lazy days

NORA Tea

2018-08-07T08:30:00.000-04:00

We are so disconnected from our cycles - and often ignore it.

There is a lot of pressure to keep a “normal” pace. The changes in hormones within our body can have dramatic effects on our internal energy and needs changes to be made on the outside to compensate. Mood changes. Over exhausted. Migraines. Weight issues.

I ignored my irregular cycle for so long and never took the time to listen, I had a hard time finding a doctor who would help. When I did finally find a doctor and MIDWIFE that were educated on PCOS and gave me the correct information - it was so validating.

What has worked for me and my body is giving myself the space and time for self care. Not judging myself for using pharmaceuticals. Practicing awareness and communicate with those around me so they are aware of my situation. So often we try to handle everything on our own - at least I do. And we forget that we are surrounded by people willing to help and support us. But they don't always know we need that extra help unless we speak up for ourselves.

You are your own biggest advocate. Use your voice to give yourself the love/care and attention you deserve.

Today I want to share with you one of my favorite remedies - and rituals - which is fitting since - NORA tea.

NORA tea is an herbal tea that consists of nettles, oatstraw, red raspberry leaf and alfalfa.

Traditionally recommended in pregnancy by midwives, it has many healthful benefits and preventative properties. The herbs in NORA tea are specifically chosen because their content and herbal actions are so beneficial to women in their childbearing year.

Many women choose not to continue taking prenatal vitamins after committing to drinking quantities of this tea everyday. It is that complete!

NORA tea is also beneficial for women with any sort of reproductive issue from painful periods to PMS to endometriosis to PCOS. Many recommend to try NORA tea and changing your diet and then go for the pharmaceuticals.

NORA tea stimulates your system to optimal health, optimizes mineral absorption, guards against anemia’s and maximizes the health of the liver, thereby helping to prevent many common pregnancy complaints, or minimize them.

Mix 2 parts (8 oz.) Raspberry Leaf and Nettles to 1 part (4 oz.) Alfalfa and Oat Straw. Mix well and place in a ziplock baggie. A large plastic Rubbermaid type container works well for mixing it. You can also add either Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon Balm, or Rose Hips (a sour taste) for flavor. Buy small amounts at a health food store, in order to try them.

To Prepare: (In the Evening) Place a half an inch of herb in the bottom of a quart size canning jar (a handful or two). Experiment with the amount of herb and strength of the taste to find what works for you. But please make sure there is at least approximately ½ an inch in the jar. Fill the jar to ½ to ¾ of an inch from the top with boiling water. Stir the herbs down into the water so that they are all wet and mixed in and not floating. Cover the jar with a lid or small plate to retain the essential oils and let sit overnight. In the morning, strain using a small mesh strainer into another canning jar and your “tea” (technically an infusion, a concentrated tea) is now ready. Since this is a highly nutritious drink it is also strongly flavored.

To Use:

Add the above recommended herbs for a more dominant flavor.

Add ice.

Add Honey, blackstrap molasses (source of iron), molasses, sorghum, or maple syrup to sweeten.

I've never able to find NORA tea in stores and have always bought the individual teas to mix it myself. If you're interested in purchasing a gallon sized bag of NORA tea, I am selling bags for $15 - which is great price for that much organic tea!

Teaching Kids Mindfulness

2018-08-06T13:18:00.000-04:00

Benicio started Kindergarten last week and there were a lot of emotions.

The night before his first day he had a hard time falling asleep.

Tossing and turning. Rambling.

Eventually, he yelled out “I’m not excited about school - I’m nervous! What if I have to get up and introduce myself?!”

So I said, then you stand up and say "I’M BENICIO POWER!" [[insert hero stance]]

We then went through a list of all the things he loves - science, prehistoric creatures, robots, electricity and rainbows. AND we talked about how it is normal and ok to feel nervous and scared. That these feelings come up with there are big changes in life. That it is good to acknowledge and talk about those feelings - and feel them.

Next we did some breathing. I usually start with a loud ujjayi - you completely fill your lungs, while slightly contracting your throat, and breathe through your nose. I've used this technique since they were babies - helps calm the mind and warm the body.

Then we did some meditation. And y’all. Being able to share that "tool" with him and feel him calm and relax in my arms and fall asleep is simply everything.

Here are two of my favorite yoga/meditation books for kids and our favorite kids yoga channel - because I'm not that entertaining!

Cosmic Kids Yoga

Womens Circle

2018-03-21T20:21:00.000-04:00

Last weekend I got to host my first women's circle.

My goal with these gatherings is not only to share and build community but also to educate.

Women are trying to be good wives, mothers, lovers, friends and employees, but we are also in a constant cycle. Just like the moon.

Our energy ebbs and flows, it is powerful and we cannot deny or ignore it.

If our body wants to retreat before our bleed, but we ignore that feeling and force ourselves to work against that, we will almost certainly end up more stressed and impatient. Life will feel difficult, and you will feel more tired and angry.

We are so disconnected from our cycles.

Our periods or moon cycles still carry the stigma of shame and embarrassment.

We try our hardest to ignore this natural rhythm, to keep doing what is expected of us - going at our “normal” pace. The changes in hormones within our body can have dramatic effects on our internal energy and influences how we compensate externally.

