Growing

This week, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure of premenstrual anxiety, the post-breastfeeding hormone dive, yet another to do list and the many ways being a woman can feel like a lot. 
Lil is coming up for air in yet another postpartum era and reckoning with the relentless societal pressure to “bounce back”. The girls discuss what if bounceback has had an unwanted rebrand? Lil’s making a conscious (and slightly rebellious) decision to put down the pressure, find joy in her body where she can and start reclaiming a little of herself. Because good things are hard, and sometimes choosing your current self is the rebuild.
Lil’s recommendation: Her Breville coffee machine is getting a big tick of approval, especially with sales on the horizon.
Beth’s recommendation: Usborne activity books for preschool-aged littles. A win for the kids and potentially a few minutes of peace for the grown-ups.
Recipe: We’re both loving the special-edition Marley Spoon menu with Elizabeth Hewson, inspired by her cookbook. A little dinner inspiration for the weekly rotation.
A huge thank you to our sponsor, ergoPouch. Their swaddle bags are staples in our households. Use code GROWING20 for 20% off sitewide. T&Cs apply.
Come for the glimmers, stay for the hormonal deep dives, postpartum reality checks and conversations that are absolutely not medical advice… just two midwives talking (a lot).

Beth’s back in a new family rhythm with her husband back at work, it’s a fresh round of juggling you know, just four kids, three of which are under two. The biggest pinch point in her days are the necessity of naps and yet, so tedious. 
We’re chatting holiday realities with little kids, and while Lil is loving her Tasmanian farm stay, she’s also missing her village (and perhaps realising she doesn’t give it quite enough credit sometimes). We’re back in the relationship quandaries too, unpacking what it actually looks like to empower our partners in parenthood. Plus, Lil’s had a gentle little nudge back towards her own values, the things she loves and what really matters to her. Never a bad thing.
Our usual R&R is a good representation of the juggle juggling, but Lil is here to report back on Berre Golden Oil and wishes she’d packed it for the kids’ skin against Tasmania’s cold, wild winds.
A huge thank you to our sponsor, ergoPouch⁠. Their swaddle bags are absolute staples in our households. Use code GROWING20 for 20% off sitewide. T&Cs apply.

This week’s growing pains and glimmers include those moth*er flipping moths, suburban chicken negotiations and the radical act of having a minute (or two nights) to yourself. Beth’s back from a work trip with a hot take: sometimes the rest we need runs so much deeper than sleep, although of course sleep also helps. We unpack mum guilt, deep rest and remembering who you are outside of being Mum. Plus, Lil shares her experience flying with two little ones (shoutout to childless friends doing the most), Tassie farm-life fantasies and whether Ben can be convinced that suburban chickens are, in fact, essential.Turns out, you can love your life and still need a little break from it
A huge thank you to ergoPouch, a long-time favourite in both our households. From swaddles to sleeping bags and big-kid PJs, we love their quality, gorgeous prints and clever TOG-rated designs.
Shop the Nursery Rhymes collection and use code GROWING20 for 20% off site-wide. T&Cs apply.
R&R: Recommendations, Recipes & Rebuilds
BETH’S REBUILD - Deep rest
Beth’s biggest takeaway from her work trip is that rest isn’t always about sleep. Consider this your permission slip to make space for you — whatever that looks like in this season.
BETH’S RECOMMENDATION - Youth on HBO Max
A new comedy from Sharon Horgan, the brilliant writer and star behind Bad Sisters. Smart, funny and centred on the messy business of being a woman in the world. 
BETH’S RECIPE - Veggie-packed nachos
A family-friendly dinner that gets the kids excited about corn chips while sneaking in plenty of goodness. Cook mince with grated zucchini, grated carrot, onion, black beans and taco seasoning. Spoon it over corn chips, top with grated cheese, then finish with avocado. 
LIL’S RECOMMENDATION - A Basket by the Door by Sophie Hansen
A beautiful cookbook full of achievable recipes for sharing, freezing, dropping off and showing people you care. Sometimes there’s nothing better than flicking through an actual cookbook, finding something delicious and keeping food simple.
LIL’S RECIPE - Big-bowl Bircher muesli
Inspired by the very wholesome Tassie house-sit life: a big bowl of Bircher muesli in the fridge, ready to go, with stewed apricots and Greek yoghurt alongside. 
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Work trips, Tassie trips and guilt trips — oh my.
This week is packed with growing pains and glimmers. Beth is feeling the heavy weight of trying to practise what she preaches as a woman, mother and business owner and wondering how the hell we’re supposed to do all the things we want to do, and do them well - without guilt?
We talk mum guilt, trusting your instincts, leaning on support, and celebrating big milestone breakthroughs. Plus, flying with babies and toddlers… watch this space.
And, of course, both girls are off on trips so expect some adventures to debrief next time.
Beth: Pelvic health physio. Immediate, genuinely great results. Consider this your sign to book the appointment. 
Lil: Aldi frozen dumplings. Prawn Hargow and Xiao Long Bao. Easy, breezy, freezy.
Plus, her Medela hand-held pump for mums wanting to pump without committing to the whole kit and caboodle.
A huge thank you to ergoPouch — their swaddle bags are a staple in both our households.
Use GROWING20 for 20% off site-wide. T&Cs apply.
RECOMMENDATIONS, RECIPES + REBUILDSGROWING SPONSOR

Beth’s hit the bodily fluids trifecta this morning - covered in vomit, poo and wee all before 8am. And on this we chat about the many layers that come with loss in identity in motherhood and how hard it is to actually dress comfortably and practically and still feel like ourselves. Sleep remains sticky however the good news on that front is bunk beds have entered the household and are a huge success. 
Lil is captain community and trying to work out are we just *trashed* by a Friday and is her walk and talk group better as a hump day treat on a Wednesday? Good news is they’re almost at the finish line of the marathon that is toilet training. And the crowd went wild. 
Lil’s recommending her April 29 Phone Strap  because in this gig two hands are a luxury and you deserve to look good while juggling. 
Lil’s recipe quick and easy (but actually going to fuel your day) kind of breakfast Recipearce Breakfast Burritos. Batch prepare them, freeze and enjoy. 
Beth’s recipe is good old zucchini slice but this one has some delicious charred corn on top. 
Beth’s bunk beds - Juniper Temple and Webster 
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