Avy Dreams

It hasn't been easy watching my baby grow up. She can go into the fridge and feed herself. She can now take herself to the potty and even empty and clean it out. She can say anything and everything, her favorite phrase being "It's NOT fair", when things aren't going her way. She takes long weekend get aways to her dads house and I swear she's an inch taller everytime she returns. 

But there's still an instant when I know she's still a baby. My baby. When she sleeps. Cause when she dreams she takes me with her, she holds me tight and makes sure I'm always close. 

Adventures in Pictures: Kids at play

LOLA!

We have a new member in the family! Our new pet Umbrella Cockatoo Lola! Which, did you know that Umbrella Cockatoo's are one of the only birds that actually like to cuddle with you? They are very affectionate, super social and highly intelligent creatures.

She's pretty awesomely beautiful! Her delicate white feathers and exotic crest along with her fun moves and sounds! We're still getting acquainted with one another, but very soon we'll have her perched up on our shoulders, and flying around the house, for Rox's sake. 

For the past 2 years, the poor kid begged for a pet parrot, asking Santa for one every Christmas and birthday, while having to make due with books, YouTube videos and a real life puppet version. 

But then came Lola, who was given to us with the need of a loving family and a forever home. His dream has come true!

And I should mention that she has another 90+ years left in her... Wish us Luck!

Rox and with his puppet Macaw, one day.

Banana Crumbles.

 

So today due to lack of food in the fridge, I was inspired to make this healthy, quick, simple, and most of all delicious snack that also happened to be #organic and #vegan, yatta yatta yatta....

I call it Banana Crumbles.

To make you need:

• 1 Banana cut down in half 

• Nut butter smothered all over {I used smooth raw peanut butter}

•  Fresh fruit topping {I only had 3 strawberries}

• Crunch Crumble {Now if you'll like a short cut, you're store bought granola will do the trick. But if you own a mini grinder here's what I used.

• Cashew, Almond, Walnuts
• Flax Seeds & Chia Seeds
• Whole rolled oats {hold the oats for gluten free}
• Dairy- Free Chocolate chips 

I made a lot of crumble so now I sprinkle it on everything! Oh yea, and these bananas taste like a banana split! Try it!

BOOB talk.

Avy and I in a nutshell.

So this first week in August is World Breastfeeding Week, in which all the mothers, care givers and anyone pro breastfeeders around the world come together in solidarity to support and encourage it, and give formula companies the middle finger. Moms share precious pics, share their stories, and stage large scale nurse-ins.
What makes me happy about breastfeeding week is that all the mommy's regardless of how long ago their experiences were still share their magical moments. I also enjoy the thought that girls not so familiar with the topic gain some exposure on it. I know there was once upon a time, I was more or less that girl. And now as a Certified Lactation Educator and Woman's Consultant I take the topics of breastfeeding and natural child birth extremely serious. Any one who knows me knows that no one is safe from my boob or vagina talk, not even you!

Avy and I have been in it exclusively for almost 2 years strong since the day she was born. She never took a bottle nor had a sniff of formula. And no, it is not always happy. I'm not gonna lie. I too go through the emotional notions of do I want to continue. I mean the first year was a breeze, but the second? And not many people speak on the topic of extended breastfeeding being a whole other feat.
But I have to say that it is beautiful and it gives me the most magical feeling to witness and experience. And its an experience I will always remember and share with both of my kids.

For all  of my single sans kids ladies out there this post is really for you, because regardless of weather or not you feel like the topic has anything to do with you at this moment.... Whether its your friend, a sister,  your mom reminiscing, the girl at work you don't really like, the sister of the guy you're dating or the random girl who walked into the bar and confessed to you that beer makes her milk come out (which Im totally that girl)... You will inevitably find yourself in a breastfeeding conversation. And the sad thing is that more often than not those conversations can seem like complete horror stories. Which is why its important to get more informed on the topic not only for yourself but for the girls closes to you who might one day need your support.
The make-up of my girlfriends that share and support my mothering endeavors are single, unmarried, beautiful women that even tho do not have kids are still very connected with the feeling. And it makes me happy to know that they not only look forward to the day but also will be informed. So in honor of breastfeeding week do a quick google search and get to know the "feeding functions"and politics of your breast a little better.  And if you have any inquisitive inquiries ask away!

And for all of my mommies out there, Id love to hear your nursing stories especially if they're extended!

Street Art at 80

On this particular trip my inspirations have been inclined to the stimulation of street art and senior citizens.

And what do you get when you blend the 2? Mr. Robert Janz, a highly prolific street artist at 80.

PEANUT BUTTER JELLY TIME!

There is a PB&J truck trucking around in the heart of our Houston hood. And for the first time we went to check it out! We take peanut butter jelly extremely serious in our house and the Monster PB&J truck and their options of fresh baked breads, fresh ground nut butters, fresh cut fruit and local jams did not disappoint!
On our sandwich we went with the cashew butter, blueberry jam, and sliced bananas, on gluten free vegan bread, which to my excitement was not only local freshly baked but it also was NOT dry! That's the trick with gluten free bread...
Worth every penny, we enjoyed every bite, not to mention the scenery of the adjoining Contemporary Arts Museum.
To find where they'll be next and to see their menu, click the MONSTERLICIOUS link!
Food trucks are wheeling around rampant in these H-town streets all with creative concepts and amazing food. Making for fun food experiences, they're one more reason why I love my city!