Looking forward to continuing this discussion and building community!

https://thehappywomb.com

How Moana Helped Me

2018-03-01T08:30:00.000-05:00

As a parent and a person.

When we got back from our camping trip, Luna immediately asked if we could watch Moana - everyone screamed NOO!

We admittedly were a little tired of it.

She patiently waited till Monday when Benicio was back in school and I let her watch it for the umpteenth time.

SPOILERS AHEAD

(Can we take a moment to pause and recognize that I majored in Film Studies: Body Genres and today I am writing about Moana...k, thank you, Hope Scholarship.)

So, as the movie came to its climax where Moana realizes that Te Ka is in fact Te Fiti and she sings:

This is not who you are

You know who you are

Who you truly are

I had a moment. (I always do at this part.) I have a lot of moments in the movie. But anyways. After Te Fiti's heart was stolen she became consumed with anger - an anger that manifested itself in fire and destruction. She felt betrayal and was consumed by it. She had let her emotions consume her. And then Moana comes alone and she's like HEY remember you're like this badass ALL POWERFUL GODDESS OF LIFE. And she's like you're right and flexes her muscles busting out of the lava and magma back into her beautiful, green self.

So, back to real life.

Last night, Benicio was having a meltdown - Te Ka. My goal has been to equip my kids with tools to accept those feelings and cope - recognize that having all these emotions and feelings is normal and ok - and finding ways on how to cope and manage them. All the feelings.

It's been a learning process for all of us. I've pulled so much of it from my yoga teacher training - which I am forever grateful to Tough Love for giving me that gift.

Back to meltdown. It was escalating. Bobby took Luna out of the room and I sat down on the couch with him. Giving him space. Letting him be angry. Giving him time till I felt he was ready to let me talk. In those situations I put myself in his place. I remember being a child and feeling like I had no control over my feelings. The more someone said stop crying, stop being sad/angry the more it fed those feelings. (As a side note, Bobby and I definitely alternate - on who is the parent to take this role and its all about feeling who is more currently tuned in and open it. Being open and listing to your own intuition. Because if I'm tired and feeling impatient, I'm not going to help.)

Once he was to the point where we could talk, I asked him:

Do you feel like your anger takes over your body? Yes

Do you feel like you can't control it? Sometimes

Does it make you think mad thoughts? No - sad

Did you know you can control your thoughts? (Seems like a dumb question but when you're in it you sometimes forget you can change that path) Here I started talking about how Te Fiti let her anger control her and she turned into Te Ka (him mad because Luna broke one of his toys and going into a meltdown). We talked about how it is normal to get angry, feel angry - but let's work to not let ourselves be controlled by our anger.

So next we took some breaths together, we cuddled, and then we started talking about all the things that make him feel happy - jumping off tall things, running in an open field, seeing each other in the morning, feeling the sun shining on your face - and more cuddles.

All of this took place in maybe ten minutes. Its hard because every time it happens you don't always have the space and time - or help from someone else to watch the other child to focus on the one who needs more attention. But my goal and hope is that eventually, he will be able to recognize when these feelings start and he can start going through it on his own - stopping to check his breath, laying down and thinking those happy thoughts. Taking a moment to reset.

What are some tools/tips you wish you had as a kid? Or what have you found as an adult helps you cope with your feelings?

Camping with Kids

2018-02-28T08:38:00.000-05:00

This weekend we went camping at Stephen C Foster State Park which is the primary entrance for Okefenokee Swamp.

As prep, I took the kids hiking to Arabia Mountain last week.

My tips for camping with kids are to:

Just do it. Know that it isn't going to go as planned and accept that.
Choose a campsite close to the bathroom. Also a great way to meet you neighbors!
Don't stress over meltdowns/tantrums. We've all been there - and know that everyone else is there for the same reasons.
Don't trust Pinterest meals - if it looks super easy, it probably isn't going to work out.
Pack your clothes in order of the days (Sunday on the bottom, Saturday pjs, Saturday day, Friday pjs).
Plan activities but don't be ruled by them! We knew we were going do a boat tour and made a note of all the times so we could catch one. Other simple activities: scavenger hunts, frisbee, building a fire, cooking (popcorn!), binoculars eye spy, playground - and simply walking around.

Swamp Boat Tour Pictures!

Lots and lots and lots (15K lots) gators

Definitely a bucket list to visit the swamp. I want to go to the everglades now.

There's something about swamps that are so beautifully sad. They are full of history. They seen so much pain and continue to grow and flourish - all that pain creates this nutrient rich muck.

Luna turns 3!

2018-02-27T11:15:00.000-05:00

Better late than never, right?

Last January, Bobby brought home Luna a stuffed pig from a work trip. This started her love for pigs - not Peppa pig - pigs. She loves them. She loves to visit farms and watch videos of them. I told her some people even have pigs as pets and her mind was blown.

I thought it would be a lot of fun to have a pig come visit for her birthday but those mobile farms are pretty expensive and I didn't want to take a chance on someone's brother's friend's cousin who lives on a farm's pig.

So, I opted to make my own pig decorations.

We had a really fun birthday party at our house - enjoying her favorites: macaroni and cheese, strawberries, pink donuts, and more cheese.

She loves her new pink doc Martens!

