6/14/17

whole baby




This post is sponsored by Happy Family Brands, but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.















So it's no secret that one of my favorite parts in raising tiny humans is introducing them to healthy natural organic foods. I feel that exposing them to the best forms of nourishment at an early age is key. It is also important to have guidance and support in doing so if you are unsure how, when, or why. I recently discovered a new platform for support with Happy FamilyThis platform allows families to feel supported during their infant feeding journey. For me, that first year was crucial when it came to feeing Adler. I knew I wanted to breastfeed, I knew that pumping was an option, I knew we would use glass bottles if so. But I did not know that after two short months my body would stop producing nourishment for my baby. I am fortunate enough to have a wonderful support system surrounded by so many mama's with various experiences. There are many families out there who either lack external support or lack the confidence to seek help when they need it for fear of shame and embarrassment. I’ve partnered up with Happy Family to promote their new program aimed at providing support for all families regardless of feeding style. Their program has an option to live chat with lactation specialists and nutritionists-- who are moms too. They have long hours to live chat which is super convenient-- 8am to 8pm (EST) Monday through Friday. Their program includes information for breast feeding and formula feeding, and they support the idea that fed is best. I love documenting our feeding journal with the littlest babes. We are trying new things daily and as of right now, anything he's tried he's enjoyed. He is such a little foodie. It's the best! A few things he's eating include: cucumbers, berries, chicken, asparagus, peppers, spanish rice, mushrooms, olives, yogurt, hard boiled egg white, and cheese. But really, it's such a joy to be able to serve him anything. Logan was very similar during this phase of early eating and stayed pretty consistent, even now at age 7 she continues to eat lots of good things. Feeding baby is such an important task that we have as parents so it's great to have different tools to help us do the best we can. If you have a baby that eats ;) then go check out Happy Family's site. I would love to hear your thoughts!





6/5/17

adler turns one







My sweet Adler Gillis, I love you. From the moment we knew about you, we loved you so much. You were born quiet and chill, and I remember thinking how big you looked. You looked huge to me as I laid on the operating table eager to get my hands on you. You had a beautiful head of hair and I could hardly contain the quiet tears that filled my eyes. I wont forget the little sounds you made as you sucked on your little fist waiting for mama's milk. I was so excited for your big sister to come and meet you. I don't think anyone was more excited than her to have you here with us. She had wished for you for quite some time and her love for you has only grown deeper since. As a family we're still adjusting to this new dynamic as family of four. Life is full of adjustments and transitions, and we will always find ways to adapt and stay happy. You are the perfect addition to our family.  You have always been determined, strong, and wise. You are easy-going but you like routine. You are tough and yet so very tender. You are so well balanced. You are curious and kind. I hope these are traits that you will carry with you as you grow. Your favorites include your bed, bunny, and your pacifier. You try to grab all the things you should not have: phones, wipe packaging, keys, cords, tiny pieces, etc. We've tricked you (and scored cool parent points) by giving you things like: a cupcake pan, cardboard milk cartons, to-go coffee cups, large clam shell, among other things you 'think' you shouldn't have. You love watching your older cousins and I find it so incredibly cute that whenever someone laughs, you laugh like you too are in on the joke. You have been a self soother since day one, but every now and again I selfishly have you lay in my bed for a nap, and it is pretty much my favorite thing. I'm a firm believer in flexibility and adaptability in raising emotionally healthy children. Sometimes we'll stray from our everyday routine and you always handle it so well. People credit us for this, but I'm convinced it's all you. You have acquired various nicknames, but the most frequently used are: Viche', Harry, V, Addy, Grumpy Gil. I know it's cliche', but this year has flown by. I often wonder if I have taken advantage of our time together and truly soaked up enough of you, and I really hope I have...I feel we have. Happy Birthday, my little love. You are amazing and I am thankful everyday because of you.

may into june && current moddy vibes











^  Fortunately this depressing weather makes for a dreamy drive into work.
^  We're swimming anyway, sun or not.
^  First grade art projects are fantastic! I've captured a few photos of my favorites.
^  Ready for bed before the picnic ended. Sweetly sleeping in his stroller.
^  Memorial weekend is complete with sparklers.
^  A documented target trip where we stuck to the list and spent under $50. A rarity for us.
^  A painting outside of a Mexican restaurant we are set to try next month. 
    Also, those muted tones are perfection.
^  Backyard weather flag for the win.
^  Work window and fresh blooms.
^  A month plus overdue library book. Hoping to finish soon. 
    Still trying to manage time in reading to them and reading to myself.
^  Our in home latte machine is the best thing these days and 
    I'm already swaping out some hot brews with iced ones.