her. For someone who liked wearing many a low cut top in the past for my weekly photo for my column in Life magazine, I actually don't like getting 'em out in public when feeding my baby!
Then we’ll put the Prince and Princess to bed for naps, and I’ll read the Sunday papers while Will makes lunch. Will is Head of Food & Beverages in our house, so he does all the cooking. I’m Head of Entertainment, obvi! After we’ve all had lunch, we’ll wrap up and head out to Herbert Park. Maxi and Will love the swings. Then home for dinner, baths and baby bedtime. Will and I then snuggle up on the sofa and watch something like Better Call Saul on Netflix. We’re just so rock'n'roll these days!
It might sound dead boring to some, but I feel like I’m ‘living the dream!’. I’m a ‘Midlife Mum’, having come to motherhood relatively late in life, so I‘ve been around the block and there’s no place I’d rather be, than home with my love and my babies. Shall I pass the sick bag? Am I making you gag with all my lovey doviness?!
What was your first Mother's Day (as a new mother) like?
My first Mother's Day, last year now remember, was when the clocks went forward, so I had an hour less in bed, just what every sleep deprived mother needs, the meanies! Then like I said above, it was up to RTE and then The Marker and pretty much the same as this year. Routine and regularity, that’s what my life is like now with kids, and I love it. Party McCarthy retired, and Mother Triona took over!
What is your dream Mother's Day gift if the constraints of time/reality/physics didn't apply?!
I should really give a Miss World type answer here and say world peace, so failing that, let’s see, hmm, I wouldn’t mind a lil' something in a blue box with a white ribbon! If you’re reading this Will, there’s a ring called Soleste that I’ve visited a few times in Tiffany’s in Brown Thomas, that does strange things to me when I try it on!
If the constraints of time/reality/physics reeeeally didn’t apply then, to go back in time to Barley Cove beach in West Cork, on a hot, sunny day in the 80s, when all my family were alive and cancer only happened to other people. Just to be transported back for one day with my dearly departed Dad and little sis, Trish, now that would be the greatest gift ever.
What is the best Mother's Day gift you've ever received?
Remember now, I’ve only had one so far, so I’m thinking this year’s gift will be the best. I’m a total optimist! And fantasist so I reckon Will has that ring I want. But, to be honest, Will does little things every day that make me happy. The way to my heart is through my stomach, and Will always says I’m like a cat, he just knows that if he keeps feeding me, I’ll keep coming back! So he makes me my favourite dinner, buys flowers, laughs at my jokes and is my biggest cheerleader, always waving his little pom poms!
What would you like to say to your own mother on Mother's Day?
You are my best friend, agony aunt, stylist, financial advisor and much, much more. You are always the first person I want to call when I have news, when I need advice, when I’m happy or when I’m sad. As I write this, I can’t help but cry. I’m not sad, I’m just so very grateful I have a mother like you. You are the glue that holds everything in my life in place. You’ve been through so much, and you are the strongest person I know. When Dad died, quite suddenly when you were only 50, leaving you with a farm, a business and eight children, two of whom were still in school, I really don’t know how you kept the show on the road and then losing your daughter, my beloved sister Tricia a few years later following a long hard, battle with breast cancer, well it just shows what inner strength you possess.
I promise to raise my own son and daughter with the same courage, strength and wisdom, which you taught me.
I will be there for you when you grow old, and you need me, just as you have been there for me and my children.
I promise I will always be there by your side.