And pinky pie dress

And of course, shopping with Mamma

In the Mood to Create

2018-02-07T20:58:00.001-05:00

Women, does anybody else notice how their moods and energy change throughout their cycle?

Growing up, all anyone ever talked about was PMS. You never heard about anything else. Tracking my cycles I've been able to track my moods and thus take better care of myself. I know when to expect to feel tired, I know when to expect to feel irritable, and I know when to expect to feel more motivated.

I've noticed that right after my period ends, I have a couple down days that almost feel like a recovery/transition phase. As I near my "fertile window" as my handy cycle tracking app likes to call it - I feel crazy motivated. I clean, I craft, I workout, I write. And my mood is a ten. Granted, I realize this is because my body is wanting to procreate.

Side note, can it be ok and accepted for women to talk about their cycles and fertility without everyone jumping to the conclusion that they are trying to get pregnant? Let women reclaim their fertility and have the space to talk about it openly.

So, what am I working on this month?

Benicio's Valentine's mailbox - he's requested a batman theme. I'm planning to rep all the pieces and have him assemble and add the final touches.

Luna's Valentine's mailbox - she has requested a flying unicorn theme.

(I made the mistake (maybe?) of showing them ideas on Pinterest hence them coming up with these elaborate ideas.)

Salt scrubs - as winter comes to an end I like to exfoliate and prepare my skin for the SUN

Getting my plan for New Moon Women's Circle ready

Preparing for our camping trip! Not really creating but preparing and planning is fun!

My take away from this: start tracking your cycles and you will find so much clarity.

At a super duper quick glance, here are some links I found on the interwebs that talk about how mood changes throughout your cycle.

Female Hormone Cycle

The Important of Listening to Our Menstrual Cycle

Mood Chart

Coming up - what's help get organized to accomplish these tasks and what remedies/exercises help me cope during my menstrual cycle and all those mood changes!

Decolonizing our bodies

2018-01-18T11:57:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I listened to this really awesome podcast, Decolonize the Body, from a show called How to Survive the End of the World.

There has been lots of talk these days about decolonizing. And I love it. It feels amazing to feel validated. All these emotions of pain and sadness from when I was a child and being called too hairy, too curvy, too dark. It feels validating to finally hear - thats bullshit. These are just the words from an oppressive culture. These are the words from major corporations trying to sell you whatever is their latest trend. These are the words that have been handed down for centuries causing women to disfigure and harm there bodies. To be whiter, thinner, blonder.

In the podcast, they posed the question - when was the first time someone expressed disgust at my body.

I thought to myself and remembered when I was third grade - sitting at my desk - minding my own business - doing my work - doing my best to blend in and stay quiet - the boy next to me GASPED at the sight of the hair on my arms. He then called me a hairy Mexican.

I felt so ashamed and embarrassed. I didn't want to tell anybody else. I didn't want to tell my mom because I was afraid of passing on that shame to her. I kept it to myself.

This one stupid little comment I let cause me so much shame which led me to shaving my arms, bleaching my arm hairs and even wearing long sleeves through the summer - which is long and hot in Georgia. I say I let - but the truth is I was a child - and this is what happens when a child lives in a world where everyone around them doesn't look like them. Where all the people in ads don't look like them. All the dolls they have don't look like them. This was the first comment that really made it loud and apparent to me that I didn't look like everyone else and gradually grew.

Fortunately, as I've grown older and become a mother, I've reclaimed my body. This is also thanks in part to a lover who loves my body for the way that it is and admires and appreciates all the magic that it is capable of. And to finally opening my ears to the words from the women around me and for giving me the space to be my beautiful self.

"The thing we want to punish most is the thing that looks like abundance"

Pregnancy to me has always been a magical experience - a time when I experience my full potential as a human. Not to say that through pregnancy is the only way - but for me - that was my awakening. My realization that I am so much more and that the time spent worrying about all our petty little things was time wasted. Energy wasted.

So where am I going with all this?

Maybe you'll read these words and they can serve as a reminder to stop stressing and comparing your body. To stop worrying. To instead give yourself that extra love. And know that you are beautiful the way you. were created. That you are magic and capable of so much more. To be content and savor the goodness of yourself.

Teaching our littles about social justice

2018-01-13T13:39:00.000-05:00

This week we've been focusing on reading books about civil rights and Martin Luther King, Jr.

(Benicio's sign for MLK Jr Day)

When it comes to teaching our littles and helping them to understand, it helps to find great books that help us to articulate some of these harder topics.

I think a lot of times people don't give kids enough credit thinking they're too young or innocent to understand. Or they don't want to ruin their childhood. But not only are they able to understand but they're able to retain it and apply it.

Benicio loves to learn and ask questions. As soon as we read our MLK book he asked to make a sign - you can see it on my instagram.

It is very important to teach our children about slavery, segregation and the civil rights. It is very important because we are still living in a world where racism is rampant and they need to understand how to identify and why it isn't ok and that they can (and should) speak out against it.

One Year of 45

2017-11-08T20:18:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow marks one year of 45.

One year of a slap in the face wake up call. To stop staring at your phone. To stop thinking about brunch. To stop excusing your racist aunt. Time to stop saying with love we can come together and to start calling out people's bullshit and really take action. Being blunt and honest.

