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Chomper

October 28, 2011 By Deb B. 2 Comments

’nuff said… Stylishly (and painfully) yours, db

Filed Under: the everyday Tagged With: Baby, Teeth, tooth

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sassandsmalls

🎙 Host @sassandsmalltalkpodcast
🔥 Found my SASS post-burnout
✨ Mental Wellness | 🥤HappyJ
👩‍👧 NeuroD Mama | 📚 Homeschool | ⚕️Caregiver
👇🏻Get YOUR Sass

Found her. • • And right behind this once #b

Found her.
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•

And right behind this once #burntout #Mama, finding her way back into her element again, sass-inclusive, are these #behindthescenes (behind the camera/desk/computer/headphones) MIRACLE WORKERS at @hausofowl. I have so much love for you guys. Thank you.

@nikkye_music
@hoelune
@remy.is.remy
@jakerfilms

Not seen here but will pop up here and there as I catch them in action 🤞🏼 hint hint): @laaain_music @eric.thebald

•
•

And none of this would’ve even been a thang if it weren’t for the Video Podcast Grant Program with @telus @storyhive. Life changing is an understatement. Thank you @made.by.donny & @thereallindakee for encouraging your girl to take the plunge with @sassandsmalltalkpodcast

•
•

And the energy and gumption to keep me resilient, and in tip top shape to host my own show, and lead my own project - kudos to my girl @mommamillsblog who introduced me to the very #cortisoldrink I needed to amp up. And @caitoaks who also reminds me I got this. My gut and brain thank you both. #bestteamever

And my love, @gjavier5 - I’m doing this not just for me but for us and our little peeps. Thank you for leading the cheering squad and “assisting”
me when I need it most. Hope to make you guys proud. ❤️

•
•

Moral of the story, in getting that dang SASS back:
✨ Take Risks
✨ Get your gut health in check 🥤
✨ Find your peeps
✨ Tell them how awesome they are

DM me, watch my stories, click on my bio links if you want in on any of this good stuff! 🥤 + 🎙️ + 💰📺

✨Be sure to give a little ❤️ to my 13 year old Smallie who helped me level up with this reel with her magic touch. #ASD #autism #thisishomeschool #homeschooler #mygirl #techgirl #daughter

I’m 1/2 a century, baby. #HappyBirthday to me, i

I’m 1/2 a century, baby. #HappyBirthday to me, indeed.
#thisisme

And life just got a little sweeter.

It’s not some secret recipe, or some overcomplicated skin regimen.

It’s #faith
Motivation
The want
The humility to accept help
The unconditional love from family
Learning to say no to the wrong, and yes to the right.

I took a chance on ME a few months ago, and since then, have seen a shift in myself.

I dreaded this #milestonebirthday for the last 10 years. I dreaded ESPECIALLY, being transparent to ANYONE… even my own kids.

But it dawned on me.

(With the help of my fellow #hypewoman gals that gave me the gentle nudge to OWN my age, not hide it) @sweetmamalifedaily @nengineermom @mommamillsblog @caitoaks @lilkeez @iamharpsra @rahannavu @mstiggity

Why hide it?
What am I scared of?

I DID IT!

I hit 1/2 a century, I survived 9 brutal pregnancy losses, and held one of them in my arms. I looked death in the eye, and through prayer and community - I came out of it alive and kicking. AND thriving.

It wasn’t my time. I still have work to do here.

But even with these life altering moments in my life, I STILL:
• made bad health choices
• stretched myself to max capacity
• said YES to things that stifled my growth.
• said NO to hard things that meant growth
• lived in debilitating fear, daily
• allowed my #adhd to paralyze, not enhance my life
• had horrible boundaries… correction… I had no boundaries

It took 50 years, (3 months ago, to be exact), but I found exactly what I needed:
• A deeper connection with God
• Gratitude
• A go-to, easy #cortisol #drink that balances out those darn hormones, and targets my #Mentalwellness #HJ
• Forgiveness and freedom from past hurts
• An awesome studio to do my craft @haus.of.owl
• A killer program that funds said craft @Telus @storyhive
• A loving approach #wifey, #specialneeds Mama & #caregiver Daughter
• Self Compassion
• And the GUMPTION to follow (FIX) my Gut.

