Banana Split 🍌

It’s 5:37am May 14th 2019. I got woken up by a crying son who thought I wasn’t around. “I want my mommy, where’s my mommy” I instantly cuddled him and said “I’m here Jaden I’m right here.” His sleepy  crying eyes started to realize that he was dreaming and he’s calmed down.

Suddenly my daughter who is still breastfeeding starts to cry because I’ve pulled her off her milk supply. She’s making all types of noises and I can tell she’s upset she’s not drinking her milk… I put her back on.

Jaden now says he wants to cuddle with me again and he wants to sleep on my chest. “I’m feeding your sister” I said and again he just got upset!

It’s times like this, I wish I was two of me. It’s so hard to give the exact attention to both of them at the same time when they both need it. They both want to be close to me, they both want to lay their head on my chest but my chest is only so big 😦 dilemmas and quick thinking. I shifted my girl to the left, I moved him to the right and I’m laying down straight so I can give them half a side each. It temporarily worked but they were both still complaining small, lucky for me the “sand man” came and put them back to sleep.

My son has now scooted over to right and my daughter is about to be scooted to the left so I can catch a few more zzz’s

Oh the joys of motherhood.

A girl named Jada.

The last time I properly spoke about my daughter I mentioned how she was barely opening her eyes. Eleven months later, her eyes are big, beautiful and brown.

My sweet girl. Full name Jada Folasade. I never thought I’d find love quite like this. She’s just like my Jaden but a girl version. She’s coming into her own little sassy self! She’s addicted to me, even more than her big brother was at this age. She practically screams at the top of her lungs when I turn my back or walk away… it’s something to see but do I mind?! Not really, I’m flattered that a little human being can love someone so much. It makes me happy. Yes, there are times when it can drive others to confusion and when I need a moment to focus on her brother or another things it can be quite bothersome but it’s all out of Love.

My daughter is a real little girl. She’s so cute and cuddly, smart and her smiles just light up the room. She herself is an amazing younger sister. She loves to play with Jaden, she loves to share & when she hears his voice, her whole face lights up. It’s match made.

In one month, she’s already about to be one years old and I can’t believe it. Time just simply goes by too fast. She was just a baby that we took on a family trip to New Orleans and now she’s a little madam who takes command and ALWAYS wants to eat my food, and eat on her own and stand and talk her baby talk and test her brother… (what do I mean test? Stay tuned for the next blog or two away )  😉

I am a very proud mother, I really am raising two amazing kids, it’s never easy but it’s constant learning and growing for myself and them and between us I remember when my doctor said my son Jaden would be a girl I felt some way… but a life without my sweet princess in it doesn’t make sense now. She’s another part of my puzzle, another part of her brother and another part of our family which we are in love with.

I’m curious about the woman she’s going to become. The different stages of growth. Her style and attitude and how she’ll carry herself.  I think about this with both my children.  It’s an amazing thought that time will eventually reveal all.

I love my princess so much just like I love my son and I’m just so thankful that they have an amazing bond with each other even though it’s a year and 3 months apart. They go together like PB&J. Watching them together is like an amazing surreal movie. These interactions between her and her brother are  the best thing a mother could watch.

This little girl has brought something special to our family.  🙂

Threenager…

Hi readers,

I am finally back…. life has been happening so I didn’t have time to blog because my mind wasn’t there but suddenly today I had the urge to get back to writing so here I am.

The last time I spoke about my new born baby girl who is about to be one years old in one more month 🤯 & a big brother who has been oh so caring, loving & protective… but there’s more… AGE THREE.

That’s right my big boy is finally three years old and the experience is like no other. He’s wild. When I say wild, I mean it. Three is interesting, the kids are on self discovery like never before but now they talk more & talk back. They know what they are doing and saying & know exactly what buttons to press. Three has been interesting like I just say say.

Jaden is one of the loves of my life but sometimes I feel bad because he drives me to crazy village with his threenager antics. When he’s getting disciplined sometimes it works and sometimes he pulls out the crocodile tears to make me feel bad which these days don’t work lol! I really have to stand my ground if not this little boy could finish me off like the last one on one on a battle field.

The love is unconditional but the wahala aka the trouble he gives can be a bit too much. I am hands on deck as a mother but now I’m dealing with two sides. A growing baby and a toddler and it is a whole lot. I know I got it though but keep the wine coming along with it 🤣

I am extremely blessed nevertheless to have a three year old because it means I’ve been a mother for three years and that’s amazing to me. I’ve grown so much as a woman and taking care of two just shows me a different  side of life not to mention I am soft and hard at the same time because I have a boy and girl.

