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!

Choo-choo obsessed.

Avy is obsessed with choo-choos. Especially Thomas the tank engine. Holding her toy figurine firm in her baby death grip everywhere we go. Reaching and calling out for it before she goes to bed at night. Reaping havoc and causing panic throughout the house if it goes misplaced. Making me go running around like a chicken without a head looking for that thing! Asking anybody and everybody "Have you seen Sisters' Thomas", while Brother reminds me EVERYTIME that the figurine is not Thomas but infact one of Edward, because it doesn't have the number one on it.

But what does Avy know, right? 

Her dad decided to take it a step further and sent me this pic while Avy stays her "daddy days" with him. Dads always have to take it all the way! 

She was definitely in choo-choo heaven.  

And I wonder if she walked around holding the pillow all day...  

Rox and Mommy Daze.

Our schedule has changed up a bit giving me Mondays off of work. And I thought I'd dedicate them to being Rox and Mommy days, where we plan a day of fun together just he and I! Today was our first hay day, and on the itinerary was the book store, milk shakes, and the movies. But not before we got in a little photo play time. He took pictures of me I took pictures of him. And we discovered the joy of using the timer!

My outfit includes a thrifted 95 cent skirt. A t-shirt I cut into a sleeveless cropped top and red jesus sandals from Target. But feeling happy and beautiful in anything you wear is priceless! Although the price of today's cheap ass outfit cuts it pretty close ;)

Rox dresses himself, and throws the biggest attitude if I dare try to orchestrate his wardrobe. So I've learned to let him be, and in turn he never fails to stun me with his amazing sense of style!
Today's outfit included his Gingerbread man, snowflake, Christmas socks he got in his advent calender this past Christmas.  Just looking at his socks made me hot, but he managed to perfectly execute them to match! Sometimes he's my idol.

Ms. Giggles

This past weekend while brother was off to the beach with his dad. Avy and I spent the weekend giggling and playing. She really is coming into her own and has begun to be more verbal with her communication and her hilarious sense of humor! Normally kind of shy and always copying what her brother does, seems like a little break from him is what was needed to see her blossoming into herself! She is in full toddler mode after all and boy did I forget how freaking cute it is!

I included a little clip of our giggles, and its also our first ever YouTube video! 

Popsicles.

 

Rox recently convinced me to purchase some fun and over priced Popsicle molds at the grocery store. Whatever happened to the old school way to make em? An ice cube tray, some plastic wrap and wooden popsicle sticks, but toothpicks would do too, and lets not forget the main ingredient, Kool-aid.
I have to say the molds are so fun they make me want to have my own handcrafted popsicles all the time. Not to mention I get to make sure I make them super healthy but super delicious enough for the kids to want as a treat. So simple. So quick. So Fun!

Here's what I used for our first try

1 cup fresh blueberries
5 cups coconut water
handfull of mint from the garden (although dried would do)
2-3  tbs natural honey
2-3 tbs hibiscus syrup (for extra "handcraftiness" )

makes 6.