Thank you to those who remembered when I chose to forget, that turning 50 is a blessing, not a curse.

DM me or comment 50 if you want in on this big secret.

✨ I N S I D E * O U T ✨ :: If you wanna see ho

✨ I N S I D E * O U T ✨ :: If you wanna see how HAPPY J blend has made a difference for me, and coincidentally - the family - take a look at our Behind the scenes of this year’s Inside Out FAM-O-WEEN —an honest, messy, and very real snapshot of our year. 2024 was a DOOZY.

From frustration, to resistance, to acceptance, to finding Joy again (with a DAILY DOSE of HAPPY J and a whoooooole lotta Jesus) - each character felt like a reflection of this year’s whirlwind of emotions. It’s been a time of big decisions, finding our footing, embracing transitions, more sleepless nights, a diagnosis we’ve been waiting a decade for, falls, accidents, sickness - the whole shebang of emotions.

And then #anxiety reared its ugly head. In full force.

But, alongside family and close friends, Faith, and some yummy sips of a healthy supplement, carried us through.

In a year that stretched us to our limits, this shoot felt like the perfect way to honour all the “inside out” moments we’ve faced. So here’s to the messy, the joyful, and even the challenging times that shape who we are. From deep #burnout and anxiety to discovering our faith and mental wellness, I’m stepping into the next chapter with a full heart and maybe a few more laughs (even if I’m a year older 😉).

Here’s to growth, gratitude, and whatever’s next. #FamOWeen2024 #InsideOutLife #EmotionalYear #insideout #FindingJoy #Milestonebirthday
#NewChapter #amare #happyblend #hj #happyjuice

Music - AndreaDatzman,
BENJIxScarlett, TheeOnlyJanessahhh

E M O T I O N S :: #HAPPYHALLOWEEN #FAMOWEEN editi

E M O T I O N S :: #HAPPYHALLOWEEN #FAMOWEEN edition!

2024 has been quite the year of change for us all. Emotions have been all over the map!
• #Caregiving has been amped up with unexpected falls and hospital stays
• Our little not so little teen is on her last year of Middle school #homeschool version - not so easy but hey, surviving. #Disgust
• Our little guy cut his once curly locks and became a little man overnight - no tears except a very #sad dad who suffered from FOMO #Anger
• George also cut his hair that was once down to his waist. He was ready to let go of the weight of the world literally on his shoulders.
• I got selected for a wonderful @TELUS @Storyhive project to do a broadcast version of my #podcast and got my Juju back #happytears
• and yes… I found the perfect match for me to deal with my very neglected #guthealth, and yes… it’s a Gamechanger that has been behind the true shift in my mental health, productivity, and my road to a better me. Hence, “Happy” #Joy. #happyjuice

All these emotions check out. #insideOut we have thrived and survived.

Happy Halloween!

S N E A K * P E E K :: I’m so excited to share a

S N E A K * P E E K :: I’m so excited to share a little sneak peek of @theoutpostboardgamecafe, our good friend’s soon-to-be-opened #boardgame café, right here in the #Westshore 🎲🎲. The ONLY ONE of its kind in THIS part of town!! 🎉🎉We’ve ALL been waiting for this…

Mamas… I’m looking at you… 👀

✨
✨

It’s been amazing watching this space come together - already such a fun vibe and a cozy spot to hang out, play some games, and connect with friends. And I already got my #gameschool curriculum ready to go for my #homeschooler (and her game lovin’ mama-teacher 🙋🏻‍♀️) to enjoy. And of course date nights with my guy and girls night with my ladies!!

✨
✨

They’re getting so close to opening, and I can’t wait for everyone to experience it in person!!

✨
✨

Be sure to SHARE THIS POST AND SPREAD THE WORD - #Grandopening is Nov 1st!! 🎗️✂️ Stay tuned for more updates—it’s going to be a game-changer! 😉

#TheOutpostCafe #supportlocal #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocalbusiness #YYJ #vancouverisland #Victoria #langford #boredombuster #family

F E A R L E S S :: Becoming a mom changed me, and

F E A R L E S S :: Becoming a mom changed me, and along the way, my confidence started to slip. The bold, carefree version of me was replaced by someone who worried about the little things—like making a simple left turn onto a highway (with nothing but a stop sign and a prayer).

