New routines for Lisa

Power couple Lisa Surihani and Yusry Abdul Halim reveal what it’s like to be parenting two kids, writes Syahirah Mokhtazar

WHEN popular actress Lisa Surihani was asked what it’s like to be a mother of two, she laughed and enthusiastically (with a hint of sarcasm) replied: “It’s fantastic! Can’t you tell from my eyebags?” (indicating she is very much sleep-deprived).

“Jokes aside, it’s simply a wonderful and rewarding experience. At times, I pinch myself again and again as it’s hard to believe I now have two kids,” says the 31-year-old celebrity.

The actress had in April gave birth to a son, Yusof Leonne. Yusof has a sister, Yahaira Leanne, who will turn 2 in September. As Lisa and Yusry adapt to the new changes in their lives, they share the one thing that their children has taught them about life.

“They have taught me that my life is not just about ‘me’ anymore. Everything I do, I do it for the kids and my loved ones,” says Yusry, 44.

Lisa chips in: “I used to think that I have the patience of a saint. But now, having children brought a whole new definition of patience. It doesn’t only teach me to be patient in raising a child, but it also teaches me to be patient in other aspects of life too.”

Yusry adds that he realises how much the presence of a mother is crucial in the upbringing of a child. “I mean dads are great too but a mother’s sacrifice is boundless.” “So thank you for that,” he says, lovingly looking at Lisa. THE REGIMENTED LISA

When Yahaira came into the picture, Lisa admitted to being a little regimented in managing her daughter’s sleep and mealtime routine.But if there’s one thing Lisa has learnt as she enters a new phase of motherhood, is that it’s perfectly fine to let loose a bit.

“When I was a mother of one, I made sure Yahaira was fed, showered and slept at a specific time. But after Yusof came along, I toned down a lot.

“For new mothers of two out there, my advice is that it’s okay to ask for help if you’re too tired or are experiencing lack of sleep.

“Learn to let go of certain routines. It is totally okay,” she says.

Yusry adds: “But having said that, I am in awe of how disciplined Lisa is. I guess that’s what being a mother naturally does to someone.

“She not only takes great care of her kids, most importantly, she takes care of herself too, like keeping healthy by working out.”

And speaking of working out, Lisa shares that Yusry never pressured her into losing all the baby weight.“Thankfully, my husband accepts me the way I am, but I just want to better myself,” laughs Lisa.

Jokingly, Yusry says he doesn’t want to force her to workout, for fear that she may ask him to join in.

EBU BABYPEDIA

Riding on the success on the first season of Astro’s popular infotainment series,

Lisa and Yusry will return to host the show’s Season 2, which will air every Wednesday, beginning July 26 on Astro Ria (channel 104) and Ria HD (channel 123) at 10pm.

“What’s special about this new season is that Yahaira will be joining us as well, appearing in all 10 episodes,” says Yusry.

Lisa admits to initially feeling extra nervous about having her daughter on set. “This was our first time working with her and she was quite shy in the beginning.

“But thankfully we worked with a team who went above and beyond to make Yahaira feel comfortable on set. We made sure to wrap up shooting every day at 5pm to ensure she gets enough rest.

“There were times when I got a little confused over the double duties — as the host and as the mother when we were filming. But having said that, it was a natural decision for Yusry and I to co-host the show together with Yahaira,” says Lisa.

In Season 2, they will be exploring topics such as breastfeeding, baby’s sleeping habits, travelling with babies, allergies and more.

Can we expect baby No. 3 should the couple return to host a third season of the show? “Oh my, who knows! But I just gave birth so I’m just going to enjoy being a mother of two for the time being,” says Lisa with a smile.