In Conversation with Libby Hucker
Can you tell the community a little bit about what life looked like before motherhood & how what creative outlets you were immersed in?
Before motherhood I was a very creative person, I had a small art business where I made ceramics, embroidery and prints. I hosted a solo exhibition and loved participating in markets with other amazing local Brisbane artists. I am also a registered nurse and have been working in the hospital system for nearly 13 years. I am nearly half way through my Masters of Nursing majoring in education as well. I've always been pretty busy and love to have a full plate.
What has finding space for creativity looked like since transitioning into motherhood & the more recent shift in family dynamic from one to two babes?
I won't lie, it is pretty hard to find time to do anything creative. While I was pregnant, I lost all desire towards creativity. Even though I absolutely loved pregnancy I had it pretty hard with extreme nausea and low iron. It was survival mode for a while there. Now that I have my two little ones though, i'm starting to feel the flare again. Moving back to Australia, buying our first apartment and slowly renovating what we can has filled the creative void for the time being. I am very proud of our pink kitchen!
Can you describe your current season of mothering in three words?
Hard, hilarious and incredible.
Reflecting back on your first postpartum with the benefit of hindsight are there any words of advice of wisdom you’d give your past self?
This will pass. When you're in the trenches of sleep deprivation it's so hard to realise that the tough times will get better and your baby will start sleeping through the night!
On community & connection…
I know from shamelessly adoring and following your journey that you birthed your first baby in Scotland, what was navigating early motherhood like away from home and what supported you through this time?
That is so sweet, thank you! This was a really hard time. People say 'there is no perfect time to have a baby' but I can tell you accidentally falling pregnant two weeks after moving to a new country is not ideal! Luckily, I found the NHS incredible and I was able to make a few friends through a mothers group. I couldn't have done it without my husband though, he was incredible and would get up at 5am to take Charlie for a few hours before he went to work. We are also really lucky to have incredible parents who flew over as soon as we had Charlie and stayed for weeks to help. My sister also flew over and spent a few weeks, so we ended up having a lot of support and we couldn't have done it without them. I am also really thankful to be raising children with the internet. I don't know how my mum did it!
What has community looked like to you since being a mother?
I have never felt so loved after having my babies. My friends who already have babies have been the biggest support in my life. I've learnt to listen to their advice and really matured by realising that I, in fact, do not know it all. Motherhood is very humbling.
Where do you turn when seeking connection?
My husband. It is hard to feel connected within our marriage sometimes, especially since having my second bub. Trying to get out and have dinner together is really important and makes us feel so much better. My husband is also very grounding and eases a lot of my anxieties.
On daily rituals & rhythms…
Three things that are currently bringing you joy?
My pink kitchen, reading (fantasy only), chips, specifically Brets french chips, absolutely delicious.
The first thing you do when you wake up?
Look at little Audrey's smiling face, I'm very lucky that she usually wakes up smiling.
Rituals or practices that ground you?
Exercise, reading, keeping our space as clean as possible and essential oils. My husband also has impeccable music taste so we listen to a lot of great tunes.
What does your ‘perfect’ or ideal day look like from start to finish?
Pilates before the kids wake up. Coffee with my husband. Taking Charlie to the park and then putting both kids down for a nap at the same time (have only managed this a few times so far). Reading or watching reality tv. Baking bread or cake in the afternoon. Dinner as a family. Wine with my husband when the kids are asleep (this has also only happened a few times! ha!) and then finishing off the day by reading again. Reading instead of scrolling on my phone has done wonders for my anxiety!