For years, I avoided that turn. I’d ask trusted adults to drive my kid for these once a year field trips, while I anxiously waited for updates. Sometimes, if I couldn’t arrange a ride, I’d keep her home. No amount of spawning salmon is worth my sanity.

It sounds trivial to the average person, but that turn felt like a mountain I couldn’t climb - for 12 years!!! A really winding, single lane, high speed, intolerant and unforgiving mountain to climb.

✨✨✨✨✨

Enter my Happy Blend Morning supplement.

After a few weeks of working on my gut health and balancing hormones, including cortisol, I feel lighter—mentally and emotionally. The anxiety that used to grip me just… doesn’t anymore.

Something in me felt COMPELLED to make that turn. It was my actual, nurtured, gut telling me to not take the backroad out (which is 3 times the distance), and it felt like freedom.

I’ve learned it’s not just about turning left on a highway; it’s about letting go of fear and no longer caring what others think. My people-pleasing feature was activated as I approached the turn - worrying about the driver behind me, but now, I prioritize what’s best for me and my loved ones. And what’s best for my loved ones is that they get the chance to enjoy an educational experience, without my anxious brain standing in the way.

I am mentally clear, more logical, and becoming resilient where stress once controlled me. I’m ME again, free from imbalanced hormones, and the fear of inconveniencing others.

If this resonates with you, drop “FEARLESS” in the comments, and I’ll share what I’ve been using to get here. You’re not alone. #MomLife

Bee. Wasp. Hornet. My answer is still #NO. #te

Bee. Wasp. Hornet.

My answer is still #NO.

#terrified #bigchicken #shameless #heckno #allergictostings #patio #momlife #idontcarewhatgooglesays #whenthestudentbecomestheteacher #spring #bees #wasp #hornet #hive #beehive #nest #hornetsnest #done #howdareyou

Where r my fellow 🐓 at?

G L O W :: Being in the midst of #burnout, the las

G L O W :: Being in the midst of #burnout, the last thing I cared about was how I looked now and in the future, my skin health, and even my mindset surrounding all things “on the surface”. I didn’t even care about what lay underneath. That’s the thing about #caregiverburnout, you put your needs, especially the seemingly “on-the-surface” ones, aside, and kick it into survival mode - with those under your care being top priority.

That’s why it was essential to have Jaime, founder and 🧠 behind @glowjar_ Beauty on the pod. Now that I’m finally coming up for air, I needed to talk to somebody who not only understands the TLC that needs to be given to the largest organ on your body (after months and maybe years of neglect), but also the change of mindset when it comes to understanding your own individual skin and health needs. We also talked about embracing age uniquely, resisting the urge to be pulled into society’s unrealistic expectations of the beauty standard.

Fun-not-so-fun-fact: It was surprisingly not my exhaustion that alerted me of my own burnout, it was looking in the mirror.
(Psssst - your skin tells you a LOT about what’s going on inside… There’s your gentle nudge of the day)

Super excited for this episode to air on @Telus @storyhive streaming in 2025. In the meantime, mama gonna kick it up a notch because…

CAN WE PLEASE take a moment to look at this woman’s skin? #Goals

Recorded at our local creative hub of awesomeness, @haus.of.owl. Meet some of our fun production crew - @hoelune, Nikky @misiyotin.iskwew, & Eric - couldn’t do this project without you guys!

Do you have a solid skin routine you follow?

K I D S * H J :: It’s OFFICIAL! CAN/USA can fi

B A C K * T O * S C H O O L :: It’s been quite t

B A C K * T O * S C H O O L :: It’s been quite the month of #backtoschool craziness with #setup, routines, new experiences, and friendships… bugs and all.

This is year two of 1/2 #homeschool, 1/2 #publicschool, and I gotta say - a month in, and this year is already proving to be a noticeable difference from last year.

We have been on trial mode for years, and we know our #hybrid system is far from perfect. Some days are smooth sailing, other days… chaotic. Hello #ADHD.

