Here we are on day 5 of NaBloPoMo. Though I do believe I've posted each day in December? I'll have to take a look back and see. Today I'm very tired and it's getting late so I hope this post makes sense by the time I'm done writing it.
I think I mentioned that I'm also doing Vlogtober this month so in addition to writing here each day I'm also (attempting to) create videos that I'm up loading to my YouTube channel. I've found that I really love editing video of my family and it's such a great way to make home videos really stand out. I love it. I do wish it's something I would have realized I enjoyed doing before I had children. Though I'm not really sure it ever would have come up back then because pretty much everything I want to capture is of them :-) But it would have been easier to have already gotten past the beginning stages of learning to edit when I had more time. And more sleep. And more brain power...
But that's not how it happened. And that's ok, I'm am having fun learning now and I hope that it'll be something I can continue with. I love the idea of us being able to look back with the girls and see what we were doing while they were growing up. It's really taking the "home video" to a whole new level. But I've gotten off topic here. I guess what I'm getting at is it's been a long day AND I've already edited and uploaded a video. (if you're interested...Vlogtober Day 7 )
OK. Onto this. Here. My blog.
What are the dishes that defined your childhood? What were your favorite dishes to eat?
What do I say about this. I must have repressed memories from my childhood because all of these questions just don't spark much of anything. I know I ate food growing up. I just don't remember much about it. I can say that I know I had a lot of mac-n-cheese with hot dogs in it. Yummy! I only know this because of my intense hatred of hot dogs and my mother explaining to me that it's most likely because I ate a lot of them growing up. It's a staple isn't it? In most kids diets? Or at least it used to be. And it certainly is for those that don't have a lot of money or time to cook more elaborate meals. My mother was a single working mother of two children for a time. And as in any family that most likely will equate to a lot of easy meals. At least in my case it was. I do have to say though that I love mac-n-cheese lol.
My mom did cook though, quite a bit I remember after she met my step-father. Chicken. We just talked about chicken she used to cook. What's strange though is the one thing that really stands out is my step-dad's chili. Tim if you're reading this, (which I doubt anyway) please forgive me. But what I remember was how bland it was! He used to make this chili all the time, in a crock pot and we used to lovingly tease him that he had never heard of a spice before! It feels like this went on for years but probably not. In his defense he is a much better cook now and we don't tease him like we used to...as much.
I'm probably most fond of my grandfather's cooking. My brother and I spent a lot of time with my grandparents. We were very lucky to have them so close to us and to be able to spend so many days with them. My grandfather was one of my most favorite people in the world. Every morning that we went to their home I would walk into the smell of sausage and bacon cooking. And eggs. And he used to cook the eggs in the bacon grease haha. Certainly the opposite of a healthy meal. To this day if we cook this breakfast at home and leave the house for a bit, the moment I open my front door I am reminded of my grandpa. Maybe I should have lead with this...but it wasn't even until I started writing that I thought about it.
That happens a lot actually and is partially why I enjoy writing to begin with. More often than not I sit down to write, not even sure of what it is I want to say, and as I get into it I find myself somewhere I didn't expect.
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
International Babywearing Week 2015: NaBloPoMo Day 4
Happy Tuesday everyone! Today I'm veering off topic from the BlogHer.com NaBloPoMo prompts. If you're participating in Blogtober or NaBloPoMo or would to you can find daily prompts here.
Today's prompt is:
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Who did most of the cooking in your house when you were growing up?
But today I want to talk about International Babywearing Week! This kicked off on Monday (though I think some places started Sunday) and is in celebration of and to promote, "babywearing". As I'm sure you might guess from the name, it simply means carrying your baby with some sort of a baby/toddler carrier or sling. This week is a way to get the word out, educate families about how and why to babywear and also an opportunity to meet up with like minded people who also love babywearing!
I always laugh remembering the time I told Alivia (2.5 years old) that I was going to wear Juliana for our walk (9 months old) and she stopped and looked at me, then stared laughing and said "wear her like a SHIRT!?" lol. She was being so silly and now every time I say "Where's the Tula" she'll say "are you going to wear her like a shirt again mommy?" and she'll giggle. What's even better about that is she knows she's being goofy.
