SOCIAL MEDIA

My kid is not my "bestie"

Thursday, February 13, 2020

At least right now.

My Son Can Play With Dolls

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

I wish we lived in a world that was FREE of boxing our children into "gender norms". What does that even mean, anyway?

Crunchy Mama

Tuesday, January 7, 2014
I've heard this term thrown around quite a bit since I had Ava bug. I think it's more entertaining than anything, but I have found that this definition is fitting for my family, and our parenting styles. The term crunchy really just describes a parent who fosters a strong, positive bond with their children through natural living. What could be better than that? I feel all warm and fuzzy knowing I am a part of a parenting generation, where people are going back to the basics. What worked for us all those years ago, still work for us today. Parenting is getting thrown into our modern habits, and I honestly resent it a little bit. In an effort to make the time slow down, or at least capture the moments I have with my lover bug, I have booked a natural "lifestyle" photo session for Justin, Bug, and I. I want black and white (maybe color) photos of our baby wearing little Ava days. I want photos of the sun shining down on my little Princess, while I nurse her in the morning. I want photos that show how attached parenting methods have produced this little vibrant being I call my daughter. A lot of pressure on a photo, right? Hopefully, the photos turn out somewhat how I'm imaging them to be. We aren't doing these until we get settled in Washington, but I'm excited for them already.

Speaking of photos, I am already on the hunt for Ava's birthday decor. Seems like there is so much to do when planning a little's first Birthday. I know Ava's will be a bit more intense, because we will be near family and friends. I am ready for this challenge! I have already located the venue, and found the company to make the cake, smash cake, and cake pops. I settled on a theme this morning too. Don't ask me why Im making all these decisions four months in advance, I just cannot contain myself. My little girl is going to be one year old this year.

We took bug into pediatrics today. With the flu running rampid in central Texas we just wanted to make sure she was still healthy, and good to go. Ava now weighs 15 lbs and five ounces. She is also 24 and 3/4 inches long. WOW! Drastic change from the 5 lb 11 ounce baby I gave birth to. She is perfectly healthy, and is a bit more advanced for her age. I know Justin was feeling great after Ava's appointment today. The doctor was impressed with how comfortable Justin was with Ava. He knows how to do everything I do, and that impressed the doctor. She said a lot of dads aren't that comfortable with their babies, that they are all okay with mom running the show. She made a comment as we were leaving, she said we should have ten kids with how mellow and in sync we were. While the compliment was flattering, I don't see us ever having 10 children.



The movers come in just two days, and then in seven days, Ava will be on her first plane ride. This week is going to consist of a lot of packing, school work, and prepping for our big move. I hope everyone stays warm this week! It looks like a huge cold front is coming in towards the states that aren't so used to this freezing weather.

♥- Leilani

What's my age again?

Friday, September 27, 2013
I just realized I am going to be 23 years old in less than 6 months. WOW. I won't lie I'm getting an age complex. I know I'm young, but I feel like I'm aging rather quickly and I don't like it. Before I got married, I always thought time moved too slowly. I even remember wishing the time would hurry up... Now the only thing I want is for time to slow down. Just this past week Ava started sitting up unsupported for a few moments at a time, she holds on her feet, and she screams (loudly). They say the first year has the most developmental changes for babies. I can't complain with that. At least I know things won't always go by this fast.

Our pup Cooper is also coming up on his 2nd birthday. As often as he urks my nerves, he's still my little boy. He was the first baby I ever mothered. Not only did he teach Justin and I how to care for someone other than ourselves, but he also prepped us for the expenses that comes along with being "fur parents". Which in turn helped budget plans when we found out I was pregnant. I still remember when he was 12 lbs. and left pee puddles on our wood floors. I'm glad those days are far behind us.

I'm also 3 months shy of three years of marriage. That is even more weird than me turning 23. I can't believe it. I'm excited about my anniversary though. We'll be in a new state, celebrating our anniversary together (rather than over skype) in our new home with our little family. I want to plan something super special and thanks to Texas having so much to do, I can!

2013 is coming to a close, and I just can't believe it. So many wonderful things occurred for me this past year. 2013 is going to be a hard year to top (due in large part to Ava) But I can say other than 23, I am definitely looking forward to 2014. New grass for the Howland family. I'm praying that I fall in love with our new state. I'm praying that this change is one I accept quickly. The excitement is already here, let's hope that's a good sign!

Oh this is random, one other thing I'm excited for in 2014 are New Year resolutions. So many people make them, very few follow through on them. It's a comical time for me. That kind of sounds bad, doesn't it ? Oh well. My new years resolution is going to be the same goals I have daily. NO stress.(if I can help it) NO problems. (if i can solve them) COMPLETE relaxation (when i can have it)  and trying to be a better person, a more mature person than I was the day before. Pretty simple stuff.

Alright world, I'm off to cuddle the husband and indulge in my frozen yogurt! We are on a Grey's Anatomy kick! I love it!