The Shape I'm In: Rita Talty Ó Sé, New Jersey Rose

EVERY day is a school day — so says Rita Talty Ó Sé, wife of Today host Daithí Ó Sé, about her experience of motherhood.

The couple’s son, Mícheál Óg, 16 months, is “flying around and into everything”. He’s learning from her and she’s learning from him.

“It has been a good journey, so far, the best thing ever. Daithí and I have learned a lot. We adjust everyday and I try not to get too stressed about things.”

The 2008 New Jersey Rose — whose relationship with the Kerry-born TV presenter kicked off on Facebook, when the couple started messaging each other — says she misses her family and particularly her mother, now that she has become a mum herself.

“I wish my mom was closer. My brothers all have children and it would be nice to have them around.”

And there are a few other things she misses about the US. “I love Target [American chain of stores]. It has everything and anything under the one roof. I’m a coeliac and I miss American pizza.

“I also miss the group of girlfriends that I grew up with,” says the 31-year-old, whose parents are from Co Clare.

She and Daithí are ambassadors for Toddlebox, a nutrition initiative to teach Irish parents how to feed their toddlers a healthy diet.

“Like every parent, we struggle at mealtimes. We want to ensure Mícheál Óg gets the right nutrients,” says Rita.

“He loves the rice pudding I make him and he likes shepherd’s pie. He’s a typical Irish boy — he loves his meat and potatoes! I wish I could get him to eat more vegetables.

"I have to put mashed vegetables into little balls and he’ll eat them off his tray.” When it comes to sleep, however, the couple have had it lucky.

“He has been a very good sleeper since the day he was born. He goes to bed at 6.30pm and he naps during the day. We have no complaints in that department!”

For more information on the Toddlebox initiative, visit www.toddlebox.ie

What shape are you in?

I’m in pretty good shape. Like everyone, I strive to be better. Chasing around after a toddler keeps me fit.

What are your healthiest eating habits?

I’m coeliac, so I eat a lot of protein, fruit and vegetables. When I’m eating out, I always go for salads, just in case. Mom used to cook healthily and that’s how I eat.

I wouldn’t be a big bread-eater.

What’s your guiltiest pleasure?

Now and again, I love a good bag of Haribos. I love French fries. I love twirls.

What would keep you awake at night?

Did Micheál eat enough during the day? Did I stimulate him enough? Is he learning enough?

As a parent, you feel a lot of guilt and worry — maybe about things you shouldn’t.

How do you relax?

When Micheál goes to bed, I watch TV, go on the internet, read a book — chill out when I have that downtime. Daithí’s home an hour or two after — I like to take just that five minutes to myself.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I’d invite my grandparents, and Daithí’s father, to meet Micheál — just so they could see what kind of character he is. He’s a lot like his grandfather — the two are messers!

What’s your favourite smell?

I love being in a store and getting the scent of Flower Bowl perfume, for a happy reason — my mom wears it and it reminds me of her.

What would you change about your appearance?

Where do I begin? As women, we’re really hard on ourselves. If I could lose 5lbs, I’d be happy.

When did you last cry?

Last time I cried was around Easter weekend. Micheál was very sick for about a week, with a bad stomach virus.

It broke my heart to see him like that — I couldn’t do anything to make him better. It’s the worst thing to see a small baby that sick and he can’t communicate.

What trait do you least like in others?

I don’t like competitiveness and cattiness.

What trait do you least like in yourself?

I’m so indecisive — I wish I wasn’t.

Do you pray?

I do, every night, when I put Micheál down to bed and I give him his last bottle of the day. I usually say a few prayers over him and thank God for all our blessings.

What would cheer up your day?

If a brownie hot fudge sundae was calorie-free.