I'm sharing this post from last year as I dust off my blog. I am super happy to say after today's midterm election there has been progress. Lots.

In the last 3 years, we have moved from Atlanta to Denver to Durham and back to Atlanta.

We've gained a lot in each of those cities but we realized that Atlanta is truly our home. Atlanta is the place that gives that homey feeling in our hearts. We are community thrives and were we feel motivated.

Growing up in East Cobb, I was called a dirty Mexican, a hairy Mexican, a wet back, a spic, an illegal. Asked constantly if I spoke Mexican. To the point I refused to speak Spanish. From elementary to middle school, those words turned into a slutty Mexican, a Mexican whore. Or just slut. And whore. All the way until high school.

And now I'm wondering - did they just learn to be quiet about it and do it behind my back? Are those voices going to be loud and proud now? Will they be corrected? What does this mean for our country and our future? What does this mean for my children? My culture and heritage are already pushed out enough. Will they be allowed to celebrate any of it openly? What does this mean for my daughter?

How is it that our next president is a rapist, fascist bully with no experience. NO EXPERIENCE.

And you tell me he's a good businessman - as if that qualifies you to be president. His victory validates and supports those voices. Misogyny, racism, xenophobia - calling little girls whores just because they're different. LITTLE GIRLS.

You've chosen fear and ignorance, America.

Say goodbye to access to safe and legal abortion, LGBTQ rights, women’s rights, health care, social security, Medicaid and any progress that could be made on climate change or clean energy.

Or any progress, really.

You can go ahead and unfriend me now if you're tired of my "rants" because I'm just getting started.

My heart is broken.

Don't say we need to wait out the next 4 years, now is the time to be louder than ever.

Be louder than those horrible voices full of hate. Be full of love and be loud.

BE LOUD AND PROUD.

FIVE Years

2017-10-29T20:53:00.000-04:00

Five years of Benicio Antonio - mi amorcito!

You are such a sweet, intuitive soul who still says, "gank you!"

You love to learn and every week ask to learn about something new. Magnets, hurricanes, the body - saying I want to learn everything about the body and how it works, Space, gravity! Everything!

You also love to ask all the questions - after attending Bobby's grandmother's funeral, we had lots of talks about death and what happens to the body.

You took it all in and thought about it and said - Mama, when I die, I want to become an owl and I want you to be the mama owl, Luna the baby owl and Daddy will be the tree that we live in.

Let's go down memory lane...

First birthday in Atlanta

Second birthday in Denver

Third birthday in DenverFourth birthday in Durham (horrible screenshot from when we sang)Fifth birthday back in Atlanta!

11 months

2016-01-02T21:54:00.001-05:00

My sweet little Luna - I can't believe that this month you turn one.

This year has been an incredible whirlwind. You're crawling like crazy - a mix of a normal crawl and crab crawl. Recently, you've started pulling yourself up to stand.

You love to talk and dance to any hint of a beat. You love music.

You have six teeth and love to eat food - but still primarily nurse.

You love to be worn. And take all your naps in the carrier. As "annoying" as this might be - this being the second time around and the fact that you're already to turn one makes me realize this phase is already almost done. Makes my eyes water. Being a parent is constantly letting go. Letting go of each stage but welcoming a new awesome phase.

2016

2016-01-02T21:43:00.001-05:00

A new year in a new state.

Something we've always talked about and joked about is how awesome it would be to live near our friends and to be able to raise our families together.

I remember reading an article about the group of friends who built their tiny houses together and thought how awesome it would be.

It became one of those things where we kept talking about and we thought - well, what is stopping us?

Nothing.

So first we said, let's do it in a few year. Or next summer. Then it was before the end of November. We said goodbye to all our dear friends we made. We packed up and moved.

Maybe it's that when things are supposed to be, they happen quickly. Or maybe it's just that we're awesome at taking action and getting shit done when we want to do something.

So we're here - in Durham, NC. Close to our best friends. On the same coast as my sister. With mountains and the beach.

Colorado is amazing and beautiful and I certainly will miss it - and hope to visit in the future - but this feels right. It feels good. To be amongst our friends and have our group together. Like we've been wandering for several years and now we can settle. We found a place to call home.

Here's to a year finding stilling. To being present. To building our home further.

3

2015-10-28T21:12:00.001-04:00

Tomorrow Benicio will be 3 years old.

By far, the best part of this year has been hearing him talk. I love hearing his thoughts and all the random things he says. He's so full of emotion and silliness.

This year has been a big one because he became a brother. A transition I worried about because I didn't want him to feel any less loved but watching him love Luna assures me he's ok and fills my heart. He gets this look of bliss when he's hugging Luna - even if she's screaming.

Recently, he's started opening up more to strangers. He says "hello" and "have a good day". And even makes jokes.

He has the sweetest smile and sparkle in his eyes. I love dropping him off at preschool how he stops to give me a hug and tells me to have a good day with an "I love you". And when I come to pick him up at preschool and I can watch him play with the others. And that moment when he sees me - he lights up. It's a moment that always fills me. I savor those tiny instances. I see you let down your guard and run to me. So much love.

Here's to year 3.

9 months in, 9 months out

2015-10-27T20:56:00.001-04:00

Looking at this picture all I can think is how amazing the female body is to be able to grow, shrink and nourish.

