Sleepy Snuggles

Nothing warms my heart more than

 my baby boy snuggling on my chest and drifting away to sleep.

Clark spent the first year of his life cuddled up with his boppy taking naps on top of me.

I would nurse him to sleep... fear of waking him kept us in this habit.

There were a mix of emotions that came along with this sleep habit...

but mostly I loved all the sweet snuggles and to watch him be so at peace.

I would put on one of my reality housewives shows or a chick flick
and enjoy the quiet time with my boy.

We tried to nap train him in the crib, but it was a tearful, frustrating battle where everyone lost.

 So, snuggled on our chests is where he rested.

It wasn't until I stopped nursing him at 13 months that he started napping in the crib.

It came with a whole new independence for us both, and extra time for Mommy to get things done.

Now the only sleepy snuggles I get are brief ones before laying him down in his crib for nap/night time.

Although they could be frustrating and inconvenient at times,

I cherish every memory of our special, quiet, sleepy snuggles.

A Daddy perspective:
 I love when Clark is snuggled into my arms and he gets more and more tired until eventually his head gets heavy and he drops off to dream land.  I have spend hours of time this past 18 months that I would have usually been sleeping holding my little boy in my lap and kissing his head.

These have been, albeit sometimes very sleepy, the most precious moments we have spent together.

 I hold him and tell him that he is the most wonderful little guy I could have ever asked for, and that he never has to worry about facing anything alone because his Mommy and I will always be by his side.

  Holding my sleeping child is pure bliss, even when I am falling asleep in his tiny little arms at 3 am.  He warms my heart and often brings tears to my eyes, just because I feel so lucky to have him.




Daddy's first sleepy snuggle in the hospital.

Easy Crock Pot Tofurky

Easy Recipe for Vegan Tofurky Roast in the Crock Pot

So hearty, healthy, and delicious!

This recipe is perfect for Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any dinner you want a big hearty meal.

 Here is what you need:

Use Organic when possible

-Vegetable Broth

-Red Potatoes

-Mushrooms

-Squash

-Zucchini

-Onion

-Garlic

-Carrots

-1 Tofurky 

-Salt

-Pepper

Here is what you do:

1. Wash and chop all your veggies.

I usually keep the pieces pretty chunky.

2. Peel and place defrosted Tofurky in crock pot and add potatoes

 ...start to layer the firmer veggies first.

3. Add all the veggies you can fit depending on the size of your crock pot/ how many people you want to feed.

Add salt and pepper.

4. Add veggie broth, about half the package.

( You can use the other half for leftovers to make veggie stew!)

5. Top off with mushrooms

6. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3-4 Hours or low 6 hours.

7. Carve Tofurky and separate veggies. 

8. Pour remaining liquid as gravy.

9. Serve and Enjoy!

10. I like to make a side of Crescent rolls as well.

Leftovers make an awesome Tofurky sandwich. 

Just remove the stuffing center, add some Veganise and lettuce on bread!

  You can also make veggie stew with the leftover veggies!

Just add the extra vegetable broth to the veggies and reheat.

So really you could have 3 separate meals with this one recipe :)

Yum Yum Yum!

Hospital stay/ Coming home with Baby

Hey Baby!

I can not believe my little guy is already 6 months old!
I am not going to lie, these past 6 months have been the most tiring time in my life for sure.
I thought since I had so much experience being a nanny (been babysitting since I was in the 5th grade, so  almost 20 years experience working with children), this would be a breeze.
Nope!
When you have your own child, it is never ending.
However, I have never felt so fulfilled and proud of myself EVER!
I truly feel I was born to be a Mommy.
Becoming a parent is the hardest, but most rewarding job you could ever have.

Here are my personal experiences.
I hope they make you feel a little more normal and not alone during this crazy time.
Every day honestly gets easier and better as you get to know your baby, develop routines and figure out what works best for you and your family.