Now that I think about it, I take that last statement back...what's even better about her recognizing what I'm doing is that she, at the tender age of 2, is already learning a great way to care for a baby. What a great way to start teaching her, without even intending to! Obviously she has many many many years before she'll be taking care of her own children, should she choose to have any, but just like anything else we learn as young children, these things will be deeply instilled in her and hopefully will benefit her for years to come.
(by the way, she loves wearing her baby dolls...I really need to get her a doll carrier that works better. She has a really cheap one from Home Goods but the babies keep falling out lol)
There are so many great reasons to babywear, to list a few...
When baby is first born they are most vulnerable to outside stimulus, noises, sights, smells, you name it. The world is unknown to them. The only thing they have known is the sounds and comfort of their mother's womb. Of always being held close, warm and comfortable (even though their feet in our ribs and heads on our bladder were less than comfy for us...). Then they are born and WOW what a change?! Luckily the motherly/human/animal instinct is to keep them close. The moment they are born we are bringing them to our chest, putting a blanket over top of them and holding them right against us. (This has so many benefits but that's enough for a whole other post!) Doesn't it just seem natural that you'd want to mimic that comforting environment as long as you can?
Once mama is up and moving around a bit more at home, babywearing is a wonderful way to be able to do things around the house while still keeping your baby close. I have done laundry, cleaning, dishes, cooking, playing with my 2 year old, all while wearing Juliana. She cries less and we're both happy!
Babies who are carried tend to cry less in general. They are always near their favorite person, still hearing their breaths, heart beat, smelling them and hearing them talk. They feel connected still to their mother; why wouldn't they be happier?!
I say "mother" but any caregiver can, and is encouraged to, wear the little ones they are taking care of. Just because it's typically the mother that you may thing about out and about or cleaning the home with their baby attached to them that's not to say there aren't thousands of papa's, grandma's, grandpa's, nannies,...the list is endless. And this allows the baby to bond with other loved ones when mama isn't around or just needs a break!
If you happen to be a breastfeeding mama than I highly encourage you to learn how to nurse your baby while they are in the carrier. It can be tricky at first and each carrier/sling will present a different challenge in the beginning but let me tell you...it's a life saver! It's incredibly convenient to be able to feed your baby right then and there. It's especially nice if your a mother who somewhat shies away from nursing in public. It's almost a built in "cover" since you're already holding baby so close to you it's hard for others to see what's going on in there anyway!
Babywearing offers great exercise to the mother as well! I don't know about you but since I've had my two girls exercise has been at the bottom of my list. Not because I don't see the value and importance of it but I simply don't have the time! But when taking into consideration that I'm up and about a lot, taking walks, grocery shopping, cleaning up...all with an extra 18lb weight add to me! That's some good exercise people! I don't have proof of this but I can't help but believe that babywearing may help you be more active in general. Strollers are great, don't get me wrong, I use one still plenty, but when you plop your babe down in the stroller and 10 mins into your walk they start crying because they want to be held you're going to be less likely to keep going out on those walks. Because if you're like me you end up carrying the baby anyway and trying to push a stroller with one hand. And come on...that's too much work ;-)
I say "baby" a lot but this all goes for toddlers as well. There are many baby carriers out there that can hold your child well beyond the infant stage. Just because these little people can walk and talk and demand things now doesn't mean that they are all grown up and don't need the love and protection that wearing them can offer. The world can be very frightening and over-stimulating to a small child and wearing them is a great way to help combat there fears. I see this most helpful in crowded places; the zoo, museum, farmer's markets. There are a lot of people and while the little one may want to get down and run around a bit they still like to come back to home base and receive some extra security knowing their mother (caregiver is there). Personally for our family if we are going on a walk around the neighborhood my toddler likes to run, climb, jump, spin, basically she's just all over the place and wearing her wouldn't do either one of us any good but if it's an extra long walk or say out hiking, they get tired too and it's a nice comforting place for them to snuggle back up to you.
I'd like to add that wearing our children is also very helpful for parents with children who have special needs. There are many different handicaps out there that almost make baby/toddler wearing a necessity and help make life a tad bit easier for everyone.
I could truly go on and on and on about this. Can you tell I love babywearing?! But it's getting late, I'm tired and I don't want to start boring anyone here. :-)
There are so many resources out there to assist with purchasing slings and carriers, as well as support groups to help you get started, get the right fit, right size, right carrier. It's not "one size fits all" by any means and it can seem a little over whelming at first. I do promise you that if you get into it and get some help getting started you'd love it! It may take a few tries and maybe borrowing a carrier before you know which one you really want, but usually that's all it takes. Once you and your baby are comfortable you'll start seeing all the benefits yourself.
