Who’s in your family? Ages? Names?

My instant family is made up of me, Farron 26 years old, Mark (daddy) 27 years old and my little trio Zadie Rae, Brodie Lee and Harlen Knox Owen who are 10 months old.

How did you choose your kids names?

I was on bed rest for 10 weeks and had a lot of spare time, so spent hours online looking at baby names. We picked all three names and a few weeks before the trio were born we actually changed them. Choosing a name was really difficult for us as I like unusual names and Mark wasn’t so sure on them. We finally agreed on three names and there was no second option. Luckily we feel the names suited each baby perfectly.

Location?

Queensland, Australia.

Occupation?

Pediatric Emergency Registered Nurse

What’s on your manifest board?

The trio’s uncle Dan made them a sensory board for Christmas and we love it. The aim of a sensory board is to help children with tactile learning. The board is filled with cable clips, latches, handles, lights, a zip, chalk board, mirror, light switch etc to help them learn through play.

Tell us some of your most loved ways to spend the day with your clan?

We love to go for a walk or a swim on the weekends when Mark is home. We don’t get out and about that often because it is too difficult for me to take them out by myself. However we also like going friend’s places that have kids to have a little play or even head to the shops. I feel this year will be a really fun one now that the trio are getting a bit older. I am looking forward to taking them to more play groups and activities now that they are at an age where they are really enjoying interactingwith other babies and kids.

What are some silly/fun things that the kids do or say?

Zadie loves to do the splits, she is so flexible, Brodie loves to blow bubbles in his water bottle and Harlen loves to copy when we blow raspberries.

When you were a teenager what did you dream of? Do things look different?

Since I was very young, I always knew I wanted kids and couldn’t wait to be a mum. When I was a teenager, this never changed and I always pictured having a BIG wedding and three to four kids.

Mark and I are not married yet, we had a wedding booked for September last year, however after finding out we were pregnant with triplets that changed quickly. I am actually glad we didn’t go through with getting married because I don’t think I would have enjoyed the chaotic planning.

Things however do look very different to what I had pictured. I never in my wildest dreams thought I would be a parent to multiples, let only triplets. I have been thrown into the deep end by getting an instant family, however, it is the best job so wouldn’t change it for the world.

What are some things you really believe in?

I really believe in being a good, honest person as I can guarantee this is what will get you far in life.

I also believe that life is an incredible gift and it is so important to treat it that way. Life is also fragile, we are fragile so we need to treat ourselves kindly. Health and happiness is the most important thing.

Where do your passions lie?

I am passionate about working hard to be the best mother I can be to my trio. I put a lot of time and energy into being a mum and can already tell that the hard work is paying off. The trio are such happy, talkative babies, already taking after their mum and dad.

I also love helping others. I love to do things for family and friends and be there for them when they need someone to talk to. They are everything to me and this is what my life focus is. If they are happy, I am happy.

Has your relationship with your other half changed since having kids?

My relationship with Mark has changed dramatically since having the trio. We have been so incredibly busy and have had to be so hands on with the babies that it has been very hard to spend time with each other. It is very hard for us to go out at night time, which has meant we haven’t been able to go out to dinner, go to the movies and do all the things we used to do. Our parents are good and they are happy to look after the babies while we go out, however most nights we are usually so exhausted and in bed early. This year our goal is to focus on ‘us’ more.

What are some of your favorite life lessons you’ve grown to love? (even if learning them at the time was hard).

Firstly I would say that my favourite life lesson is not to be too hard on yourself and to be kind to yourself. It is really easy to get caught up in a world where you compare yourself to others. I promise you, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. It is amazing how good you feel when you take the time to stop and look at all the things you are doing well and actually feel proud of yourself for achieving them.

Secondly I think that health is the most important asset. I have learnt that it is so important to look after your mental and physical wellbeing. Health should never be taken for granted.

Thirdly and most importantly I think the words ‘slow down’ are a good lesson to learn. Life is so incredibly busy, especially now that I have the trio. The weeks fly by and I feel like it is so important to take a few minutes every day to stop and think about everything you have to be thankful for.

What do you wish you could’ve told yourself when you were a teenager?

Don’t worry about what others think of you. You don’t have to be perfect to fit in and you don’t have to wear certain clothes to fit. I wish I believed this as I became caught up in a world where I felt I was judged on my appearance.

What do you find most challenging about being somebody’s parent?

The most challenging part would have to be the exhaustion. Some days I am just so tired and knowing I have three little humans relying on me to feed them, change them and get them to bed can just be so overwhelming at times.

What do you want your kids to learn about the world?

The world is a hard, tough place. I want to teach and encourage my kids to be independent, confident, and compassionate. These three things will help them be successful in life as well as being a good person and a good friend.

What are 4 things you can’t live without as a parent?

Baby wipes (the best multipurpose wipe), a good sense of humour, support, and coffee.

Folks We Love with Farron Sullivan, RN