In the Hospital:
I was so glad to come home from the hospital...
I was in the hospital for 2 nights and got slim to no rest while I was there.
You have visitors to entertain, a new baby to learn about, and endless nurses and doctors checking on you every hour. I especially loved it when they would come in every hour and tell you how you should be resting and sleeping when the baby is...
Hello??? Then quit waking me up!!! LOL
My advice is to limit visitors and do not feel guilty sending baby to the nursery to get some much needed rest.
I knew it was time when my husband told me he didn't think he could drive us home the next day if he didn't get some sound sleep soon.
So off my baby went to the nursery while I cried myself to sleep.

Learning to breast feed can be frustrating.
Don't give up...
YOU CAN DO IT...
and it will eventually be way easier, cheaper, and healthier for you and your baby!
My lactation consultant was really not the most friendly woman, so I actually learned more from one of the  younger nurses that helped me.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from the person who you connect with more.
It becomes a  personal connection when having your chest exposed and handled by a stranger, so feel free to do what makes you comfortable.

Things I actually used and found helpful to bring to the hospital:
1.Your own shampoo/soap/lotion/ toothpaste etc... The hospital stuff sucks and dries out your skin and hair.
2. Your own pillow...it will make you more comfy and smell like home.
3. Ipod/ speakers/ kindle/chargers/camera...I listened to spa music while in labor and it made me feel much more relaxed.
4. Snacks...lots of different healthy kinds both for me and the hubby.
5. Comfy clothes...loose fitting and comfy. It will be painful to move around a lot after birth, so easy breezy is best.

Things I thought I needed but wish I hadn't brought:
1. A million outfits for baby...the hospital gives you a few long sleeve shirts and beanies. It's easier to change baby's diaper in just a shirt. Just a cute going home outfit would be enough.
2. A million blankets for baby...The hospital will swaddle baby in the standard blanky which is nice to take home as a keep sake. Maybe just one cute/extra soft one would be fine.
3. The boppy...it takes up too much room and I just used a regular pillow for the first few weeks.
4. More than one suitcase...keep things simple. The hospital will send you home with lots of stuff and you don't want to worry about lugging around a million things while putting baby in the car for the first time.
5.Breast pump/bottles... If breastfeeding your boob is enough in the beginning :)

 Welcome Home:
I had been in labor for 4 days so needless to say my husband and I were tired...very very tired.
And I brought a cold home with me as well...awesome!

Bringing a baby home from the hospital is super scary...

You just went through this exhausting trauma of birthing a baby and then are expected to be a full time caregiver!
I had severe tearing so was in quite a bit of pain...and it lasted a long time! I would say about 4 months.
I did everything to keep the area clean but still got an infection which prolonged my recovery I think.
I for sure had the Baby Blues for the first 2 weeks as well.
Your hormones are all screwed up so crying for no reason will happen a lot.
Your life changes so dramatically once you have a baby it can feel so overwhelming.
My life felt so different so fast.
Luckily my best friend had just had a baby 9 months earlier so she was my go to lady!
I love you Britt!!!
Of coarse my husband is the most caring and sweet man ever,

but you really want advice and to talk to another woman who has experienced the same thing you just went through.
We had only family visit for the first 2 weeks home.
They would bring food and help hold the baby which is a huge relief for even a few moments.
Lack of sleep, learning to breastfeed, and a crying baby can make you crazy!

Things that definitely helped us in the beginning:
1.Sleep sheep or sound machine...Clark likes the rain sound best. We have 2...one for the house and one for the car.
2. Baby carrier...We have the Ergo with infant insert which was great for when he was super little, and the Bjorn for when he was a little bigger and liked to face out. Essential for getting a few things done around the house when baby wants to be held close.
3. Gripe Water (Mothers Bliss)...great for hiccups or when you try everything else and they are still crying. Maybe they have an upset tummy and this seems to help us a lot.
4. Baby swing...Clark slept A LOT in his swing in the beginning. A huge lifesaver when you need to just set the baby down for a bit!
5. Boppy...so great for nursing!

Hang in there...

The pain will subside, sleep will come, and there will be no greater love or joy then taking care of your adorable little baby.

This could not be more true.

Good luck, from Our Family to yours :)