Luna is 9 months today! They've flown by. Time just keeps going - slipping by so fast. There's no stopping it. It simultaneously breaks my heart (realizing my littles are growing) and excites me (realizing they're growing up). It's bittersweet. Realizing how fast time flees from us encourages me to live each day fully. Enjoying all the little moments and to be present. And to follow our hearts.

Luna has two bottom teeth and today I noticed her top 4 are starting to poke through. She's still working in figuring out how to crawl but she knows how to scoot around on her butt. She loves to clap, wave hello and blow kisses. She likes to dance, bang her hands on the table and talk. It sounds like "mama" will be her first word. She shrieks when she's excited (when daddy comes home, when she sees her reflection) or she sees something she wants - and she'll keep shrieking until she gets it.

She's a very content happy baby. She loves to be worn and gives the sweetest snuggles in bed.

Babywearing

2015-08-16T22:12:00.001-04:00

I love to wear my babies. It always makes me laugh when people say something about my hands being full when I wear them because they're not! That's the beauty of it - they're happy, I'm happy and my hands are free. Babywearing is a life saver.

When I found out I was expecting Benicio I didn't even register or look into buying a stroller. Being petite, it seemed more logical to wear than to have to lug some giant contraption around (car seat/stroller). I remember carrying my niece's carseat and hating how it banged into my leg - there was no comfortable way to carry it. And plus, they're nursing so much those first few months it's makes life easier to just kept them right next to the boob.

So, I discovered babywearing. I did lots of reading on different carriers and learned about the benefits of a carrier that provides a wide, supported seat. I started with the k'tan and moby.

K'tan

I loved the ease of the k'tan - very first time user friendly. But the sizing can be tricky - mine is an extra small so Bobby could only use it when it was stretched out. I think they're great for when baby is new. They're affordable and washable. And light enough for summer.

Moby/wraps

I was intimidated by the amount of fabric of the moby. Wrapping has the biggest learning curve but is the most versatile. There are some gorgeous wraps out there and soooo many different ways to use them. With Luna, I bought my first woven wrap (keppeke). It feels surprisingly lightweight, most comfortable - doesn't feel like I'm wearing a carrier - but again that learning curve. I definitely need to keep practicing and try different finishes but we both like it. Makes me wish I had wrapped Benicio. Today, I got a good rucksack back carry with a sweetheart finish. The seat was a little off but she was in there good and fell right asleep for over two hours!

Ring sling

When summer rolled around (with Benicio), I looked for a carrier that was lightweight. I got a Sakura bloom ring sling. I used it a lot with Benicio. For me, it was a great light weight carrier for errands. Once he could stand, he would pop the seat. I used it a few times while I was pregnant when we were at home and he wanted me to hold him during a nap or he was feeling under the weather. I haven't reached for it as much with Luna maybe because it isn't as hot here in Colorado. I like to wear it for special occasions when I don't want to wear a bulky carrier. I plan on bringing the ring sling and wrap for the upcoming weddings we're going to in the fall.

Soft structured carriers (SSCs)

Right before we found out about our move to Colorado, I got a beco Gemini. I needed something so I could wear Beni on my back and pack. He always loved to be worn but this was a whole new level of fun for him. And it was a lifesaver! He would take his naps in there while we went on hikes, while I cleaned, through the airport! I wore him through my pregnancy with Luna. And no, it didn't hurt my back. When I started wearing Luna in the beco he got very upset saying it was his carrier.

Enter our toddler Tula! He pretty quickly outgrew the beco. I got him a toddler Tula which really is amazing - Bobby wears him when we go on hikes. Benicio usually falls asleep pretty quickly too. I like it because it's not bulky. It's comfy and Benicio loves it. He knows that's his carrier.

The buckles on my beco started coming loose and I haven't sent them in to be replaced. Mainly because I have to pay! The whole thing with them coming loose made me really uncomfortable anyways - I was advised to stop using it immediately. A friend let me borrow her ergo in the meantime and I fell in love with it. It was so soft and broken in. I had gotten a standard Tula for Luna as well but didn't like the fit. The ergo felt much more comfortable. Luckily, another friend was selling her ergo which I got. I lot to wear for quick in/out running errands and when we go on hikes.

I joined a group on Facebook called babywearing on a budget. All the carriers are sold under $100. Occasionally you'll see carrier that normally retail for close to $200 being sold there. The world of babywearing is a funny one. It's crazy how expensive they can be and the multitude of choices but if you think about it - they can be a prized tool for mothers that help them survive the day. If baby feels under ther weather, if the toddler is having a meltdown, if you're in a crowded place - keeping them close to you eases them and you.

One thing I really love about babywearing that I've figured out this time around is nursing while babywearing. Having a toddler who is very active means baby takes her naps on the go. This way we're all getting lots of fresh air. And since she's pretty much always on me and knows how to latch on in the carriers, I've got a nice solid supply. Plus, it keeps her very content.

From: http://www.bellybelly.com.au/baby/babywearing-the-benefits/

Babywearing also:

Increases cardiac output, improves circulation, promotes respiration and aids in digestion.

Provides the exact level and kind of stimulation an infant requires, energising their nervous system and creating a quiet, calm alertness in the infant. Decreases the levels of stress hormones circulating in a baby’s blood stream, resulting in a more relaxed, happy baby Develops the muscles needed for the infant to sit, stand and walk.