My son may be wild but he’s still amazing and intelligent. Remembering big words, colors. Enjoying making friends and school & knowing exactly what he wants  and he’s still an amazing big brother. He really loves his little sister and she loves him back and it amazes me when he says things like “mommy this is for Jada.” He’s so involved with her and even if he has moment where he doesn’t want to share his one toy with her, he’ll find something she does like and he’ll give it her! That’s the BIG BROTHER move.

The observation continues.

Time & Two

I can’t belive I have two children. It’s the most surreal thing before my eyes. One minute I’m pregnant with my first and TIME happens. The baby is born and he grows up to be his own little person. Next minute I’m pregnant with another and TIME let’s me realize “girl, you got two kids now.” … I was just pregnant, how is it that my baby girl is about to be two months old in 3 days! I mean WHAT, WHEN & HOW!

Time really does go by fast and you have to embrace every moment of it because it also waits for no one. I’m so grateful for my children, they have both shown me I can be a woman that I never knew.

My son Jaden is really the best big brother. He’s so caring of his little sister and he loves helping me help her which is so important. The only time he’s jealous is if he’s tired and I’m carrying her and he wants to be carried, otherwise he’s fantastic. Amongst him embracing that he’s not an only child anymore, he’s been doing some growing of his own. He speaks full proper sentences. He’s organized with his toys (even if the whole place looks scattered) he knows how to say “Please, Thank you and Sorry” (There’s an interesting “sorry” blog to come featuring his grandpa later this month) … he knows colors, he loves to read, he appreciates his classmates… the list goes on and on. I’m so proud of my boy and in two short amazing years this has all happened so I can only imagine what is to come. TIME will tell.

My little girl with her sweet angelic face, eyes barely open to open bat 🦇 eyes throughout the day and especially at night. She loves to smile, she’s extremely alert and she on the way with her motor skills in no time. She has amazing control with her head lifting up and she certainly knows how to kick a blanket off in a jiffy 😆 she’s growing so fast and I can’t wait till both of them are in motion because I know how much fun they will have together. She loves her milk and she drinks so much without missing a meal, she herself is ready to be a big girl! Already in size 1 diapers and 3 month old clothes TIME again is waiting for no one.

Seeing all these changes week by week, month by month & year by year, I’m just overwhelmed with gladness. There is so much in store for my children and for me as a mother.

Hello Baby.

She’s here! My sweet baby girl is finally here. 

I can’t believe I finally made it to the finish line! Such an exciting moment. Pregnancy is no easy breeze towards the end but I made it. 

I am so grateful and thankful to God. I had a successful delivery! Our baby girl was born in the evening of June 8th 2018 💗 (Which makes her little over two weeks old from the date of this blog 🙂

MY EPIDURAL WORKED which made such a difference from my first pregnancy. I mean it, the biggest difference ever. Giving birth without all that pain is like a smooth ride with a lot of pressure HOWEVER I still dealt with consequences afterwards because my neck was struck out and strained for a good week! I believe I was pushing my girl out with every muscle in my entire neck. It was awful & I couldn’t even enjoy my kids for the first few days which was awful! Thankfully the pain did go away and It’s back to our regular scheduled program  TIMES TWO!!! 

Ahhh! I have two amazing beautiful children, is this real life?! A Boy & A Girl! What a dream come true. 

I’m so thankful to have Papa Bear & my mother by my side once again. Papa bear was holding my hand like a real champion and once he heard his daughter cry / we all starting crying. I think I was crying during my last push… by the way (pat on my shoulder) under 5 min of pushing, that was it! Definitely a record for me because Jaden was about 15 min. 

& Now we’re back in the comfort of our home. Back to square one while on square two : baby and newborn. Two meals (breastmilk & chicken nuggets) Two diaper changes (Newborn & Pull-ups) Two sleep patterns – the list just goes on. It is more work but it’s an amazing thing I’m doing and I just feel so blessed. 

I will certainly blog about New sister/ Big Brother chapters so stay tuned but just so you know Jaden LOVES his sister just like we do & I’m so happy for that because I was so nervous about how he’ll take a new baby in the house. 

All is well 

😉 

Our home is filled with more love ❤️ 

We Couldn’t be happier. 

Sticky Like Honey.

