By Angie Hilton
I met Aimee Smith at a football function through our hubbies. I love how within five minutes we were talking about the meaning of life! And by the end of the night we felt like lifelong friends.
But anyone who meets Aimee would feel this way. She looks at you with big doe-eyes that say, “I deeply care about you and I want to know all about you” (and she genuinely means it).
She’s married to Geelong football star Zac Smith. They’re due to have their first bub in August. You couldn’t meet a kinder (or taller) couple.
Amy, let’s cut straight to the heart of things. Tell me about your love of people. I’m always fascinated by how obvious it is that you really love people and they love you right back!
(Laughs) I find people so amazing that sometimes I think about all the people in the world I will never get to meet and it makes me sad! I just think that every human being was created with such unique traits and personalities. Everyone is on their own journey and has their own story. I love talking to people, hearing their story and finding out what their heart beats for. I believe that as humans we’re not meant to walk this journey of life alone, isolated, hiding behind our phones. Relationship and community are one of God’s gifts to us.
I know faith is a big part of yours and Zac’s lives. Can you tell me about how it has changed your life for the better and what lead you to it in the first place?
I wasn’t brought up believing in God. I guess I always just thought there had to be something bigger out there but didn’t really know what or who. My younger sister starting going to church actually and my mum sent me to check it out to make sure it wasn’t a cult or anything weird! It was then that through going to church and reading the bible for myself, I found God in a really, real way. Things just started to make sense for me – I saw the world in a new way. I realised we aren’t here by mistake; we were created with a purpose. I can honestly say that since I’ve had a faith in God I’ve never been happier, more filled with hope, more secure in who I am. This is where that love for others comes from.
Was it your faith that lead you to the love of your life?
Yes, we met at church on the Gold Coast in 2010. He was my first boyfriend and I was his first girlfriend! We got married in 2012 and the rest is history!
That’s so sweet that you were both each other’s first love. We would love to hear the full romantic story of when you met. How did it all unfold?
Well part of my role at church was to welcome anyone who was new and make everyone feel welcome. Zac came to church one Sunday night with a mutual friend of ours. I was the first one to go up to him and introduce myself, and it wasn’t until I was standing right next to him that I was like ‘whoa who is this beautiful giant human!’ Now if you haven’t met Zac before he’s a gentle giant, reserved and a bit quiet at first. Me on the other hand, well we couldn’t be more opposite in that regard. So long story short, he did stalk me on social media and ask for my number, but then it took him weeks and weeks to ask me out on a date. I got to the point where I thought there was no way he was actually interested, but it turned out he was just so shy. We went to lunch at this beachside cafe on the Gold Coast. I was so nervous and I hadn’t been on a proper date before, so I wasn’t aware that it’s a bit full on to interrogate someone on the first date. I’m surprised the poor guy didn’t run off then and there. But that being said, we were both new to the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing so it was pretty funny looking back. That was when we were 19. We then got married at 22 and now we’ve been married for almost six years!
How did Zac propose to you?
He took me out for a picnic first and then, as the sun went down, we went up to this place called the Springbrook National Park where you can walk to the glow worm caves and waterfalls. We had done that on one of our first dates, so it was a special place for us. As I was looking out to one of the waterfalls I turned around to see that he was knelt down on one knee behind me, with a ring in hand he blurted out ‘Will you marry me?’ My heart immediately melted and of course I said yes!
You’re about to move into a whole new phase of your life with motherhood. How are you feeling about it?
I couldn’t be more excited to be honest. It’s the first thing I think about every day when I wake up. It’s definitely daunting knowing we will be responsible for a real life human. But I’m up for the challenge.
How has the pregnancy been so far?
I have been so lucky, almost to the point where I feel mean talking about it in front of some of my friends who had rough pregnancies. I didn’t suffer with any morning sickness in the first trimester and the second trimester flew by. I’m in my third trimester now and am starting to feel the weight of it all – literally (laughs). My hips, back and knees are aching, but all in all I’ve actually really enjoyed being pregnant so far.
Have you got a birth plan?
The only plan I have so far is to get the baby out, and for her to be healthy. I’m pretty open to whatever the doctors have to do to make that happen. The dream of course would be to have a quick labour and to lie there thinking, ‘oh wow it really isn’t as bad as everyone says’, then I sneeze and she pops out! But somehow I don’t think that’s very realistic? (laughs)
What kind of teammate do you think Zac will be in the final quarter?
I think he will be so supportive. Surely he has the endurance to stay awake and not fall asleep on the job (laughs). Also, I would bet big dollars on him crying.
How would you describe the mum you would like to be?
Gosh that is such a hard question. I want to be a mum that is loving, accepting and fun. I hope to be a mother that accepts and forgives herself, as I know I’m bound to make plenty of mistakes along the way and that’s okay. As long as I don’t leave the baby outside with the dog when we go out – that on the other hand I’ve heard is not OK (laughs).
What type of dad do you imagine Zac to be?
Zac is going to be the best dad! I have a feeling he is going to end up being the fun parent and I’ll be the ‘mean’ parent. He is a big softie and would do anything for our family.
Are there any tips you will take from the way your parents raised you?
Absolutely. My parents had a great way of being able to have rules and discipline but still allowing us to grow up as individuals, giving us the opportunity to go and make mistakes and learn what the world is about for ourselves.
If you could give your baby girl one piece of advice for life, what would that be?
Never leave me (laughs). Just kidding! This scripture says it perfectly in 1 Peter 3:3-4. “What matters is not your outer appearance – the styling of your hair, the jewellery you wear, the cut of your clothes – but your inner disposition. Cultivate inner beauty, the gentle gracious kind that God delights in.”
Best of luck Aimee! That little baby is one lucky girl.
Snapshot of Aimee …
Name: Aimee Smith
Age: 27
Day job: Learning support teacher
Furry friend? Yes! My first baby, Indy. She is a Bernese Mountain Dog, completely spoilt and the love of my life. Oops is that supposed to be my husband?
Baby due date? 1 August.
Pink/blue/or secret? A BABY GIRL!
Cravings? I go through phases, but mainly salt and vinegar chips, orange juice and all chocolate!
Favorite quote? “We meet no ordinary people in our lives, if you give them the chance everyone has something amazing to offer” – Ryan Seacrest
Favorite movie? An old fave is 10 things I Hate About You!
Three people living or passed you would love to have for dinner? My grandad, Michael Jackson and Jesus.
If you could be famous for something what would that be? Well, I can eat an impressive/disgusting amount of cinema popcorn! You know how most people get a bucket to share and there’s always some left over? Well, let’s just say I could get my own and still go back for more. Can you be famous for that?
Hubby: Zac Smith
Day job: Plays AFL for the Geelong Cats
Three words to describe Zac: Kind-hearted, genuine and TALL.
Height: 2.06m
Zac’s worst habit: Ooh, can I only pick one? Cracking his neck. No wait, kicking the blankets off the bed. Actually, maybe it’s his extraordinary ability to zone me out when he’s watching footy!
What would he say your worst habit is? Biting my nails for sure.
