Mom Talk with Jules from Hey Jules

In a few sentences (we know you don’t have much time!) tell us about yourself and your little one…

My name is Jules and I am an eternal optimist who lives and loves in Toronto with my amazing husband Pete, and cutie pie son Otis. I am a firm believer that there is something worth celebrating every day, and try my best to live a life filled with fun, colour, confetti + joy (and spread that same message to anyone I can!)

Fill us in on everything we should know about what keeps you busy: 

Otis most definitely keeps us busy these days, but he is sooo much fun! He's 16 months and is just learning new things every day and brings so much joy into our lives. I work full time at a tech company as a Culture Specialist which means I focus on making sure employees are excited, valued and engaged. Between working and mom-ing full time I try to stay creative by updating my Instagram, Blog and Podcast, although a lot of days tend to just melt into the couch in my jammies and binge watch the latest murder doc with my husband!

faves

What is one thing you couldn’t live without as a mom?
(your ultimate must-have!)

Oooh, so tough to just choose one but I think one of the best baby items and one we used every day would be The Lobster Portable Highchair. It's amazing for small space living, packing up and bringing with you when going to see family/friends, and restaurants (when that was a thing!)

What are Otis’s current faves? 
(if it suddenly disappeared tomorrow - there would for sure be tears!)

flashcards, little people (a buddy the elf one!), elmo stuffy, box of "mr.men" books, soccer ball, garbage truck (and then the less traditional items like remote controls, shampoo bottles, a spatchula, a little bedside lamp, and any type of basket) ;)

What are three things that you take everywhere with you … 
(diaper bag essentials - besides diapers!)

My Porter reusable water bottle, Beaba Snack Cup for Otis, at least one type of wipes! (face wipes, sanitizer wipes, boogie wipes, diaper wipes)

Mini Style

What are your favourite places to shop for your babe?
(mostly online these days I’m sure!)

I love vintage stuff the most! Pete and I love to go thrifting and find our own items for Otis, but also have lots of fave spots for both vintage and new clothing! kids & corduroy, miles baby east isla baby, zara, objects + outfits, to name a few!

What children’s clothing brand do you wish they made in your size?
(because let’s face it, we’ve all once thought “I wish this came in my size!”)

Omg, definitely "at noon"!! Please give me all the happy faced toques and cardigans forever!

Mom Talk

What advice would you tell your pregnant self?
(if only you knew then..)

Ooooh, well for starters I would calm myself down and try to not get in my head all the time. I had a lot of anxiety about whether or not things were okay and worrying that things would go wrong. I am generally such a positive person but really struggled with this. I just wanted everything to be okay and at times would think the worst. I had such an incredible pregnancy, and really only felt sick for the first trimester and that was quite minimal. Another thing was people constantly telling you how bad you will feel near the end and kind of warning you in a way that feels pretty stressful. I had Otis two weeks early but I honestly felt really great up until the end. I still had 4 days left of work and ended up going into labour (after a false labour 4 days before!) at 11pm and worked a full day that day. Continue to trust your instincts and feelings and don't stress about things that may never happen. Every woman is so different and every pregnancy is so different (this is what makes it even more incredible!). Oh, one more thing! Try not to google stuff! I know it's easier said than done, but it can really mess with you during a very emotional time. Majority of people have someone in their life that is a mother and I cannot stress enough how important it is to lean on them if you need someone and have questions. I've got lots of incredible moms in my life, including my besties, sister-in-law, mom and mother-in-law! I definitely asked them a lottttt of stuff, and still do!

As a working mom, how do you find balance between work and motherhood?
(really is there such a thing?)

Yes I am! I took a year off for mat leave, 4 months of "normal" postpartum life and 8 months of a pandemic mat leave, so to say it's been an adjustment is an understatement. Given the nature of my role, things changed immensely for me because so much of my role was about planning in person events and initiatives for my colleagues. Our whole company is still remote because of the pandemic, so we've been lucky enough to be living with my parents for a few months so we can get extra help with Otis. There are so many parts of my situation that are happening because of COVID, but it has already been a really good learning lesson for me, I'd be lying if I said that it's a breeze! I am an avid list-maker and have taken it to the next level since being back at work! I also really keep my calendar up to date and time block my day so that I can make sure I have time to work, do my meetings, spend time with Otis and make sure my husband knows my schedule. I am also honest with my boss and colleagues about expectations. I generally only check Slack messages during working hours so I can get things done, spend time with my family and relax. There are definitely nights where I need to catch up on work in the evenings, but I've really tried to make weeknights and weekends time for my loves.

Who is your momspiration?
(it can be more than just one because there are so many superstars out there!)

@mamainbloom
@eighthofcass
@livviejane
@chelseacward
@adrianasinke
@burtsbrisplease

What has been your pandemic saviour?
(we need all the sanity tips!) 

I've been really leaning into my positive mindset the past year. It's something that has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I've just felt like spreading positivity and joy feels more important than ever before. I've been trying to share content, messages and love to anyone who may need it and have continued to make time for it. One thing that has been very important to my mental health has been getting outside for a walk every day. Even my early days of being a mom (before the pandemic) I would go for a walk every single day with Otis. It has become a habit that feels like a ritual and so important to mine and my family's well-being. Even though we haven't been able to do much, having something to look forward to always helps fuel our happiness! We're trying to make every day fun with Otis by celebrating holidays, national days, playing silly games, watching sesame street, reading books, and playing together. Still trying to plan little "date nights" at home, making fun meals, working on little home projects, and falling in love with a new show! I am so thankful for my husband who makes every day better and is such a loving Dad who contributes so much and makes sure I have time to rest when feeling burnt out. We try to stay optimistic and positive for Otis and remember that tomorrow is a new day if today doesn't go how you hoped!

Follow Jules on Instagram: @heyjulesxo and visit her shop website: www.heyjules.ca

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