 |
"I was a young mum – I’m very grateful for that now. I was 24 when I had Jacob – so was Greg - but we didn’t realise how young we were at the time. I waited five and a half years to have Kai. These days women have them later - when I pick Jacob up from school most of the mums are in their 40’s - but it’s nice to have been a younger mum and to have enjoyed him at such a young age. Jacob gets on so well with my husband; they’re the best of mates."
So are two boys enough, or will Hayley go for a third child? “Maybe I’ll have another baby down the track - if my sanity’s in check… I need a female in the house otherwise I’ll go crazy. I’ll probably have another boy though, but then all four men can go out fishing together – wait and see.”
Does she miss her swimming career? “I found it very, very difficult when I was younger and in the spotlight - I couldn’t understand what the fuss was all about! I couldn’t understand why the media was so interested in me as a person and what I ate – I was just doing it for fun. But I don’t feel like Hayley Lewis the swimmer is such a big part of me any more… I’ve changed a lot from becoming a mother – when I swam life was so rigid, everything revolved around my daily timetable, and everything was about me. Two kids and a job is harder – but it’s more interesting and more fulfilling to be a mother. It’s nice not to have to worry so much about myself.
So does she still swim for fun? “No, but I’m always in the pool for work. If I exercise it’s always just walking. Nothing painful. If I need a break I knit and I scrapbook – which is why I desperately would like a daughter. I make wonderful beanies and scarves and scrapbooks – but my sons have no interest in my girlie hobbies. Now I’ve been knitting carves for friends and family while the kids watch their Child’s Play DVD’s. It’s a nice way to just chill out and say ‘don’t bother me - I’m knitting!’”
Go Hayley! We can’t wait to see what the next part of your story might hold….
