MOTHERHOOD MINIS: KEEPING IT REAL WITH @VICKYTHORNTONNORRIS
Hey everyone and welcome to our February edition of Motherhood Minis, featuring bite size interviews with real mums, providing you with a quick unfiltered glimpse into the lives of Matchstick Monkey parents and their little ones!
This week, we chat with the lovely Vicky Thornton Norris. Vicky is a lifestyle, motherhood, fitness and fashion blogger from the UK and is a Mum to two beautiful boys, Spencer and Oscar. Vicky also spends time creating informative YouTube videos for us Mums to watch, ranging from IKEA hauls to healthy eating hints and tips. Her Instagram @vickythorntonnorris features snaps of her children, trips away with family and gives us some real fashion envy with her chic looks!
We catch up with Vicky to chat about all things motherhood and the importance of keeping it real for all the Mums out there...
How many children do you have?
Vicky: Two of my own and one stepchild
How old are they?
Vicky: My boys are 4 months and 5 years old, stepdaughter is 9
What are their names?
Vicky: Youngest to oldest - Spencer, Oscar and Isla
Do you have any pets?
Vicky: Yes, a dog called Erny… a miniature English Bull Terrier
What region of the country do you live in?
Vicky: South West England
What are your favourite aspects about being a parent?
Vicky: The unconditional bond you have with a life that you have created, caring for them and giving lots of cuddles, watching them grow and making lots of memories.
What can be the hardest things about being a parent?
Vicky: Lack of sleep, getting discipline right and making sure you and your partner agree.
How do you get “me” time?
Vicky: I make time for me time, I go to the gym very early in the morning when everyone is in bed, I also go out with my friends every once in a while, for dinner or drinks.
What was the best advice that you have been given about being a parent/mother?
Vicky: There is no rule book, do what makes you and your baby/children happy.
Do you see yourself as an influencer?
Vicky: Sort of, yes.
How has your growing Instagram following changed your day to day life?
Vicky: I have to be super organised to try and schedule in regular posts but that doesn’t always go to plan.
Why do you think your account has become so popular, is this something you planned from the start?
Vicky: I don’t feel like I am there yet, I am a very small fish in a large ocean of amazing people. I try to be as real and honest as possible showing the good and the bad and I think people really like that. Yes, I plan to try and get as big as I can… we shall see what the future holds.
How old were your children when they started to teeth?
Vicky: My first son was four months old!!
Did any of your children have symptoms of teething, or did they just come through without fuss?
Vicky: Yes, Oscar had terrible trouble with teething, awake at night, sore gums, dribbling and just generally unsettled. Spencer is chewing lots and dribbling but I can’t see any teeth as of yet.
Did you use any teething products? If so, what helped?
Vicky: Yes, I really like the granules you can buy that dissolve in the mouth I found they worked wonders! I also really rate the Matchstick Monkey teether, it’s the perfect texture and shape for Spencer to hold and use.