So far 2024-25 has ALREADY been transformative for all of us:

• We, as a family, are taking the literal leap of faith in learning MORE about our Faith. Going down last year’s path of burnout and relying on ourselves, was just not working for us.
• We are officially letting our village in, and leaning on community more
• I jumped on this amazing #Podcast opportunity with TELUS and Storyhive to exercise my creativity in studio. Nurturing this aspect of my own life and career has taken away some of those feelings of isolation so many #caregivers and mamas experience.
• And I’m mixing the drink. I know I come across unrealistically GOBSMACKED by this miracle of a drink, but my #guthealth journey with #happyjuice has removed my #mentalfog, unlocking cognitive clarity, motivation, and energy I never knew I had. It’s also eased the stress of the crazy morning rush, curriculum planning, and has just made me a more organized, calmer, confident Mama AND teacher. (GO TO MY LINK if this lifechanging drink is something you’d want to make space for in your life.)
• I am learning to say YES to what supports our family, and really learning the art of boundaries. Even with myself.

*and yes, happened to include letting my kids learn the way they WANT to learn.

This will be the year my not-so-small Smallies will face new challenges that will elevate their learning, and help them thrive. The best part, is that I will be right there doing a whole lotta learning of my own.

#familylife #hybridlearning #homeschoolmom #amare #homelearning

Be sure to comment and give some love to my teen who planned each of their #backtoschool ‘fits… and even more shocking, he LET her.

LET’S DO DIS!!

B T S :: On the pod at @haus.of.owl with Award win

B T S :: On the pod at @haus.of.owl with Award winning Author & Coach, Graham from @truedad.community. Talking all things Fatherhood, Partnership, Family, and facing #parenting #burnout as a united front.

Our chat on @sassandsmalltalkpodcast was so much fun, we didn’t even notice the time.

Thank goodness we had @misiyotin.iskwew to keep us in line!

Coming soon to TELUS @storyhive

Kudos to my 13 year old techie who killed it with this vid! ❤️

#podcast #watchlocaltv #2025

P I V O T :: Anyone who knows me, knows I am NOT c

P I V O T :: Anyone who knows me, knows I am NOT chill… I am reactive, proactive, and all around extra.

But October bugs are nothing to sneeze at - pun intended. So it’s always a source of worry when I make “solid” plans at the top of the school year. Because at any given point, this little dude of mine will bring some home, and I just have to accept it.

But now I’m in studio recording for our upcoming series on TELUS, and we have a production crew, guests who have busy schedules and lives, and people counting on me to show up… early/on time/at all.

This COULD have been stressful. I used to work for network tv when I lived in Los Angeles, and production didn’t just stop at every sniffle. So this is not a new concept for me.

But I gotta say, a mere hour before having to leave for studio, with my six year old, an emerging cold/sore throat, and no child care available (he was miserable minutes before this video… this was just him after realizing we were indeed going back home) - I COULD have panicked. But lately, with #happyjuice in hand, and my gut-brain axis finally getting the tlc it needs, I am learning to be:
• Less REACTIVE, more “chill”
• Mentally clear
• Able to come up with effective solutions without overthinking - more strategic
• able to pivot on a dime
• deeper sleep, so more rested (I can do all the above with ease, go figure)
• and just generally more positive and grateful… what?

Anyhoo - it’s all the things combined. But I do know this whole taking care of my gut health and inflammation thing…. There’s something to it.

If you want to try some of this miracle in a cup, find it on my link. You can get 10% off as a new sign up, and at an even more discounted rate with subscribe and save.

If you just wanna talk more about it, DM me and I’ll give you the deets!

FUN FACT - I am NEVER early - and I was today (the one day it didn’t actually count 🤦🏻‍♀️). It’s a start tho, @caarly.xo @esther.driver . There IS hope.

Do you find yourself in a “pickle” when the kids get sick?

M I S S I N G * P I E C E :: This summer, my daugh

M I S S I N G * P I E C E :: This summer, my daughter who experienced 5 years of unfathomable #loss and #grief awaiting her sibling earthside, and my son who is a product of love and hope through the selfless act of a friend - finally met their baby brother. And through him… another sibling to love.

He is the link that binds 3 families together, bringing healing to all of our years of pain.

7 Septembers ago, when all hope seemed lost, we embarked on the journey that led us to our son. But our story didn’t end there. Now, on the 7th anniversary of our #eggdonation journey, we celebrate his tiniest of biological siblings’ #firstbirthday. The timing is nothing short of divine, a testament to our collective, unwavering faith.