Babywearing isn't new. People all over the world and for hundreds of years have been wearing their babies and toddlers. But it is something that I feel could use a little more awareness. Anything that can make a baby and their new families life easier has got to be shouted from the rooftops! And hopefully this well help spread the word.
Good night friends.
P.S. I'd love to hear about your experiences with babywearing and how it's helped you!
Today's prompt is:
Tuesday, October 6, 2015
Who did most of the cooking in your house when you were growing up?
But today I want to talk about International Babywearing Week! This kicked off on Monday (though I think some places started Sunday) and is in celebration of and to promote, "babywearing". As I'm sure you might guess from the name, it simply means carrying your baby with some sort of a baby/toddler carrier or sling. This week is a way to get the word out, educate families about how and why to babywear and also an opportunity to meet up with like minded people who also love babywearing!
I always laugh remembering the time I told Alivia (2.5 years old) that I was going to wear Juliana for our walk (9 months old) and she stopped and looked at me, then stared laughing and said "wear her like a SHIRT!?" lol. She was being so silly and now every time I say "Where's the Tula" she'll say "are you going to wear her like a shirt again mommy?" and she'll giggle. What's even better about that is she knows she's being goofy.
 |
| Red Rocks Amphitheater |
Now that I think about it, I take that last statement back...what's even better about her recognizing what I'm doing is that she, at the tender age of 2, is already learning a great way to care for a baby. What a great way to start teaching her, without even intending to! Obviously she has many many many years before she'll be taking care of her own children, should she choose to have any, but just like anything else we learn as young children, these things will be deeply instilled in her and hopefully will benefit her for years to come.
(by the way, she loves wearing her baby dolls...I really need to get her a doll carrier that works better. She has a really cheap one from Home Goods but the babies keep falling out lol)
There are so many great reasons to babywear, to list a few...
When baby is first born they are most vulnerable to outside stimulus, noises, sights, smells, you name it. The world is unknown to them. The only thing they have known is the sounds and comfort of their mother's womb. Of always being held close, warm and comfortable (even though their feet in our ribs and heads on our bladder were less than comfy for us...). Then they are born and WOW what a change?! Luckily the motherly/human/animal instinct is to keep them close. The moment they are born we are bringing them to our chest, putting a blanket over top of them and holding them right against us. (This has so many benefits but that's enough for a whole other post!) Doesn't it just seem natural that you'd want to mimic that comforting environment as long as you can?
Once mama is up and moving around a bit more at home, babywearing is a wonderful way to be able to do things around the house while still keeping your baby close. I have done laundry, cleaning, dishes, cooking, playing with my 2 year old, all while wearing Juliana. She cries less and we're both happy!
Babies who are carried tend to cry less in general. They are always near their favorite person, still hearing their breaths, heart beat, smelling them and hearing them talk. They feel connected still to their mother; why wouldn't they be happier?!
 |
| First carousal ride! |
I say "mother" but any caregiver can, and is encouraged to, wear the little ones they are taking care of. Just because it's typically the mother that you may thing about out and about or cleaning the home with their baby attached to them that's not to say there aren't thousands of papa's, grandma's, grandpa's, nannies,...the list is endless. And this allows the baby to bond with other loved ones when mama isn't around or just needs a break!
If you happen to be a breastfeeding mama than I highly encourage you to learn how to nurse your baby while they are in the carrier. It can be tricky at first and each carrier/sling will present a different challenge in the beginning but let me tell you...it's a life saver! It's incredibly convenient to be able to feed your baby right then and there. It's especially nice if your a mother who somewhat shies away from nursing in public. It's almost a built in "cover" since you're already holding baby so close to you it's hard for others to see what's going on in there anyway!