This is my last blog before the new baby arrives and I couldn’t help but share how my son Jaden has been more clingy to me than ever.

Like glue. Like gum on your shoe. Like honey on stick. Sticky is his latest middle name. I completely understand. Two years of being an only child! All the attention to yourself, & now that’s all changing. He follows me around usually but now it’s at his highest peak. Just how young children hold your leg while you walk, similar to that. He wants to be carried every second everywhere and I can hardly go down the stairs without him asking me for a “Hug” which means carry me mommy.  All the while anyone else like papa bear or his nana who asked him to do something it’s “NO”! it’s all about mommy.

It’s definitely bitter sweet for both of us but I know everything will be alright after all his new best friend is on the way. His constant new buddy, someone who can eventually chase him around and he chases back. Read with, watch cartoons with, go on walks with etc etc endless activities. I myself already know all the places I want to take them both after my much needed after birth rest.

Children are so amazing because even though he’s seen my belly grow from nothing to a big, big ball, his whole energy can feel the arrival. I thought it’s because of the baby bottles and toys here and there but it’s just the energy. I’m very big on energy as an adult I can only imagine how children feel energy themselves.

My hospital bag is packed and I’m definitely ready for this pregnancy to end by the grace of God, safe and healthy. I can’t wait to have a new bundle in my arms and I especially can’t wait to see my children’s amazing bond grow before my eyes.

All will be well. I claim it and I thank God for my growing family 🙂

Preparing for two while there’s one……🌸It’s a girl🌸

Two years into being a mommy to my best buddy in the world my son Jaden. Papa Bear & I are expecting once again. 

🌸IT’S A GIRL🌸 !!! 

Wow! I can’t even believe this is happening. So many emotions. Is this real? Can I handle two kids? I’m still learning with Jaden & now we’re throwing in another whole child… just wow. 

The journey has been tough but magical at the same time. The beginning was very rough. Finding out I was pregnant again happened with my big sister Geraldine via FaceTime. I told her “my period hasn’t shown up yet & I have a test upstairs but it’s old” … “Go and get it and go buy another one so we can double check” She said. “OK” (20/30 min later) CONFIRMED! I am indeed pregnant. My sister was so excited and I kept on saying “oh my gosh, what do I do. Should I tell papa bear now or later.” Eventually I told him with giggles which he didn’t find funny at all but me laughing was the only way I could cope and tell him. His own emotions were all over the place. Initially he wasn’t in the best mood because he said “are we ready again?” And all I could say was “I don’t know”! 

Needless to say the next few weeks were very intense and confusing for both of us. I don’t believe in abortions but it was also so early that the fetus is barely formed. I went to the doctor to know my options and again abortion was brought up but also time had gone by going from when I found out to “you’re six weeks in” after a lot of prayer and faith – WE DEFINITELY MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. We are having the baby because God makes no mistakes. 

(Fast forward) all is well, baby girl is growing, emotions are up and down. My first trimester was a hot mess just like with Jaden. Sick like a dog, a lot of crying – not being able to brush my teeth without gagging and just praying I make to the second trimester where I can finally be happy and eat my life away. FINALLY … I get there. 

Trimester two. Bring out the credit card. Baby shopping, ordering this and that. “Oh this is cute and this and this” such a difference shopping for boys and girls. I love all the shorts and polos for my son but seeing the mini swimwear and dresses after paying attention to them got me looking forward to finally meeting this baby girl. I never paid attention to anything girl ever but now my eyes are literally moving at a 50-50 pace because I’m thinking “what can I get for her and what can I get for Jaden” it’s actually fun but it’s also breaking our wallets more 😅 

Now, since I know there’s an new baby on the way, the biggest task is getting Jaden to understand what is going on. As my bump gets bigger I also try to tell him “baby baby” “kiss baby” “baby sister” some days he’ll kiss the belly and some days he’ll smack the belly. I don’t know if he gets it but he’s been more clingy than ever and he’s noticed little baby toys around the house all of sudden. He knows he’s too big for the toys because he’s advanced. They are still appealing for him but when he tries to throw the “crawling ball” and I say no no! He’s confused in why is mommy telling me to roll this ball and not throw it. Children are very smart. I just know his vibes feel that something is coming. 

