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I Don’t Know How She Does It – Amy Appleton

2013 July 3
by WWGD

IDontKnowHowSheDoesIt-WhatWouldGwynethDo

I have known Amy Appleton longer than most of the people in my life. We met on an elementary school playground in Montreal, Canada when we were both 10 or so and have found a way to keep in touch for the more than 25 years since (thank you, Facebook). She is one of the warmest personalities you will ever meet, always seeing the absolute best in people, the world around her, and her four (four!) beautiful kids. She is also a savvy businesswoman, one half of the mommy brains behind AppleCheeks Reusable Diapers, the cutest cloth diaper brand on the market since 2008. She has built a thriving, conscientious business that fits right in with her colorful, smart personality and watching her grow her business and her family through the years has been nothing but inspiring. Here is how she does it:

What time does your day start and how?

My day begins with me lying in bed, co-sleeping with my baby, and at 7am my older boys come roaring in to shake me awake saying: “We’re gonna be late for school!”  School only starts at 8am so I don’t know why they stress all the time about being late.  They for sure did not get that from me.

What time does your day end and how?

I wind down my day around midnight in any one of the following fashions: 1- Answering emails; 2- Some final social media posts (Facebook and Instagram – @missteencanada –  are my current go-tos); 3- This is the most common end to my day –  reading a good book. The very last thing I do is go into the room where all three boys sleep and I give them kisses.  Then I lie down with the baby who is already asleep in our king-sized bed and I say a little prayer while cuddling her.  It’s pretty fab.

Do you work from home or in an office? What is the set up like?

I work from home one or two days a week and in our office the rest of the time.  We have an awesome office atmosphere due to the amazing people with whom I work.

Do you see/speak to your kids throughout your work day? If yes, how/when?

I was bringing my baby with me to work until she was about 18 months old and then I found I could never give her nor my work the energy they each needed and deserved.  So now I focus on work throughout the work day and then I focus on the kids when I am home.  It is a solution that works extremely well for us.  I am lucky, though, as I have the flexibility to occasionally help out at the boys’ school.

What is the best thing about being a working mom? Hardest thing?

I would say the best thing is the sense of accomplishment I feel at work as well as knowing I am exemplifying an accomplished woman to my kids.

The hardest thing about being a working mom is reconciling my desire to be a bit more available for my kids with the need and desire I have to work.

Be honest, what is one thing you envy about stay at home moms?

Hmm, I guess I envy the fact that they seem to have an easier time keeping on top of homework assignments for the kiddos.  I find staying on top of all the homework a real challenge when we only get home at 5pm and have basketball practice a few nights a week.  We also like to get in some family time in the evenings.  It is a real juggle.

Answer the question “I don’t know how you do it?” in ten words or less.

Great husband, great business partner, self-sufficient kids.

4 Responses
  1. Liz Duncan permalink
    July 3, 2013

    Love the balance she has created. It takes hard work and a support group, which she seems to have.

  2. July 16, 2013

    There are so many other things in her life to add to her busy schedule, like being actively involved in her church, finding time to exercise regularly and have a social life that would be the envy of most young adults, including regular date nights with her hubby. I truly don’t know how she does it, but her 10 words or less are good because it seems so true that she has managed to surround herself, in the process of building all of this, with so many good people. I’m proud of my little sister.

  3. July 16, 2013

    Amy is able to do it because she genuinely cares about people so she is surrounded by people who genuinely care about her. I met Amy back in the mid ’90s in Halifax when were both going to University… she was always so friendly and I could feel a very special spirit that just radiated from her. It was a darker time for me and her ability to just be there as a friend without judgement was such a crucial part of me coming out of that… to sum it up best this is what my said to me… “Amy was the guardian angel I was praying for God to put into your life!”

    Amy Appleton you ROCK! 🙂

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