 |
| Easy to nurse in! |
Babywearing offers great exercise to the mother as well! I don't know about you but since I've had my two girls exercise has been at the bottom of my list. Not because I don't see the value and importance of it but I simply don't have the time! But when taking into consideration that I'm up and about a lot, taking walks, grocery shopping, cleaning up...all with an extra 18lb weight add to me! That's some good exercise people! I don't have proof of this but I can't help but believe that babywearing may help you be more active in general. Strollers are great, don't get me wrong, I use one still plenty, but when you plop your babe down in the stroller and 10 mins into your walk they start crying because they want to be held you're going to be less likely to keep going out on those walks. Because if you're like me you end up carrying the baby anyway and trying to push a stroller with one hand. And come on...that's too much work ;-)
I say "baby" a lot but this all goes for toddlers as well. There are many baby carriers out there that can hold your child well beyond the infant stage. Just because these little people can walk and talk and demand things now doesn't mean that they are all grown up and don't need the love and protection that wearing them can offer. The world can be very frightening and over-stimulating to a small child and wearing them is a great way to help combat there fears. I see this most helpful in crowded places; the zoo, museum, farmer's markets. There are a lot of people and while the little one may want to get down and run around a bit they still like to come back to home base and receive some extra security knowing their mother (caregiver is there). Personally for our family if we are going on a walk around the neighborhood my toddler likes to run, climb, jump, spin, basically she's just all over the place and wearing her wouldn't do either one of us any good but if it's an extra long walk or say out hiking, they get tired too and it's a nice comforting place for them to snuggle back up to you.
I'd like to add that wearing our children is also very helpful for parents with children who have special needs. There are many different handicaps out there that almost make baby/toddler wearing a necessity and help make life a tad bit easier for everyone.
I could truly go on and on and on about this. Can you tell I love babywearing?! But it's getting late, I'm tired and I don't want to start boring anyone here. :-)
 |
| At the zoo |
There are so many resources out there to assist with purchasing slings and carriers, as well as support groups to help you get started, get the right fit, right size, right carrier. It's not "one size fits all" by any means and it can seem a little over whelming at first. I do promise you that if you get into it and get some help getting started you'd love it! It may take a few tries and maybe borrowing a carrier before you know which one you really want, but usually that's all it takes. Once you and your baby are comfortable you'll start seeing all the benefits yourself.
Babywearing isn't new. People all over the world and for hundreds of years have been wearing their babies and toddlers. But it is something that I feel could use a little more awareness. Anything that can make a baby and their new families life easier has got to be shouted from the rooftops! And hopefully this well help spread the word.
Good night friends.
P.S. I'd love to hear about your experiences with babywearing and how it's helped you!
 |
| On a hike. |
Monday, October 5, 2015
Who's the cook in this house?!: NaBloPoMo Day 3
So today's prompt from NaBloPoMo and Blogher.com is this:
"Who does most of the cooking in your home?"
That would be me, myself and I. I take that back, my toddler likes to help out as much as possible too. She's actually quite helpful to be honest. She can crack eggs, whisk, grate cheese/zest/garlic, peel garlic, cut up soft foods with a butter knife. Really she does a great job for being only 2 years old.
Would it be easier without her help? Yeah, most of the time but it wouldn't be as much fun!
Right now I am a stay-at-home-mom and my husband is currently studying to become a Realtor so at this point in time I'm home alone with the kids and I do lunch and dinner with the girls by myself. He is here for breakfast so he almost always makes something then for us.
I do love cooking. I wish I had more time to try more in depth recipes but right now in my life I just don't have the time. When I'm trying to take care of a now 9 month old (who has been crawling since 7 months) and a 2.5 year old who is into everything, it's really difficult to find the time and brain power to actually concentrate on a really great new recipe. That being said I do still add 1-2 new meals every week or two so I am trying out new things they are just on the more simple and quick side.
Although I did make risotto for the first time a couple weeks ago, that is not a quick meal. At all. I must admit I used Sesame Street to help entertain the girls while I stood at the stove for 25 minutes constantly stirring so it wouldn't burn. I'm proud to say it came out excellent! And even better both girls gobbled it right up which is always a win in my book.
I've been doing more stir-frys (stir fries/stir fry's?) lately as well which is new for me to do. There are just so many options there! I love how simple it is and how versatile, pretty much anything you have on hand veggie/meat/tofu wise will work. Add some noodles or rice and BAM! Done! I really need to buy a wok because that would surly make it even easier I just don't have the money at the moment to test one out.
