Heidi Klum is Rockin’ the Runway & Ready for #3
from Bravo to babies, Sydney scoops model mama Klum

Fashion icon. Designer. Actress. Artist. Mother. “Okay” I think to myself, “just stay calm and collected. Maintain your mojo.” Nerves start to get the best of me as I walk on set to meet Heidi Klum, the primary Auf'er and pretty face of fashion phenomenon Project Runway.

This model mama rules! (on and off of the runway)

But before I have a chance to wonder whether I am “in or out,” I notice a dribble of drool dangling dangerously close to Heidi’s gorgeous silk blouse. As she passes son Henry safely to a friend, our eyes meet and we burst into giggles at the close call. As soon as we start gabbing about Heidi’s pregnancy, parenthood, and passions, I realize that the nervous butterflies have been replaced with a deep adoration for my new mojo mentor (who feels a lot like an old friend).

When I was pregnant with Skye, I absolutely could not do without my Chuck Taylors - one size up, unfortunately - and my pomegranate smoothies. What are your pregnancy must-haves?
Comfortable clothes, especially long t-shirts and stretchy jeans.

Comfort really is key - and maternity fashion has come such a long way recently thanks in part to fabulous fashionistas like yourself. What’s your secret?
I have a great clothing collection – from maternity to non-maternity. I like to mix and match so I’m not just wearing maternity clothes. Especially with fashion in the last year or two, there have been lots of flowy looks, Empire waists, etc., so it’s actually been perfect for all us pregnant ladies.

With such a style-savvy mama, your kids must be some trendy tots. What do they like to wear?
My daughter Leni dresses in everything from an adorable ballerina tutu – for fun – to the most comfortable jeans to run around in.

For many mamas, finding baby gear can be just as difficult as selecting a stylish maternity wardrobe. What do you look for in great gear?
I like different strollers for different occasions – easy fold-up ones for quick shopping trips to sturdier ones for going on long walks in the park. As for diaper bags, I change it up. Sometimes I don’t even use a ‘diaper’ bag, I just use regular oversized totes so I don’t have to deal with so much baggage.

So true - there’s just no limit to the amount of stuff mamas have to tote around with them “just in case.” After all, pregnancy and parenthood are a lesson in expecting the unexpected. What has been your biggest surprise thus far?
There’s not really anything you can expect – nothing you can specifically prepare for in advance. I found out that I learn as I go what works for me. So in a way, it’s like everything and nothing is a surprise – because you don’t know what it’s going to be like to be pregnant, give birth, and raise kids until you are actually doing it.

That’s where good advice can help, even though it often takes some digging to uncover a pearl of wisdom in the sea of opinions. What is the best piece of parenting advice you’ve ever received?
To find your own way. There’s no one magic tip or piece of advice that works for everyone.

So, I’m curious about what you have coming up. Name one thing you’ll do in the next six months that you’ve never done before.
Well, I guess it’ll be dealing with three kids instead of two!

I am so busy with just one child, I can’t even imagine three. You truly are a mama with mojo. I think every mom has some mojo, even when they are sporting spit-up and digging for diapers. What real-life “mama with mojo” do you admire the most and why?
My own mom, of course! She took us along everywhere from restaurants to shops while we were growing up – we were always included!

It sounds like you learned to multi-task from her! Many of my mojo moments happen in the darkroom while I’m rocking out to the Ramones. What is your secret to maintaining your own mojo and balancing the responsibilities of being a mom?
I think even as a mom, you still have to follow your own personal dreams, hobbies, business – whatever makes you tick – even though you have children. It’s best to find a way to make all of those elements of life balance together somehow!

I totally agree. Part of the reason I got into photography was to give myself a reason to travel with my family. If I gave you a one-way ticket to anywhere in the world with your family, where would you go?
Into Fantasy Land – where there are no time restrictions, no emails, no bills, no violence, no sleepless nights – and instead, just great food, music, sun, fun times with your family; just kind of a perfect place – that’s my dream ticket!

It sounds like family is one of your greatest gifts. What’s the best present a man has ever given you?
To share his life with me.

That is so sweet! You know, I have just one more question. Since I spend a lot of time reading while I’m waiting for flights, I’ve been dying to ask you, what book sits with a tattered cover on your bedside table?
Trees Make the Best Mobiles by Jessica Teach and Brandel France de Bravo. It’s a great book about letting kids use their imaginations.

So what’s next for Heidi? There are not a lot of tasks this fabulous fashionista hasn’t tackled. Luckily, like her own mother, this modern mama with mojo is a magnificent multi-tasker…Drool or no drool.