Anyone whose job entails working on four very unique areas can attest their days are nothing short of busy. Add to the mix four very unique young children, and you’re bound to have your hands full. Channel 9’s Sonia Marinelli does just this, and she chatted to us about balancing life with four kids under 5, returning to work, and what the family is most looking forward to this summer.
Congratulations on baby Vivienne! Are you excited to be back at work?
Thank you. Vivienne is now five months, and I’ve been backat work for almost two months – so far it’s going well. We’re thriving beingback in a solid routine and having lots of variety in our day. It was always a concern returning to work so soon after having our fourth but so far it’s worked out well. Channel 9 have been wonderfully supportive and flexible making it easy to return as early as I have.
What have the highlights of 2018 been for you and your family?
There’s no greater highlight than the birth of a baby. And for us it has completed our little family more than I could have ever imagined. She was just meant to be. Having another girl, to add to our two sons and a daughter, has just brought a beautiful balance to our household.
Is there anything you do in your day-to-day that’s changed? Have you done anything this year that you never thought you’d do a year ago?
Nothing’s really changed except for the increase in food, nappies, washing and housework that comes along with an extra child. Vivienne is a super relaxed baby and she’s fit in really well. I think they know when they’re the fourth, that they just have to go with the flow. But I try to make sure I have some special time just with her, nurturing her, and helping her hither milestones. She’s just started on solids, and she’s rolling all over the place. Hopefully she’ll be crawling soon which the other kids are excited about!
What do you love the most about working regional?
I love to take every opportunity to visit Regional Victoria.The beauty [of my job is] I now get to tailor four weather bulletins for four very different parts of the state from our Metro newsroom. I work very closely with the weather bureau and all of our camera operators and journalists out on the ground across Regional Victoria to make sure we are getting the most accurate and up-to-date weather details to our viewers. It’s been a real privilege to deliver localised weather bulletins for all Victorians, rather than a one size fits all metro bulletin which they’ve had in the past.
What are you looking forward to enjoying now that the weather is fining up?
Well first things first, it makes getting the kids out and about so much easier. When you don’t have to put sixteen layers of clothes on them as well as closed-toed shoes, rain jackets and beanies, it so much quicker and more enjoyable to get around. Apart from that, anyone with kids knows the best place for them is outdoors. So, I love when the weather warms up and we can spend the best part of our day in the playground and on our bikes.
We know you and the family love Noosa, are there any other hideaways you like to escape to?
To be honest, working full time, means our best days ared ays spent together at home. We are very lucky to live across the road from some extensive parkland so we are always out walking and riding our bikes. It really is our happy place.
Otherwise, we’re hanging out for cherry picking season to head down to the Mornington Peninsula later in the month. And when it’s really hot we spend a lot of time down at the beach in Anglesea and Lorne. We may even embark on our first family of six camping trip in early January. I’m ready for it but my husband’s a little apprehensive – but hey nothing ventured nothing gained! So, we’ll see how we go!