Pretty much every night I'm cooking a meal. It's rare that we end up with PB&J sandwiches for dinner and if we do it's simply because it's been a very hectic day or I didn't have time to get what I needed from the store. It does happen but I prefer to cook. I also find that if I meal plan for the week I'm much more likely to make a better meals throughout the day/week. (I talk about my process for meal planning here)
I'm excited for Alivia to be able to get more involved with cooking with me and also excited to have Dustin home nights again at some point so we can all cook together. And he is a great cook so I look forward to eating more meals made by him! (Not to mention I'd welcome the break haha)
"Who does most of the cooking in your home?"
That would be me, myself and I. I take that back, my toddler likes to help out as much as possible too. She's actually quite helpful to be honest. She can crack eggs, whisk, grate cheese/zest/garlic, peel garlic, cut up soft foods with a butter knife. Really she does a great job for being only 2 years old.
Would it be easier without her help? Yeah, most of the time but it wouldn't be as much fun!
Right now I am a stay-at-home-mom and my husband is currently studying to become a Realtor so at this point in time I'm home alone with the kids and I do lunch and dinner with the girls by myself. He is here for breakfast so he almost always makes something then for us.
I do love cooking. I wish I had more time to try more in depth recipes but right now in my life I just don't have the time. When I'm trying to take care of a now 9 month old (who has been crawling since 7 months) and a 2.5 year old who is into everything, it's really difficult to find the time and brain power to actually concentrate on a really great new recipe. That being said I do still add 1-2 new meals every week or two so I am trying out new things they are just on the more simple and quick side.
Although I did make risotto for the first time a couple weeks ago, that is not a quick meal. At all. I must admit I used Sesame Street to help entertain the girls while I stood at the stove for 25 minutes constantly stirring so it wouldn't burn. I'm proud to say it came out excellent! And even better both girls gobbled it right up which is always a win in my book.
I've been doing more stir-frys (stir fries/stir fry's?) lately as well which is new for me to do. There are just so many options there! I love how simple it is and how versatile, pretty much anything you have on hand veggie/meat/tofu wise will work. Add some noodles or rice and BAM! Done! I really need to buy a wok because that would surly make it even easier I just don't have the money at the moment to test one out.
Pretty much every night I'm cooking a meal. It's rare that we end up with PB&J sandwiches for dinner and if we do it's simply because it's been a very hectic day or I didn't have time to get what I needed from the store. It does happen but I prefer to cook. I also find that if I meal plan for the week I'm much more likely to make a better meals throughout the day/week. (I talk about my process for meal planning here)
I'm excited for Alivia to be able to get more involved with cooking with me and also excited to have Dustin home nights again at some point so we can all cook together. And he is a great cook so I look forward to eating more meals made by him! (Not to mention I'd welcome the break haha)
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Friday, October 2, 2015
There Is No Time: NaBloPaMo Day 2
It's hard. It's one of the hardest things I've ever dealt with. Literally. If you don't have children or you have those magical unicorn babies that just LOVE their sleep...you have no idea what I'm talking about. And you're probably sitting here shaking your head in disbelief that this is the hardest thing I've had to deal with. But until you've been surviving on a mere 3 hours of broken sleep a night, if you're lucky, then you have no idea. It takes a toll on everything. Just basic functions after a while seem unbearable. You're emotional. You don't talk to your spouse anymore because everything comes out in a yell. Because you're just so damn tired you want to close your eyes and sleep for a week. Or two. Or five.
But. I love her. And I get to spend time with her alone when she wakes and I get a ton of extra baby cuddles. I'm never lonely lol. And though it's incredibly annoying at times and I find myself yelling in the middle of the night "WON'T YOU JUST SLEEP?!"...once it's over, it's over. Wishing away this means she's older and more mature and able to sleep on her own which will be amazing, I know. I really truly know, but it'll be later. Wishing away her clingy stage she's in now means that she'll be past a year old and I will no longer have an infant.
Most people won't understand that. The absurdity of what I'm saying. Yes I want to sleep and yes I want to have a conversation with my husband again that doesn't end in "Oh she's awake again, see you in the morning" but I also look at my near 3 year old and wonder when she got so big.
So tonight I'm not blogging about the prompt from BlogHer. It was:
"Who invented your most beloved family recipe? Tell us about the cook. Did you ever get to meet him or her?"
If you read my post from yesterday you already know the answer to that :-)
Good night.
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