Cr Catherine Cumming with her four children, from left, Willem, Violet, Zara and Xavier, and husband Darryl Jones. 70130 Picture: NICOLE SULTANA
By Charlene Gatt
Bluestone Ward councillor Catherine Cumming is six months pregnant, and is due to give birth to a little baby boy on 21 November.
The boy will be the latest addition to Cr Cumming’s ever-growing brood, which currently includes Willem, 11, Violet, 10, Zara, 8, and Xavier, who turned two last Friday.
This will be her second pregnancy this council term.
“I needed a little playmate for Xavier,” Cr Cumming explained.
“I kind of thought Xavier would be the last, but once he started nagging about where the kids are, because they’re at school, I thought it would be great to have a little boy.
“I’m happy, I love babies and I’m so lucky – I’ve got great kids.”
Cr Cumming has had a perfect pregnancy so far, with no morning sickness and no trouble carrying out her council duties.
It’s not surprising, seeing as she has had all her children during her 14-year council career.
“I might miss one (council) meeting, if that,” she said.
“I always balance work and the children.
“It’s not like I’m lifting heavy boxes or carrying a bag of cement on my shoulder…meetings are not strenuous, you use your mind and your mouth, and they seem to still work quite sharply.
“I probably get a little more emotional and passionate when I’m pregnant, so you don’t want to mess with me when I’m pregnant!
“When it comes to issues, I try a little harder and it would seem the hormones help me battle a little harder. I wouldn’t consider myself a pushover pregnant woman.
“I’ve actually found being a mother has made me a better councillor.
“When I first got on the council I was 24 and had no children, and I’ve had all my children since I’ve been on council.
“Once I started having children, I learned about the maternal and child health care services, story time at the library and what state our parks and toilets are in.”
