these are 2 of my 3 loves. my day was filled with chocolates, handmade cards, cuddles and not having to clean one single bit. we also got out for a bit to grab a cup of coffee, pastries and fancy grocery store shopping (one of my favorite guilty pleasures). hope your day was filled with love.
seven years ago today this beautiful child entered our lives, changing every thing. her capacity for love knows no end, her compassion and tenderness encompasses us everyday, her wisdom and knowledge astonishes us. most know her in fleeting moments of childhood but those who are around her and that get to experience her know that she is truly a godsend, a blessing, a woman wise beyond her years. she is beautiful both in and out, her smile can stop a room and her laughter can fill it. she means the world to us and to those who love her. lucy has taught us that being a child is not a disadvantage but allows her to teach those around her in ways that adults seem to lose over time. she has shown us new ways to see and hear the world, as well as how to experience life fully. so, today we celebrate her, we celebrate the day in which she chose to be in our lives, we celebrate so she will laugh and smile and feel loved, we celebrate because we feel so (freakin’) lucky to have this soul fill our hearts and our lives with all that is her. we love you miss beans, to the moon and back. xo
being a second time mom, i am getting to do all the things that i didn’t know i needed or wanted the first time around. as i prepared for the remarkable journey of birthing a tiny soul i was able to get more in touch with some of my asian heritage. i recently heard the term ‘mother roasting‘ (aka: a stay in or rest in) and completly immersed myself in research, turns out its exactly what my mother did with me. in filipino culture (and korean), post partum moms are given 30 days to heal, rest, and bond with their new born babes, they are served a special diet of soups, teas, meals that warm and heal the body. new moms are kept warm, given hot oil massages, warm herbs and salts are applied to the belly, avocado and guava leaves are used for steaming the bottom which promote blood circulation and healing.
i am also doing benkung wrapping this time around, with my first pregnancy it just seemed too overwhelming to take on with so many other new things like: nursing, healing, sleepiness nites but this time I am looking forward to the extra care and pampering. i have had a lovely friend encapsulate my placenta; placenta encapsulation benefits are so amazing and aid in so many ways that i’m bummed i didn’t know about it my first time around. i can definitely see the difference.
i most of all, i am fortunate enough to have a partner that is on board with making my postpartum healing a nurturing and loving experience and a mom who is willing to take care of the traditions that her foremothers have been doing for years. i am honestly thrilled to have 30 days of pampering and bonding with our new babe.
on april 24th, a beautiful spring day, our second daughter, anais wren, was born. we are all home, well and all falling madly in love with each other. xo
throughout this pregnancy my intention for labor and delivery has held steadfast, i have focused on a gentle, loving and painless birth, reminding myself there is no need for fear as i have done this before and that experience was completely doable. my spirit has been in a very internal place during this pregnancy causing for a lot of inner reflection, self compassion and love. its given me time to listen to the desires of my heart, to let go of exceptions, except a possible career change and remind myself that the universe is ever flowing. i thankfully found this book which gives me a bit of time everyday to focus on the importance of pregnancy and allows me to truly focus on the being inside of me.
i was also lucky enough to have been given a blessingway/baby shower a few weeks ago where i was surround by women who are wise, creative and supportive. my best friend, rhonda, hand poured candles for everyone to take home and to light once i go into labor, as a way to remind them to send positive thoughts my way. we also made a birthing necklace for me to wear while in labor as a reminder to me that i am surrounded by love and support.
so now i just wait, relishing in the quiet and stillness allowing these moments to naturally create a space that is loving and nurturing.
i have the sweetest sister in law, who know matter how busy or chaotic things may be she can always think of others before herself. dave teases that with 4 kids, working full time and being a mom taxi thoughtfulness who be the first thing to go, but she some how manages to keep a mental list of everything that is happening, with everyone, and is always thinking about how she can create a special moment. this was mine. i had my gestational diabetes screening which means a high protein meal followed by a few hours of fasting. so in order for me not to be a complete gagging mess (skipping meals doesn’t help the situation) my sister in law made these protein packed cottage cheese pancakes for me. lucy and i went home the next day and made a giant batch for the week! i reckon they would be yummy with ricotta cheese too!
the recipe is her’s; it that been in her family for years, i think she said it is from an old le leche league cookbook.
cottage cheese pancakes
6 eggs
1.5c cottage cheese
1/2ts salt
1/2c flour (we used almond and buckwheat)
1/4ts baking powder
beat eggs until light. mash cottage cheese for beat with a mixer until smooth. add eggs with salt, flour and baking powder; mix well. drop by the tablespoon onto hot griddle and cook until browned on both sides. serve with syrup or berries or our favorite, lemon curd.
my sister in law just mashes her cottage cheese with a potato masher for added texture, i just threw everything in a blender. both were delicious.
with spring upon us, the miss and i decided to make a garland to welcome the newness that spring brings. it was quite the task but well worth the lesson of process and patience.
my journey with this pregnancy has tested me in every aspect: physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually. i have learn to let go of ideas, preconceived notions of what i should and shouldn’t be doing, letting of go the guilt of not be able to physically do the things i want and being so busy with raising already one child that quiet moments of meditation are few and far between (especially with a recent move, nesting, fighting a cold, etc…). today as i was driving to what could be my last midwife appointment i found myself resting upon a word : SURRENDER. to just let go and let things be. and of course during today’s appointment my midwife magically said, “pregnancy and labor is a wild thing that we just need to learn to surrender to.” affirmation accepted! so i as i frantically look over my house and see the several scuff marks on the walls that just need to be wiped down or the picture frames still in boxes that just need be hung, or the endless ‘to do’ lists that are lying around i am reminding myself to surrender, to just be with what is, to give it up to love and light with a smile.
last friday i planned a special day just for lucy and i before our family soon becomes four and she becomes an older sister. we have been studying about india for sometime now and the idea of mehndi really stood out for lucy. so on our special day i made us an appointment to partake in this traditional indian ceremony. lucy was so happy i thought that she might burst! it was truly a beautiful way to spend the day ; to welcome this new being into our lives and to bless our way as we both enter a new chapter in our lives. definitely a moment i will forever cherish.
(via pinterest)
we are moved in, not unpacked but moved in nonetheless. my goal is to try and tackle a room a day all while still trying to maintain a semi- regular homeschool schedule…easier said than done. i have had to make promises to practically everyone in my life that i won’t push it and will take long breaks, being 35 weeks pregnant makes you recognize the need to slow down and put your feet, by choice or not. hopefully we will have things in working order by the week’s end and i can’t wait to share some images of the new space. then its on to nesting nesting nesting as the baby will be here before we know it! wowzers, life!