I’m most proud of the family Fras and I have created together...
And the love they have for each other. They really look out for each other and call each other best friend. Seeing how gentle and utterly devoted they are to their baby sister is heart-melting stuff. It definitely makes me feel like we are doing something right. The kids can run around life together, protect each other, roll their eyes at us together when they are old. It’s a good feeling to know we have given them that gift.
Lots of coffee helps with the sleep deprivation...
I’ve never been able to sleep in the day, so I tried to keep life as simple as possible in those first few months. With each baby, that gets harder, as life just gets busier and busier. My favourite part of the day is the ‘I love you mummy’ just before they drift off to sleep each night with their little baby arms wrapped around my neck.
We’ve recently re-launched the Watson’s Bay Hotel...
We really wanted to create a sanctuary that the locals felt welcome in. Also a venue where a family atmosphere was appreciated and encouraged. Being on the water, we wanted a casual chic vibe. We didn’t want it to be too serious. Watsons Bay, before we had the opportunity to do it up, held a special place in many people’s hearts. The location and setting is simply divine. Those natural settings combined with the new beach chic lends itself to a diversity for celebrations and birthdays. We’ve had Fraser’s birthday, our daughter’s Christening, our son’s fourth birthday and a good friend is getting married there in a few weeks.
I hope to give my children a strong sense of self...
And the confidence that they can do or being anything they set their minds too. Seeing your child flourish in something they love to do is the greatest feeling. And to always treat people how they like to be treated. This is a very valuable lesson they get even at their young age.
Every baby is different...
I really believe each mother knows what’s best for their baby. In my case, I didn’t do a routine with our first child, Jagger. The sleep thing was definitely a challenge, so I was adamant I would put our second child on a routine that I’d seen work for a friend. I had both the girls sleeping through at nine weeks fully breast fed, both going down for their naps with no drama and both happy and content. So a routine must account for something. Knowing that the baby is due for a feed or for a sleep and that is why she/he is grizzly is a very empowering thing for a new mother, and I was able to plan my activities around the schedule, which made life manageable with two very small babies under two. But in saying that, I don’t regret not doing one with Jagger. Being my first, I did what felt right, I had all the time in the world to devote just to him and his needs, and I absolutely loved it.
My older two children are at a gorgeous little preschool a few days a week now...
I only have the baby on those days which is definitely a nice little ‘break’. The best thing I was ever told was that if I’m not good, then no-one in the family is good. The buck stops with mum. It made me realise that I needed to prioritise time out when I felt like I needed it and not feel guilty about it as I have three little people completely reliable on me and I have a responsibility to them to be the best mum I can possible be, which comes from looking after myself as well. I have been extremely lucky in that I’ve had a lot of support from my own mother. We wouldn’t have been able to get through the past four years and still had a life without her.
My husband and I make a big effort to have one on one time...
If you don’t, times just passes you by and it’s very easy to feel disconnected. You’re doing the mummy thing and he is doing the work thing. I’m lucky that I have a husband who prioritises this as well. He knows my moods like they are his own, so is always quick off the mark in organising time out for us.
Having three children in three years has definitely been a handful...
Managing the constant needs and demands of three little ones has really tested my endurance and has been a challenge at times, but we are so glad it has worked out this way … I love watching the way my older two play together and overhearing them telling each other, ‘I love you’ or noticing them holding hands in the car. Nothing compares. I love the innocent, pure, all encompassing love I get from my children. I am everything to them. The older they get, the more I realise what a blessing I have been given in each of them.
The hardest part? Never being able to sleep in...
The physical- ness of having three babies in three years. I’m on my feet from when the first baby wakes up, usually before 6am until the last one goes to bed (usually with us at 9pm!) There is always something to do, whether it’s with the kids, house stuff or with my husband or friends. I’m buggered by the time we crawl into bed. My husband is very good at reminding me not to take it all too seriously if I get stressed out about certain things, like the baby missing her sleep if we are out on the weekends.
I like in Bassike or Proenza tees, jeans, and Scanlan & Theodore basics...
My style has definitely matured since becoming a mum, but that’s also an age thing. I’ve always been a jeans girl so that part hasn’t changed. My favourite shops are Scanlan & Theodore, Lands End and Bassike.
You learn so much about yourself from your children...
It really does test your patience and stress levels on a daily basis. It can be so intense, especially when they just want you. When I complained about not being able to move without one of them crying for me, my husband Fras reminded me how I will never be this loved again in all my life – and it’s actually true. So I try to remember that when it’s all feeling a bit full-on.
I’ve decorated the kids rooms with things they love...
They really enjoy being in their room. Skylar’s favourite colour is pink and Jags is blue, so I started with those colours and went from there. Jagger is all about dinosaurs, Thomas and cars so we have his three favourite books on rotation. Skylar is definitely all about Princesses and Piper loves her Peter Rabbit Pop up book.
What motherhood has taught me...
Motherhood has taught me patience and the capacity of my love. I thought I knew, but it was nothing compared to the love you have for your children, you would literally do anything for them. I’ve wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember. I experienced the feeling of total contentment from the minute my son Jagger was placed in my arms. It’s a feeling I will never forget.
You’re looking at a super mum. The beautiful Sydney-based Ally Short had three babies in three years not that you’d know it looking at her. Four years into motherhood, she says: Having three children in three years has definitely been a handful. Managing the constant needs and demands of three little ones has really tested my endurance and has been a challenge at times, but we are so glad it has worked out this way … I love watching the way my older two play together and overhearing them telling each other, I love you or noticing them holding hands in the car. Nothing compares.
It also helps that Short has wanted children for as long as she can remember. When I complain about not being able to move without one of them crying for me, my husband Fraser reminds me how I will never be this loved again in all my life and its actually true. I try to remember that when its all feeling a bit full-on.
Her husband Fraser Short, is the co-owner of the newly revamped Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel. If you’re a Sydney-sider, youll love the new venue designed by architect Jeremy Bull of Alexander and Co: 32 hotel rooms, a public bar and a restaurant, along with several function rooms, which are available for weddings and parties. We really wanted to create a sanctuary that the locals felt welcome in. Also a venue where a family atmosphere was appreciated and encouraged. Being on the water, we wanted a casual chic vibe. Mission accomplished.
Ally’s little list of loves:
My morning coffee!
Being called Mummy by three gorgeously spirited little people.
Power Yoga.
A date with my hubby.
Freshly washed sheets.
The smell of three freshly bathed children totally intoxicating and delicious.
Their smiles when they are being cheeky.
Their laughter and giggles it always makes me smile and is the best sound in the world.
Really cold, freshly shucked oysters.
Escaping up the coast to our little piece of paradise.
October 2013
Photography: Julie Adams Makeup: Sarina Zoe Words: Georgie Abay