Elyse Knowles shares a pregnancy health update and her top tips for travelling with kids
"I had a lot of morning sickness and felt exhausted."
The Block 2017 winners Elyse Knowles and Josh Barker announced the birth of their first child, Sunny in February 2021 and earlier this year revealed they are expecting baby number two.
While the family is based in Northern NSW, in a chat with Bounty Parents, Elyse says that travel and seeing the world is something they plan to do plenty of as a family.
Earlier this year, Josh and Elyse announced they were expecting their second child.
Congratulations on your pregnancy! How have you been feeling?
Thank you kindly. I struggled until about 20 weeks. I had a lot of morning sickness and felt exhausted. Having Sunny to look after this time took things to a new level, but at the moment I feel fine. I do get exhausted and my energy levels are low, but I just need to learn to slow down. I’m not good at that!
Sunny turned two in February – how did you spend his special day?
Yes, Sunny boy is 2! I can’t believe it. It really is true that your kids grow up so fast. We spent the day at the Bay of Fires in Tasmania. Very simple. Camping with our Dometic set up, white sand, red rocks and blue water. It was insane. No big parties, just us as a family, a little pressie and a cupcake with candles that we blew out a million times. Heaven.
“Yes, Sunny boy is 2! I can’t believe it.”
What are your best tips for a family holiday?
If you are dry and warm, have a space to keep food cold and a comfy bed you are pretty much good to go.
When planning a family holiday what destinations are on the top of your list?
We want to go back to Tassie and spend longer down there. It’s so untouched, every destination looks and feel completely different! We love heading to Morton Island and Stradbroke Island in Queensland also.
Elyse, Josh and Sunny explore Tasmania.
What are your best packing tips for travelling with Sunny?
Correct clothing for the weather is important. We take his cot, which is a familiar bed for him, and his sleeping sacks and ‘ fluffy’ which usually means he will sleep. It’s never a given though as he isn’t a good sleeper even at home!
Do you have any other travel hacks for parents travelling with little ones?
If you are camping and have the ability to take food from home, pre make some easy snacks and meals and store them in the fridge. The kids are always hungry right when you haven’t cooked dinner yet or you’re out exploring.
Many parents might be put off camping with young kids as it’s too hard and they miss the comforts of a hotel. What do you love about camping?
I think if you travel with other families it’s so fine and a great adventure. The kids play with each other, they explore, they play in the mud or sand and entertain each other in nature. Also if you are all not sleeping you totally understand each others pain, haha!