Enhances motor skills by stimulating the baby’s vestibular system (balance organs) by exposing the baby to a variety of sights, sounds and motion.

Offers easy access to the infant’s food source – mothers’ breast milk, without having to stop or sit down.

6 months

2015-07-12T22:00:00.001-04:00

Today marks half a year that Luna has been here. This past month we have really enjoyed watching her and Benicio begin to interact. He knows how to make her laugh while Bobby and I spend all day trying and trying - he does it so easily.

She's a very observant baby who loves to smile at strangers. She honestly doesn't cry much except for the occasions when she's had enough of the car seat or if it's around her bedtime and she isn't nursing. She likes to cluster feed from 7 until about 9/10 and some nights sleeps the whole way through. Some days she wakes up in the middle of the night just dancing in bed. It's sweet. As tired as we may be the next day, both Bobby and I do still enjoy co sleeping. It makes me happy how much he enjoys having her close to us. So we can all enjoy her sweet snuggles and middle of the dance parties.

She loves to nurse but she doesn't comfort nurse as much as Benicio did. In fact when she's sad or upset she would rather just sit up or be held up. It's a cute moment when she looks around and forgets whatever she was crying over. She'll occasionally fall asleep without nursing but usually needs it. She loves to nurse/nap in the carrier. I've been having problems with my beco and I'm upset at how they're handling it so I've been borrowing my friends ergo. It's so nice and broken in I'm tempted to buy a used one. It's actually more comfortable for me and provides a wider more supportive seat for Luna. I had the Tula but didn't like the fit on me. I love our toddler Tula for Benicio. Maybe I'll do a post on carriers.

Luna started sitting up a couple weeks ago on her own. She picked it up very quickly. We have a feeling she's going to be moving soon. She definitely tries but then falls. We're planning on doing baby led weaning this time around and skipping the whole mess with purée foods. She's really good at grabbing things and bringing them to her both so we have to watch her closely around toys.

So far, she's tried bits of carrots, eggs, toast, banana, lasgana and chicken Alfredo. This week I plan on letting her try avocado. Otherwise, I'll put little bites of whatever I'm eating on her tray. She earnestly tries to get it in her and swallow - big, fun messes.

I've also been taking her to the chiropractor since May to help with her neck mobility. Due to our difficult labor and birth, she has a little trouble moving her head to the left - you can tell in the picture above. She's made lots of progress and is even sleeping with her head turned both ways. She doesn't cry when she gets adjusted and Benicio loves to watch.

He does adore her.

We love sweet Luna! Happy 6 months!

End of the 4th trimester

2015-04-27T09:47:00.001-04:00

Sweet Luna.

These first three months have been the sweetest. The first month was the hardest but mainly just due to the c section and me not feeling 100%. But here we are - recovered and snuggling in bed.

What I've learned is that cosleeping safely, breastfeeding and babywearing keep both of us happy and rested. I remember with Benicio I tried getting him to sleep out of our bed which meant everytime he woke I would have to sit up and get him, nurse, wait till he fell back asleep and then lay him down and then myself which by then it felt like it was only ten more minutes till he woke again. After a month of that he came into bed and we were all resting soundly.

Using the experience from Benicio, I felt more relaxed this time around. There was no panic with the mixed up sleep cycles, or wondering why she wants to nurse all the time or why she only sleeps when held. Because you're a baby and that's what babies do. This your 4th trimester. Yes, you're here in our world but you're slowly waking up to it.

I really enjoyed reading this article and it makes me happy to see listening to my intuition being supported. http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/7119782

Three months of delicious, squishy Luna. You're already using your voice giving us lots of oohs and ahhs. You love to watch your brother and he knows how to make you laugh and smile. And cry - very typical older sibling. You have big beautiful blue eyes and you're starting to grow lighter hair which makes me thing it might look like Benicio's. You love to nurse but don't need the boob to nurse to sleep or when you cry. Sometimes you just want hugs. You love to be worn and recently look around to see what is going on. We love you, Luna.

One full month

2015-02-27T23:52:00.001-05:00

Happy one month, Baby Luna!

My sweet girl! You're such a content, laid back baby. Something about you tells me you're an old soul. You've got big beautiful blue eyes and dark brown hair.

You like to sleep with your right arm by your face and you sleep great. Sweet snuggles in the night.

Looking at these pictures I can how much you've grown this month. You've already outgrown your newborn clothes. I'm looking forward to the days when you're more awake but for now I'm going to drink up our lazy days of group naps in the basement with Benicio. Spending all day in our pajamas playing and watching you do tummy time. Letting you nurse all day long and sleep as you please.

My sweet babe, happy one month!

A letter to my precious Luna

2015-02-09T09:12:00.001-05:00

Dearest Luna,

I have often thought about someday writing a letter to you, to share the thoughts and hopes I have carried
with me through the months since the moment your wonderful parents let
me know the great news, that I will be again MamaMia!

Thoughts tumble over me when thinking about you and what a precious gift you have been!

Luna, I am your MamaMia. Luna, If you can learn to say the words right. I’m sure whatever you start to call me will stick, and I will love it. I say this because your Big Brother Benicio who I love so much - he calls me MAMEEY! My heart was so full of love that made me shake! and I know you will too. Because you already did the moment I hold you!