Our love spans thousands of miles, bound by loss, generosity, and newfound hope.

@jenny_p1987, our gratitude to you is beyond words. I hope you see what your generous heart has done for all our families. ❤️

M, J, & M @l.mack21 - our friends turned family… thank you for opening your hearts to us and letting us in. You are all such blessings to us.

And to Baby M, #Happybirthday, sweet boy, our missing piece. You embody all that is love.

#Hope #Healing #Love #Family #fertility #embryoadoption #infertility #pregnancyafterloss

E S C A P E :: I used to hesitate to do things on

E S C A P E :: I used to hesitate to do things on my own, leaving the family at home, and delaying my #caregivingduties just for short while; to fit in a dose of “me time”, especially on the weekends. I’m glad I made this choice today. It’s something I definitely need to do on the regular.

A “Market morning for Mama” sounds kinda amazing to me.

Helped that I was motivated by the new yummy #glutenfree creations 🍰🧁 at @boldgf, over at @jamesbaymarket, where there’s so much local artistry, great music, and a vibrant community. Thnx for gently nudging me to WANT to get outta the 🏠 solo. And I even spoiled myself with a sweet bouquet of 🌺🌸🌷 from Glanford Greenhouses to go with my lemon brownie and vegan #carrotcake (I’ll save you a slice @caarly.xo 😉)

So if you are able to “sneak away” (or intentionally plan to leave solo), take that moment to unplug, eat your own darn snack, buy yourself some flowers, and get a taste of what fills your cup.

FACT : I came home after this quick hour, a better Mama for it.

#metime #weekendmarket #mamatime #momlife #momguilt #selfcare #glutenfree #bakedgoods #yyj #victoria #jamesbay #vancouverisland #lifewithkids #parenting

Mamas/Caregivers : Do you intentionally schedule in “me time” during the week/weekends?

F R I E N D S H I P :: My little guy typically doe

F R I E N D S H I P :: My little guy typically does not have trouble inserting himself in social situations and “fitting in”. But in contrast, it was never easy for his sister at the same age, to establish meaningful friendships at school. It got so heavy for her, among other struggles in the public school setting, she made the ultimate decision to be #homeschooled.

So it’s no wonder that every September, like so many parents out there - I feel the weight of worry that my child won’t be among his safe people. That he won’t feel like he belongs. Or that he second guesses himself, if he doesn’t.

Because, for many of us neurodivergent families, it’s a heavy burden when our child doesn’t feel accepted or safe in the very place they spend most of their time during the school year. I know this feeling all too well. But we have also learned how to navigate, and pivot.

Now that the focus on early school years shift to my youngest, moments like this #throwback video, I cherish. But I also embrace the new experiences in my children’s growth journey that might not always be comfortable. These learning opportunities also teach them about friendship, trust, and who they can lean on. What compassion is. And that even on the hard days, we aren’t truly alone.

I count on these established friendships too because, “it’s not only parents that raise their child, it’s the parents of the children they surround themselves with, that help shape who they become”.

I’m grateful we are surrounded by wonderful families that model such kindness to their kids, who in turn, model kindness to MY children. And we try our best to do the same.

Im 👀 at you, @mrskaylaasmith. ❤️ Hope P is ready for more of these “bwoken leg” moments. You def raised a kind AND strong little lady! 🤣😉

*******

Parents, does much of the first week back to school jitters (for your kiddo and you) center around that dreaded class list reveal?

P A U S E :: I think it’s working… I’m on we

P A U S E :: I think it’s working… I’m on week two (ISH) and I’m feeling things… Things are happening in my (literal) gut, in my decision making, in my creative ideas. It’s the weirdest, most amazing thing.

Is #HappyJuice actually making me NICER? CALMER?

Don’t get me wrong - I’m still in my infancy stages with all this, so I’ve definitely had some bumpy adjustment periods along the way. Which is to be expected in the earlier phases.

Kind of like, it gets worst before it gets better.

I’ll have more to share on this in another post. For now, I’m relishing in this moment where I’m feeling motivated to do things almost strategically, logically, in a calm way - and not erratic and energy draining, like the sudden boost I get from Coffee.

