Well, what a day it has been! merlin0903 has joined the solid gold dancers; winja's beautiful daughter Chloe had her birthday today, and now this! At first I thought it was a result of that charming Q&A regarding changing the site name to cazzalui yesterday...

What a shame it was an anonymous post and got deleted before I saw it. I didn't get to thank the author personally, however if you are lurking around, I'd love to hear from you! It was inaccurate though - I'd just call it Lui. Now, because of HarrisonsMommy kindly nominating me (lay off the vino baby), I am here with my requested blog about me, Me ME - how sweet is that?!?

Starting with name, location how many children?

My name is Luisa and I grew up in Alexandra, Central Otago. My partner in crime is Stephen who is from Bathurst, Central NSW. We reside on Sydney’s North Shore with the super star of our show – Jayden, our resident 22 month old Kiwi-Roo.

How did you find Minti?

Last May I received an email from some online shop free site that listed a whole pile of places with competitions… Being the avid shopper and competition entrant that I am, I looked up Minti about 7 months later, and they haven’t managed to get rid of me yet.

What's your favorite thing or feature at Minti?

The comments feature – the feedback, the opinions, the added information, that get tacked on to everything make it virtually real! Whether it is support, a simple hello, a thank you, or a difference of opinion – it adds life in real time, and makes Minti breath.

What's your favourite thing about being a parent?

The pride, like really, my chest doesn’t need to swell it’s pretty ample, but it does swell with pride when I look at this amazing small person and go wow – WE MADE HIM!

What has been your biggest parenting challenge?

The responsibility that comes with being the main role models who will shape this fresh, vibrant little person’s life. It is also the best opportunity you ever get to be proud of yourself, as you become a person that your child can be proud of.

What worries you most about parenting ?

I am concerned with the lack of support and respect given to parents in the general community at present. People are so quick to judge, and it makes life very hard – especially for new mum’s. Nurturing our Nations, (and the Worlds), greatest assets needs to become a community responsibility, and we need to stop being apathetic and care for each other. We need to empower ourselves and our children to realise that every person makes a difference, and the world will change only when we change it. (Okay I’ll just step down off my soapbox).

What's the best parenting advice you've ever gotten from someone?

I must admit, I don’t ask many people about parenting, and when I do, I have usually made up my mind before I am answered – it’s a very annoying trait I have always had.

What were your babies first words?

At around 6 months, he first signed milk, and not too long after said Dadda… Although his vocabulary has increased considerably, those are still right up there on his list of favourites.

What is your favorite song?

What you waiting for? Gwen Stefani

What is the funniest thing you or your child or significant other has done or said?

I had to go to hospital early as my waters broke before 36 weeks, and I was on the ward waiting 10days to have the baby induced. Stephen was at home, I rang and woke him at about 5.30am. I calmly said, ‘I’m up in the birthing suite, and I am 4cm dilated the nurse said to tell you to come in because I’m going to have the baby soon.’ He sort of yawned and said, ‘oh so when do you think I should come in?’ I yelled, ‘right now would be really good!’ and hung up.

Using just one word sum up Minti.

Influential

What is the best piece of advice you have got from Minti?

This is one of the first advice articles I read on the site, and I actioned it immediately, it has worked well for us. Teaching Infants about "Hot' & "Cold" by Izzy

How do you deal with your Minti addiction?

I write advice about Minti to addict other’s – it helps me to blend in. Plus my little Minti sister Emz helps to keep me sane, as well as the grand ladies of the Island whom we all love and admire, Marg and Janice. There are so many cool people, go stick some ice on your head if it feels cool - then I mean YOU!

How does your family deal with your Minti addiction?

My family are supportive of everything that I do – my Mummy. Jaydee loves the pictures, Stephen likes laughing when I read him funny stories.