9. What were your major learnings from having your first
baby to your second? Were there things you did or things you
worried about more with your first than your second?
By the second we were a lot more casual. We started off being really
strict with nutrition with Baxter, but he is so finicky with eating that
if he eats that’s a good thing. With Banks we have let him try more
different types of foods straight off and he eats well - he loves his food!
10. Did you know you were having another boy or was it a
surprise?
Yes we found out as soon as we could. We wanted to be prepared
and we both are not very good with surprises. We always thought we
would have girls, neither of us can imagine having girls now.
11. What did Baxter think when the baby was born? Did you
have any special ways of introducing them to each other?
Baxter held Banks straight away when he was born and just loved
him from the first day.
12. What does Baxter think of his baby brother now?
He loves him. He always says ‘ahh look at him’ and ‘I love little
Danksie’.
13. What are the biggest challenges of raising two young
children?
Just juggling everything is the biggest challenge. When they are both
crying and you’re trying to make dinner and it feels like it’s impossible
to get anything done. Or you’re trying to get somewhere on time and
you can’t get them in the car because they want to play.
Trying to shop while Baxter is running around or wanting to play in
an aisle and you just need to keep moving is another tough one.
14. What are your favourite things to do as a family?
Camping, going to the beach and hanging out with family and friends.
15. Have the boys inherited a love of sport and the beach?
Yes they both love the water! Baxter has been doing swimming lessons
since he was three months old and Banks loves the water too.
16. What was the most unexpected thing you have
experienced since becoming parents for the second time?
How hard it is. People told us it would be hard, but it is really such a
juggle. We love it though and wouldn’t have it any other way.
17. What are the best things about becoming parents?
There are so many special moments with your children. The cuddles,
the smiles, seeing them reaching certain milestones and when they
tell you they love you. We are so blessed to have them and they are
such beautiful boys.
18. Is there anything you would like to share with other parents
who are about to embark on life with 2? Any advice?
Just go for it! It’s the best thing we’ve ever done.
19. Now that marriage laws have changed in Australia – could
a wedding be the next big event for the family?
We will definitely do it. April has changed her surname to Bateup
already and we are very committed obviously! But to be married is
the ultimate commitment and something that is very important for us
as a family especially.
BELOW: HAPPY FAMILY. HAYLEY,
APRIL AND THE BOYS
BOTTOM: APRIL AND BANKS
54 | Pindara Magazine ISSUE 13 | 2018