Love always, my beautiful Luna,

TE AMO LUNA!

MamaMia

Luna's birth story

2015-01-27T23:28:00.001-05:00

As I write this, I've got a sweet sleeping babe on my chest that has been here all day enjoying sweet skin to skin snuggles. While Mamamia sleeps beside us in a cot. At the hospital.

What a ride the last 24 hours has been for us.

I woke up yesterday to a gorgeous, beautiful spring like day. Benicio immediately wanted to go outside and play. So we ate our breakfast and got ready to meet our friends at the park. It was a great time and it actually felt hot in sun.

The weather here has been extra dreamy the last few days. We've spent lazy sunny mornings listening to records with Daddy while reading magazines. Benicio kept going for Vice.

Lots of strolls around the neighborhood daydreaming about our future and reminiscing about the past. It's been sweet. Those days where you feel like wow - today would be a perfect day to have a baby.

After the park, we came home and took naps. I woke up before Benicio so I went and took a nice hot shower.

A little back track, I felt light contractions last Wednesday then harder ones Thursday night which convinced me I was going to go into labor Friday but nothing happened. So I stopped saying today was the day and was just going to keep on.

When I got out of the shower, I felt the urge to pee. I stood up when I was done and peed more - this happened a few times and I thought oh great heres a fun new pregnancy symptom - I can't control my bladder. But then I realized it wasn't pee but that my water was leaking. WOW! I called our midwife so she could come over to check me out. Called Bobby so he could come home and let my mom know. I wasn't feeling contractions so I didn't want to get too excited. This was at 3 pm.

By the time Bobby and Janet got to the house, I started having mild contractions that were about ten minutes apart. They started to get everything prepped while I went to Benicio's room to get in the zone and try to get contractions going. Benicio was with Mamamia running errands and playing outside. Nipple stimulation really does work, haha. The contractions quickly picked up I ntensity and were coming every 2-4 minutes.

I kept feeling like I had to go number 2 which meant the baby was posterior/sunny side up. I did everything I could think of to get her to flip but it felt like there wasn't any room. I labored on the toilet and that really increased the intensity of the contractions - my whole body was trembling. I got in the pool for maybe twenty minutes and got a little too relaxed. Things slowed down. So back to the toilet I went. I was progressing fine and contractions were building intensity but baby wasn't descending or flipping to an anterior position. She was moving and kicking but no flips. By 12:25 am I had fully dilated. It's expected that with second babies things normally move quicker. Benicio's labor was only 6 hours and this was already over 9.

When I was fully dilated I started to get the urge to push. It's one of the best and worst sensations. When baby is in position it feels great. The contractions were super intense and my body started to involuntarily push which was putting too much stress on the baby. Around 2:30 am, our midwife suggested we go to the hospital and get an epidural to try and rest and see if it relaxed my muscles enough to turn baby.

That was the worst ten minute drive of my life. It was awful. I was screaming and trembling and pushing. Once we were checked they got us to our room and started prepping me for an epidural. The needle didn't hurt but having to curl your body up into a ball and hold it like that through contractions sucked. Once it was in I quickly felt some relief but baby didn't like it. Her heart rate started acting funny and the doctor said she wasn't comfortable with it and said we needed to think about a c section.

I'm all for homebirth/natural birth, living a natural lifestyle, etc but I also realize and respect that hospitals are here for a reason.

From here it got emotional - obviously. With teary eyes we hugged our dear midwife and got wheeled off to the operating room. Things moved pretty quickly. All the doctors and nurses in the room were all women who were so supportive of us trying to birth naturally. Respecting and understand all the hardwork I had been doing for the last 12 hours and then accepting the fact that my baby had a plan of her own.

At 3:18 am we heard the sweet cries of our baby. Bobby and I immediately started telling them to not announce the gender we wanted to see. To see our sweet baby GIRL. My first reaction when I saw her was OMG she's huge and adorable. She looked like a ten pound baby. Her initial weight was 8 pounds 9 oz! No wonder she didn't have room to turn. As it turned out, she had a knot in her cord and was covered in a lot of meconium. They had to take her to the nicu to make sure she didn't aspirate any.

Bobby stayed with her while I was wheeled off to a post op room. My body felt like it was in shock. I was trembling like crazy and felt like I was freezing. I was also super sleepy. I feel asleep for about an hour and when I woke the trembling had stopped. My nurse told me the baby and Bobby were on their way. The pediatric dr immediately apologized for having kept her away from me longer than expected - which wasn't a big deal since I needed to rest. She put her on my chest and pretty much immediately latched - strongly! She's been here happily all day.

From here they took us to our room and we all passed out. Once we woke up, Bobby and I started talking about a name. We had never decided on a girl name. For some reason there was one ringing around in my head and I felt like it fit her perfectly. Bobby actually picked this name a few months ago and I shot it down. But today when I saw her I thought - MY LUNA. Here you are. We've been waiting for you. Ready to bath you in love and bring you home sweet baby. Luna.

For her middle name we picked Carmen after my Mamamia.

Luna Carmen Power

Our daughter

And just like that she's here. Earthside. With her own story. And it already feels like she's always been here. Always been a piece of us.

Happy New Year!

