Thanks Clay for asking me to be lucky featured minti member. Some interesting qs here! ! You may regret this - as I waffle on....

Starting with name, location (dont be too specific), how many children (and ages)

My name is Kym and I live in a lovely working class multi cultural suburb of Melbourne. I have 3 children not including the hubby. I am 28, hubby is 30, our girl is 6 (almost 7 in Feb) our boy is 3 (4 in April) and our baby turned 1 just over a fortnight ago.

How did you find Minti?

I became addicted to another forum early this year. (after exhausting my online childrens clothes buying habit) I used to go to my mum's house when she was at work and my girl was at school. This was when my boys were no trouble - my boy was unwell and would just lay down all day and my bub just slept. Yes, back when my house was under control. This I used to do a 2-3 times a week. I decided it was time to get my own puter and the net. I then joined lots of forums and groups. One of these groups (msn) had an advertisement for minti. I thought that sounded interesting but didn't check it out for a week or so til I saw the ad again. So glad I did even though I had no idea what it was about! Now I do!

What's your favorite thing or feature at Minti?

My very own blog - love it! Easy to post pics and I post plenty! I like showing off my kids, my knitting and writing about things. I like that even though I may forget to write a journal or even jot down milestone details on the calender, coming online to minti I can blog it. I have other blogs but they aint up to date. I am also sure this one gets more reads too.
Also enjoy getting to know minti friends. This must be the friendliest site in the World. Thankyou to you all.

What's your favorite thing about being a parent?

Feeling like I am doing something useful and with purpose. I think the meaning of life is to have children and learn. I have learnt more since I have been parent that is without a doubt. I love seeing my children learn new things. And I am amazed at what they teach me. It isn't secular so much but philosophical, emothional, spirtual.
Also can't go pass the unconditional love, the cuddles, the sloppy kisses and the "love you Mummy" moments. Can't beat those feelings.

What has been your biggest parenting challenge?

The adjustment after having my first child was significant. I had a safe yet uncomfortable pregnancy which was a shock in itself, then to have a newborn to care for and a illness to deal with - which wasn't diagnosed or treated til she was a year old.
At the moment my biggest parenting challenge is making sure my children realise I am the parent. My girl says "You are not my friend" when she doesn't get her own way. I can't take this personally esp since she will say "You are the best Mummy" much more often. Also sibling rivalry for want of a better way of describing it. All 3 fight though I know they love each other very much.

 What worries you most about parenting ?(education, health, mental development, physical development, teaching manners, etc )

My boy's health worries me no end. He is feeling much better atm but sometimes I cry. He has to deal with it and I can't make him feel much better.
My biggest concern is other people! I can't protect my children from the World. I can't protect them from someone saying something nasty to them. I can't protect them as much as I would like. As they get older that will definitely be my biggest concern I think. I worry about my boy starting kinder next year. He is just so sensitive. He doesn't think ppl like him though he is well liked. The other day I cried when I heard my girl's friend say - "What is wrong with your brother, he looks dead!" I cried, I instantly picked him up and walked away while pushing the pram. My girl was lovely and defended him saying "Its just eczema" (ie. Get over it!) I can't protect him from that forever. Makes me so upset.

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

"You just do" When asking my mum how she dealt with 3 children on her own she said "You just do" This is so very true. When it comes to parenting, you just deal with things as they happen. No planning will help that much!
My own advice that I think is my parenting mantra is "Trust Your Instincts" I guess i fought my own instincts as a mother for a long time. I still do on occassion. But at the end of the day I parent the way i think is best and I encourage others to do the same. It is not neccessary to follow a manual (that is why you don't get one at the birth of your child!). I fought co - sleeping and even cuddling my baby daughter at first cos I was led to believe this was 'wrong'. Now I believe it is impossible to spoil your child with too much love. I am an advocate for co-sleeping, breastfeeding and self weaning, and using cloth. But at the end of the day each and every parent must do what is right for them, their child and their family. I truly believe the best parent for you child is you.

What were your babies first words?

Hmmm Dad, daddee and dada. How boring!!!!

What is your favorite song?

 I think its impossible to pick just one fave song. But my fave band is Magic Dirt. I love rock music. Also a huge fan of Aussie music and 80's music.

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

Gosh that is a hard one. I think they all make me laugh quite often.
Most recently - My boy loves to sing. Yesterday he was singing Baa Baa Black Sheep. "One for the mother, one for the day and one for the lil boy who lives down the day!" Yes Mum is the master! They just make me smile all the time. Hubby makes me laugh and cry at the same time *rolleyes*!!!!!

Using just one word sum up Minti.

Outlet.

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

I think the advice about soiling pants. It was written about older children but it made sense as my boy is tt. At any age it is important to not be disappointed in the child. I believe our job as parents is to protect, provide and most importantly to encourage our children in all things especially independance.

How do you deal with your Minti addiction?

What addiction?!!!!!!
I think its hard to keep a balance but moderation in all things is important.
I have many hobbies so I try to keep the all up including minti. I think I need to deal with my wool addiction! Buying wool and knitting is my great addiction atm. My cloth addiction needs some moderation too as does my unneccessary need to over buy for my kids. At least they are healthy addictions. Not much junk food here, no drugs, cigarettes, alcohol. gambling or sex problems here.
Now an addiction to housework - I would like to experience that one! Just for a week to catch up

How does your family deal with your Minti addiction?
They join in! My kids love to see the pics I put up and my girl tells me what to write occassionally. To be honest I am only on minti when it suits my family now. I don't get free time to myself that often. If I am lucky I get some time at the night when they are all sleep and hubby has stopped talking! Otherwise its during the day as I am breastfeeding my bubba or he is playing quietly and hopefully playing pleasantly with his bro. When he is asleep I rush around doing the washing and tidying. I can't do the house work when he crawls after me.

Congratulations if you read through all that!