"Yum!"

I've been nursing Zali boo on demand for about a year and a half so far & I just have to say that it really makes me giggle when she says "yum!" right before she starts nursing. Babies really do enjoy their mommy's milk! <3

Shopping for specifics!

I went out yesterday looking for some new clothes to add to my wardrobe. Ever since Zali boo entered my world, I have been limited to tops and dresses that button down or open somehow in the front because she still nurses every 2-4 hours and my attire has to accommodate for that. It is extremely stressful finding cute styles that have buttons (that actually button!) on them. However, today, I got a couple of new dresses and a cute top, plus size 5.5 wedges (<--- have you ever shopped for size 5's or 5.5 before? IT'S A PAIN!) Stylish and trendy women shoes usually start at 6 and usually you will only find size 5 in the higher priced shoe stores or in stores that order them as a "special size." I was so glad that I was able to buy some items because usually I walk out of the mall extremely frustrated that I didn't find anything yet again! Last week when I went to the mall, I didn't find any clothes, but I did stumble upon some size 5 flats at Nautica & it made my week! I bought 3 pairs without hesitation! I am definitely treating myself for my upcoming birthday. I turn 26 on May 8th & I usually only do shopping like this once a year so I'm enjoying every single bit of it!!! :)

Raising a boy into an independent man!

My son went to bed pretty early last night and woke up this morning before I woke up . When I opened my eyes, I saw him walking into our room, totally awake & acting quite independent. He realized he had to use the restroom so all independently, he walked into our bathroom, did what he had to do, then washed his hands... and dried them! Before he went in, he said "don't worry about me mommy, I'm just going to use the restroom!" He then informed me that his tummy was "empty" (he was hungry) so I got up off the bed to prepare him breakfast. As I walked into our living room, I couldn't help but notice that he had made himself quite comfortable watching Netflix on the rocking chair while I was asleep. He had a blanket and everything!

Today was one of the first insights I got of how he's going to be when he gets a little older. His level of independence is increasing at an astonishing rate. He likes doing a lot of tasks himself & requests that I "give him a little bit of privacy" at various points in our day.

There was a point where I wondered if he would continue to ask me to do EVERYTHING for him even at an older age, but lately he's giving me peeks into the future that his constant need for help and assistance,even when fully capable, is normal and a necessary part of the growing up process. I found it amusing how he would always say "Hey mom, you can do it! Can you do it for me?" Even when I tried my best to encourage him, and show him he could do it too, he always insisted that I should do it for him. In the back of my mind, I did have high hopes that one day he would want to do it for himself. It seems like more times than not now, he wants to figure out how to do things himself. I am ecstatic about that! It is a huge milestone!!!

I am so proud of him. My instincts told me not to force independence on him. I held off from comparing him to other kids his age since his daily environment is different from many. He has the privilege of having his mommy around ALL the time. He gets to whine and complain and I tend to him. A lot of kids have to develop skills to cope with being away from their mommies and daddies and Addi hasn't had to do that. He is confident that we will be there to "rescue" him and I do not think there is anything wrong with that. As he continues to grow, we will be doing less and less "rescuing" because we will be aware that sometimes he will need to figure out a way to rescue himself when mommy & daddy isn't around (but that will be when he is a bit older and knows the difference between incapability and FEAR).

Right now, our main focus is to raise a happy, contented, independent child. We want him to take his time growing up and enjoy every bit of his childhood. Hopefully, we can continue to raise him with wisdom so that when he is older, he will be sure of who he is and what he's about and what his purpose is in this journey called life.

To Addi:

May God continue to bless you and protect you, my son. You have a heart filled with love and it's so inspiring to see how you care for others. Your joyous smile and infectious laugh make me the happiest mom in the world because you are MY son and I thank God for you! You have changed my life for the better and continue to teach me how to love more, and care more, and forgive more. You are a blessing and I pray you continue to bless others the way your life has always blessed mine. When it comes to life, always give your best. Try harder. Dont give up or lose hope - ever. Dont underestimate how quickly feelings and people can change. Give your all in everything you do & when you think you've failed, remember that failure does not define you - persistence, perseverance and faith defines you. You are a child of God. There is nothing that you will encounter in this world that God cannot fix. Trust in Him in all you do & pray about everything!!! I love you!

- Mommy <3

My son's long hair!

I was telling Addi once again that we have to trim his hair & these were his exact words: "Trim my hair? But mommy, Im AMAZING Adonai!" LOL!

I think he thinks his hair is a superhero cape... because he DOES NOT want to cut it!

I'm a crunchy mama!

Today I realized that I fit the description of a "crunchy mama." I didn't know that term meant what it did. I laughed pretty hard while reading the definition because it described me so well. Its enlightening how there are so many different types of moms out there, yet many of us moms that are alike! I l don't have anything against being viewed a "crunchy" mom - Im all for breastfeeding, co-sleeping, baby wearing, extended breastfeeding, organic foods, homemade baby foods, natural births, doulas, home births, homeschooling ... and all that cool stuff! Keep it natural as much as possible, that's my motto as a mom. However, I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ & I do believe my faith has a lot to do with the choices I make and why I choose to keep things simple. I do it because any other way goes against my motherly instincts and I rather follow my instincts and trust in God through it all. <3

Big brother loving on little sister

Azalea was napping so I took the opportunity to hop on the treadmill for a quick workout and in strolled Addi with a ton of energy. He usually jumps on the bed to exercise while I walk or jog on the treadmill, but this time (because Azalea was asleep) he climbed unto the bed and got under the covers with Zali girl & proceeded to give her kiss after kiss! ... and then he started patting her back. He was taking care of her the way we take care of him! I love moments when I get to witness the love between my kids. It is a treasures that I can't help but thank God for. The opportunity I have to witness these precious moments will forever leave me grateful for life because I get to see the beauty in the love of those around me.  I love seeing others love on each other - especially children!