2015-01-01T00:26:00.001-05:00

Ask and you shall recieve.

At the beginning of the year I put it out into the universe that we wanted to pursue moving out west. That it was time to begin a new adventure. Time to try something new.

Within the first couple months of 2014, Bobby accepted a job in Colorado. It was incredibly hard to say goodbye to friends and family. We quickly made the move and here we are - settling into our new lives. It's been quite the adventure.

We lived with Bobby's oldest brother for two months, spent lots of time exploring the outdoors (photos below) and the biggest surprise - growing another baby.

What do I want to pursue in 2015...

Health

Prosperity

Travel

More yoga - including teaching! I miss teaching more than I expected.

Happy New Year! Love + Light

Snowpocalypse ATL 2014

Bobby's epic journey

Garden of the Gods

Running trail in Colorado Springs

Red Rocks trail

Platte River

Morrison park

Fall foliage on highline canal

Winter at Cornerstone

Christmas 2014

2014-12-28T01:29:00.001-05:00

Wow, I can't believe we've already made it through christmas. We had a great time but I have to admit there was one big lesson this week and that was to let go of expectations and make the best of it.

My mom got super sick at the beginning of the week - like we were worried she needed to go to the hospital sick. She started to feel a little bit better and then Bobby got sick. It was rough. It still is - they're still working through it and I feel bad that they had to spend their time off sick. It's been rough on me just not having as much help. But that's where I have to tell myself to let go and make the best of what I have. And hopefully their bodies will work through all the sickness now so that they're 100% for baby. That's my paranoid fear. Going into labor and everyone's sick. I'm buying everyone tinctures of echinacea goldenseal and osha root. And Lysol. I have to trust that everything will work out.

Back to christmas. This was the year. We kept telling Benicio that he would have presents in the morning but I don't think he really understands what the word "present" or "gift" means. He really enjoys playing with cars and painting. So we got him a few push cart toys from the thrift store and my mom got him new art supplies.

The scream of joy he let out at the sight of them was worth everything. I'm so glad Bobby got a video of it. I've watched it so many times. He enjoyed unwrapping the presents and reading his new books. He got one about being a big brother which he asks us to read several times throughout the day.

The morning was beautiful. Clear blue sunny skies. We made cinnamon rolls for breakfast, facetimed with family, listened to Christmas music and then set off to the playground. The weather had forecasted snow in the afternoon so we took advantage of the sun while we could. We came back and all took a nap. It was definitely muh more low key and relaxed in comparison to other Christmases but it was perfect.

Luckily, before my mom got sick, she had the foresight to precook hallacas. They were amazing and exactly how I remembered. A perfect warm meal for a snowy evening.

My contribution to dinner was a tres leches cake - not the prettiest but damn tasty.

We all matched in red flannel

So now we get ready for New Years and hope everyone is feeling better. If not, we'll make the most of it. I'm so so so incredibly thankful that Benicio and I haven't gotten sick. Maybe we were the ones who brought the virus home but we're immune to it, haha. Gotta go get my yellow underwear!

Other fun moments:

Adventures in potty training

Busted lip but stil a trooper

Playground cleanup crew

34 weeks - looking over at Benicio

Benicio translations

2014-12-23T00:05:00.001-05:00

Now that Benicio is starting to talk more, we want to remember the funny little phrases he says and his pronunciation. It's funny because there was a time this summer where he kept calling everything a dog. Everything. And I thought this kid is never going to learn any other words, haha. But he did of course!

Here are some of our favorites

windy = dindy

Water = Aqua

Coconut water = co aqua

Thank you = gunk you

Excuse me = sme sme

Help please = hep pease

More please = mo pease

I'm sorry = I sow-we (said iiiiii soooww- wee)

Te amo = amooo

Things he says that we aren't quite sure what they mean yet

Ada

Lellow

Something that sounds like James Brown saying "hit that"

His reaction when I ask him to take a nap

Being straight goofy

Saying bye to the geese

Kiss face

"Flying"

"Airplane"

Classy lunch dates

My leaves

Last of the home birth supplies

2014-12-21T23:02:00.001-05:00

When I was pregnant with Benicio I kept comparing the journey to our wedding. We were engaged for 9 months and the same emotions overlapped. Lots of excitement. Anxiety. Stress. Joyous bliss.

Except this was adding a new human to our lives.

This time around has been much different. Lots of excitement but a sense of calmness. And peace. Probably, because in a sense we already know what we are getting ourselves into. I mean you can only prepare yourself so much.

This past weekend we planned to do a test run of the birthing pool. We already rearranged our bedroom to make space and wanted to do it early. I bought a pool at target at the very end of summer for $12. I didn't look at the dimensions or anything - all I saw was the price tag and thought DEAL! It's been sitting in the box at the bottom of closet until now. Y'all. This pool is huge. Like we could all fit in there and still have plenty of room. There was no way that was going to work and it would probably take forever to fill.

So. We had to buy a new one. And of course since its December no one has one in store and selections online were slim. I found one on eBay and it should be here next week. That's what I got myself for Christmas. So now all our home birth supplies have been gathered.

I also got a haircut - chopped off 6 inches! And it feels great. My hair was starting to get out of control.

Now we can relax and enjoy Christmas, ring in the new year and then baby!