Oh yeah… I haven’t had a sip, NOR any cravings for a sip of coffee, my go-to addiction for the last 7-8-20 years… since the second I started this, 2 weeks (ish) ago. You were NOT kidding, @mommamillsblog!?!! 😱

So there’s that.

If you’re curious about what this HJ is all about - let me send you some info! I’m telling you - I’m learning to #pause, and I’m feeling the shift. And guess what… my husband’s been noticing a shift in me too… what is HAPPENING!?!! @caitoaks Cheers to you on your bday, mama! Looks like I’m getting the 🎁 here tho! 😉😉

Shoot me a DM or comment “HAPPY” in the comments below.

Let’s do this together!

#guthealth #mentalhealth
#AmareGlobal
#AmareHappyJuice
#MentalWellness #HealthyLifestyle
#Wellness
#HealthyHabits
#NaturalRemedies
#PositiveVibes
#ChooseHappy
#FeelGood

W E L L N E S S :: I haven’t been feeling in tip

W E L L N E S S :: I haven’t been feeling in tip top shape lately, so this episode is gonna be a good one! When I say “tip top shape”, that’s not just the surface level wellness of it all, but all the things that make me feel healthy. From fitting movement in wherever I can at home, to walking with confidence, to putting my face on when I need that “boost”, to owning our curves and knowing that #parenting has shaped us in more ways than one. Giving ourselves grace, loving ourselves, and finding what it means to be healthy… these are all the things Emily and I discussed in this hilarious, emotional, and rather surprising, episode on @sassandsmalltalkpodcast. This will be streamed on @telus @storyhive in 2025, so stand by! It’ll be worth the wait!

Special thank you to Emily at @nevaehjade.beautywellness & @upskills.nevaehjadebeauty, @mrskaylaasmith for introducing us, @haus.of.owl and the faboosh crew that made it all happen @hoelune, and of course, my main squeeze who NEVER EVER lets me forget how much my #passionproject of #gettingmySASSback means to him and our family. They love seeing me in my element, doing my thang, and immersing myself in the art of storytelling. #HappyAnniversary @gjavier5, thanks for celebrating our day of love doing what I love.

#StayTuned

Oh - and if you want to know about my go-to portable, mom-on-the-go #creambasedmakeup that I swear by? It’s @seintofficial #makeup, and, of course, I’m #obsessed. It’s an all in ONE PALETTE…. I mean, WHAT!?? Comment “Match” below, and I’ll hook you up with a color/colour match.

Are you on a health journey yourself?

Just a girl with a dream, driven by unshakable #Fa

B T S :: Behind the scenes at @haus.of.owl, record

B T S :: Behind the scenes at @haus.of.owl, recording our first, ever #TVBroadcast #VideoPodcast episode of “Sass & Smalls : Reclaiming the Joy of Parenthood, After Burnout” that will be streaming in the new year, on @telus @storyhive on OptiK TV.

Had an amazing and re-energizing chat with Natasha from @mommamillsblog who shared some amazing insight, based on personal lived experience of making the #PIVOT from a successful career in Corporate, to Self-made #mompreneur.

… And all the things that come along with… including the #hardtruths.

You WON’T want to miss this! This episode’s a #DOOZY!

#watchlocalTV #storyhive #podcast #burnout #parenting #parenthood #caregiverburnout #Momssupportingmoms #womensupportingwomen #womenofbusiness #mentalhealth #perfectionism #ineedmysassback

#GRWM as I #putmyface on for my first in-person in

#GRWM as I #putmyface on for my first in-person interview at the amazing @hausofowl #studios for our #newseries on @TELUS #optiktv with @storyhive. Can’t wait for you to see this interview with #bosslady Jaime from @glowjar_ . We’ll be talking all things #skincare health #empoweringwomen and #gettingmysassback.

Wanna try this amazing portable #onthego makeup? Write “match” in the comments and I’ll get you started with a #colormatch. It’s the only way your girl can get ready these days. #caregiverburnout #burnout

#getready #getreadywithme #makeup #carmakeup #SEINT

M Y * H A I R * M Y * C H O I C E :: Now that my l

M Y * H A I R * M Y * C H O I C E :: Now that my little man is growing out of his raspy little voice that mispronounces “eh-shposh to” instead of “supposed to”, hiding his upside down moon lips behind his long wavy curls when he’s sad, running into mama’s arms when he’s hurt or when he needs a random snuggle (he still does this 🙏 #itsthelittlethings) - We are learning to navigate change in real time.

