Berlin Mum Sarah on being a mom and city life with a child

Sarah was in front of the camera for the second time for our AW18/19 collection "tibetan diary" and talks to us today about being a mom and city life with a child.

Sarah first posed for us with a baby bump two years ago for our AW16/17 lookbook "mama of the tribe." We then had the opportunity to shoot our current winter collection with the whole family – see the resultshere . We're all the more excited to talk to her today about everyday life as a mom in Berlin, her first day of kindergarten, and her best mother-daughter experiences.

What does being a mom mean to you?

A lot of love, fun, but also responsibility, sacrifice, and vulnerability. No one is closer to me than my child, and worrying is a new experience for me. But even if you sometimes reach your limits, I love being a mom through and through because I now live more consciously.

What did it teach you?

Patience, because my child now sets the pace. Restraint, because we consciously adapt to our daughter's needs. And we've learned that planning is everything, even if it sometimes changes spontaneously.

How was the first day at kindergarten for you and your daughter?

For me, it was an adventure, and I was excited. For my daughter, it was simply great fun. We and our family agreed that it would be a enriching experience for her. Additional caregivers, whom she clearly demanded, great new toys, and a handful of new friends. And for the first time in 1.5 years, I had the prospect of some time to myself.

Do you find it difficult to be separated from your daughter?

At the beginning of the settling-in period, it was easier for me than it is now. It's crazy, actually. But I'm only now realizing how quickly my parental leave has passed. I miss her, and it's harder than I thought not knowing what she's experiencing and what's on her mind during the day. Since her dad is doing the settling-in, I ask him or the teachers questions every day.

What do you do when your child is in kindergarten? Is it time to relax, or does the stress of everyday life continue?

At first, I didn't know what to do with my energy. I tidied, cleaned, sorted through, and ran errands – things I'd never otherwise gotten around to. Afterward, I simply enjoyed the last rays of sunshine and celebrated being alone. And now the time has come to apply for jobs.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Around 6:30/7 a.m. our daughter wakes us up happily and urges us to get up. After changing her diaper, brushing her teeth and getting dressed, we have a little something for her for breakfast. We usually start the day with some music or swinging before we head off to daycare at 8:30 a.m. Since my boyfriend drives her to daycare, I currently have the morning free and start by clearing up the mess in our apartment. After breakfast, tidying up, checking emails and Instagram, I go shopping, meet friends for lunch or enjoy some time to myself. Around 3 p.m. my boyfriend or I pick up the little one from daycare and we, mom and daughter, have a little something at home. While her dad is still working, we meet friends or go out to Tempelhofer Feld or to the playground until her dad picks us up from there around 6/7 p.m. We eat dinner together, and after our bedtime routine of changing diapers, getting dressed, brushing teeth, and reading, one of us puts the little one to bed around 8 p.m. After that, we have time to ourselves.

How do you like city life with children in Berlin?

I like it because it offers us a lot of variety and allows us to be flexible. We're often on the go and out in the city, rarely at home. But we also always feel the urge to escape and travel spontaneously. I really enjoy the time off with just the family somewhere in the countryside or by the sea. For me, there's nothing better!

What moments with your daughter do you particularly enjoy?

Fooling around together. Playing. Putting her to bed. And I especially enjoy cuddling. As a baby, she was always on the move. She was interested in everything and everyone, could never sit still, and had a hard time settling down. She was always one of those babies who was a bit louder, more vehement, and more demanding. Now she consciously seeks my closeness and asks for me. I experience this togetherness and the quiet moments with her very consciously.

Your current mara mea companion in your everyday life as a mom and why you never want to give it up again?

From birth, I've had the magical diaper bag from mara mea ! It gave me structure, especially during the initial chaos, and the feeling of always having everything with me and being prepared for any challenge. That was and still is reassuring. And it's the perfect visual addition to our stroller.

Thank you so much for the wonderful interview, dear Sarah. We wish you many more wonderful moments with your little family!

And here is Sarah's Instagram account.