Life as a Mum and Student; the good, the bad and the downright ugly!

So I'm almost at the end of my 4 year university journey. Tomorrow will officially be my last ever lecture at university. I really don't know how I feel about this as I have really mixed emotions. These past 4 years have been a crazy roller coaster, with some major highs and some major lows. However, last Friday, I finally submitted my dissertation! Yaaaayyy! 33,589 words of hell, which caused a lot of blood, sweat and tears but it is finally done and dusted and I can begin to relax (until results time that is!)

It was great to share the glorious moment of freedom from dissertation with my two close friends Jasmen and Karen. We started our journey together 4 years ago so it only seemed fitting to end it with them also. These girls have honestly been my rock throughout university and I don't think I'd have got through half of it if it wasn't for them. They've been there through all my wobbles, stress and craziness and I have definitely made friends for life there!

Being a mum and student means that my social life has pretty much went out the window over the past 4 years. So it was great to have a break away from everything at the weekend to attend the christening of one of my best friends daughter.

It felt great to let my hair down and catch up with all my friends, some of whom I haven't been out with for well over a year! It was so nice to forget about my dissertation and coursework for a day and I felt relaxed for the first time in ages (the Gin may have helped towards that though!) I think Mark was really happy to see me like this also, as all he sees these days is a complete stress monster.

It's times like these that I really cherish as they are few and far between. Since I've been at university, I really feel like I've become a bit of a recluse as I've been so determined that I stay focused and do well in my studies. Obviously this is very important, but I've also realised that it is vital to keep in touch with friends and make the effort to go out. In reality, university only lasts for a short time of your life so you certainly shouldn't sacrifice friendships for it, god some of my friends I've known now for over 26years (how scary is that?!) My friends are fabulous though and realise exactly what I've went through the past 4 years, especially since having Isla-Rose. They are so understanding and don't hold any grudges, I hope!

I was never going to have the typical student life, pubbing it every weekend because I'm a mum and have responsibilities, but am I going to regret not going out just a wee bit more throughout my time? Well who knows? All I know now is, I cannot wait to finish my studies, start earning money and make up for all the lost time with my fabulous friends. There are still plenty more years for many memories to be made and I can't wait to start making them!

Emma xxx

Being a mum completely changes you, your life isn't your own any more, you don't think as you used to, you don't eat like you used to, you don't go out like you used to and your body develops extra squishy bits that were never there before, but honestly.......... I wouldn't change it for the world!

To have these wee creations who are totally dependent on you is a bit mind blowing. Everything you do, they copy, everything you say, they copy so I feel it is so important to be a good role model for my kids.

I remember watching this video that my friend sent to me when I was pregnant with Isla-Rose and it just made so much sense. 

Even when my babies were still in my tummy, they were experiencing EVERYTHING that I was experiencing, living and breathing every moment with me. It's amazing to think of the journey they go along before they even come into this world.

My girls are my life. I love Cerys being the age she is as she's starting to develop some independence and be able to think for herself, but isn't too old yet for mummy to still tuck her up in bed at night.  Having 8 years between my girls has been a blessing as I now get to re-live all the crazy baby years with Isla-Rose while enjoying Cerys' next stage in life.

Even if I do get moments where I haven't washed my hair in 5 days, have dirty nappies coming out my ears and I'm getting back chat from the bigger one who's independence is just stretching a little too far, it's all worth it.

Being a mum is what I'm meant to be and whilst I am about to graduate and become a "career woman", no matter what,  my babies and family will always come first. I can't wait to stand in my graduation gown and be presented with my graduation certificate and look down at those faces and know it's all been worth it!

Emma xxxx