We’re learning to accept… our little #rainbow “baby” is growing up.

Shortly after his dad got a drastic cut earlier this month, years following the pandemic (watch previous reel), and shortly after his 6th birthday (see previous previous reel) - he made the very unexpected, and may I add, brave decision to cut his hair.

This was not something his Daddy and I were prepared for. This was a milestone we held off for as long as we could.

And in his words:
“Mama it’s just hair, it’ll grow back!” #whenthestudentbecomestheteacher

He was ready. Thank goodness he had his peeps in his corner like his very talented Uncle @taewest who did some crazy magic bringing his vision to life, and his birthday girl Auntie, Tita @chomontero who found a way to make it happen. (Thought it would be fun to post this on your special day! Love you Tita “Shelf”!)

He’s ready to exercise his autonomy, his choices, and face any consequences that follow. And we are learning to exercise the art of letting go. 😩

After all this hoopla and our resistance to embarking on a new chapter of fresh cuts and Grade 1 this coming fall…. We gotta say - if I thought his charming little smile captured my heart as a toddler, it’s next level charm now that I can actually SEE that smile… 😉🥰

Track 🎶 “Look”, The Mondays and LiTTiE

So Mamas… how was your baby’s first “big kid” cut (or any big kid independent decisions) for you? Should I embrace this new big boy look?

He’s baaaaaaack! 💈💈💈🤎🤎 Gotta say

He’s baaaaaaack! 💈💈💈🤎🤎

Gotta say, I def don’t hate it… 😉 😉😉

Thnx @paulchuxtable at @victorybarbers, you miracle worker, you….

#beforeandafter #hair #menlonghair #haircut #shorthair #hairideas #menslonghairdontcare #manbun #manbunnomore #hairtransformation #hairtransition #mycrush #ageaintnothingbutanumber
#midlifeawakening #Ineedmysassback #dadsneedtheirsassbacktoo #change #timeforchange #parenthood #fatherhood #burnout #parenting #parentburnout #dadlife #selfcare

Which dad look wins?

S I X :: Earlier this month, my little guy turned

S I X :: Earlier this month, my little guy turned 6. Because of the years leading up to his birth was filled with so much grief & loss - I promised myself that we would celebrate every birthday in the biggest, most memorable “epic” ways.

Then the pandemic happened.

My aging parents’ needs became more apparent.

Homeschool demands increased w/ neurodivergent accommodations at both ends.

Celebrations became more intimate & meaningful, less sparkly & grandiose.

This year esp., I have become increasingly busy with day to day caretaking tasks, pulling me btwn the needs of my kids and their grandparents. #sandwichgeneration

In spite of this, my tiniest Smallie has continued to thrive in his 1st year of Kindergarten. However, I have felt in my heart that he hadn’t received as much of my time and energy as I was able to give to his big sister at his age.

<Enter Mom Guilt>

So grandiose plans ensued - to make this celebration his best one yet.

But then, a couple days before his birthday, his Grammy, my mom, had a terrible fall leading to hours in the ER, major surgery, and full time care at home.

My compassionate little man was completely fine w/ me leaving him temporarily, and postponing his bday, while I had “slumber parties” every night with Grammy.

Enter Mama guilt 2.0.
<And several last minute panic hours of balloon blowing & #pokemon theme giftwrapping. BTW each box is a tiny practical item (socks anyone?) cuz he knows we’re keeping things simple this year. He’s all about presentation anyway>

What my boy taught me, is that life is precious. Fr the moment we embarked on our fertility journey 12 yrs ago, we learned that attending to one family member’s needs doesn’t mean neglecting the other. It means we roll with the punches and take care of one another where we can. It means we may have to make sacrifices, but in the grand scheme of things, nothing is completely irreparable.

And in the end, my little man’s wish was granted. Some uninterrupted #mommyandme fun at @playatdreamland while Grammy was in the capable hands of her surgeon. The timing made it possible for us to truly immerse in one another.

His POV? :: Turns out, this was his best bday yet.

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