As a mom to be of two my goal is to split myself in half! I don’t even know how I’ll deal with it and of course I’ll blog about this experience when baby girl arrives. I just want to be amazing to both of them but Jaden is my best friend, my go to, my play buddy – how am I suppose to do this with two kids. I’ve asked mother’s of two and they said they felt the same way but once the second arrives everything just fell into perfect place and everyone is happy so I pray it’s the same for me. I’ll be so devastated if my little guy feels a certain way about his baby sister or if he feels neglected. I already know when she’s born – he’s taking a full week off school to see her every second and I can spend time with them both. Luckily newborns don’t do much but feed & sleep but even then I need Jaden to see that she’s here to stay. I’ve seen him with other babies and he’s done great so I don’t doubt he’ll love his sister and they’ll be best buddies forever especially as she gets older. Jokingly I’m prepared for his slaps because when he sees her on my breasts which once belonged just to him, he might put up a fight 😂  besides the general talks of what’s on the way, I’ve also tried to get him to understand with pictures and stories. I ordered him a personalized big brother book which hopefully will help also. His name and face are in it and it describes all the responsibility a big brother has! I love online. You can find everything. He’s had personalized books in the past and he learned very fast from them. 

The final countdown has begun. Less than a month to go and my big boy toddler love of my life Jaden will no longer be a single child. He’s had a great time. He’s always going to be my best buddy and I believe this is such a great experience not just for him but for papa bear and I. Our family is expanding. We’ve been married for one year & I see the future being bright.

I thank God for everything & I pray I get continued strength to keep being a better mom to my children. It really takes a village to raise a child and I’m thankful for the advice and help I’ve got along the way but I’m very proud of myself because I went from knowing nothing to mothering two & seeing how well my son is growing and learning before my eyes, I’ve been doing something right. 

Cheers to the next chapter 🥂 

Toddler VS Toothbrush

Brushing teeth! Brushing little toddler teeth, who would have thought it’d be such a pain.

My son loves the brushing teeth song on tv, he even copies the movements with his little finger so why oh why can’t you do it for real? *Sigh* I’ve tried my best to make it a fun activity even to show him how I do it but he simply refuses. Brushing teeth has become a battle for me and the only way I manage it is if I force him by me holding his mouth open and quickly brushing up and down with squealing and crying 😢 “Nothing to cry about Jaden! You have to do it” while he looks at me with his sad puppy eyes.

The days he finally wants hold on to the toothbrush and asks for toothpaste, what does he do… swallows it up, sucks the brush around and puts the toothbrush right back down.

At this point, I’m about done with this game but of course I can’t  give up my little guy because I know eventually he’ll get it. In the mean time I have asked for advice from three people and here was their  solutions:

1.  It’s time to go back to the AFRICAN ROOTS! Cotton wool with toothpaste. Suggestion from papa bear. He said “That’s how it used to get done for us, and it worked”

2. Buy a mini battery operated toothbrush which he can hold and it’ll seem fun – this suggestion came from my son’s grandpa.

3. Sing a song. A suggestion from my cousin Angela whose toothbrush song for her boys is “The Ants go marching one by one” – she also expressed how it’s still a challenge for her but her lovely boys are getting it and I’m sure the song is a bonus because now they associate the tune with TOOTHBRUSHING.

I will try each of these methods and hopefully I can get my little toddler to finally cooperate. We really need this to work because his little breath is starting to stank especially after little naps and in the morning, sheesh! Lol he’s lucky I love him if not I’d never stand for it 😂😂😂

Luckily for me, no cavities in sight just yet. “COME ON JADEN, you can do it”

Have you got any methods of your own in your households moms and Dads? Please share.

Jaden is Two 🎉 I threw the birthday party at home & I survived!!!

My baby boy toddler is finally two years old! I thank God for his life. 

Seeing as we just had a fantastic family vacation in Florida, I didn’t feel the need to rent anywhere for a celebration with friends and family so I decided to through the party at our home… oh my gosh! The stress, the panic. 

You never really know what you’re getting into until you have to get all the details together… from the cake to the drinks and food & don’t forget the cooler and Ice & the decorations and make sure there’s enough this and that & some of that 😅

This party wasn’t just for one but for two amazing boys, my son and my close friend Adeline’s son also – Jaden turned 2 & Johnny turned 5 – The theme of the party was Pj Masks, so you can image how the superhero kids filled the house. I’m so thankful that it’s a hit Disney cartoon show because finding decorations was a breeze, setting up the decorations, that was a lot. 

You don’t think you have a lot until you have to tape everything up and some of it falls off + I have an excited toddler wanting to touch everything. Placement is key. Children’s corner, adult corner, what toys are appropriate and safe for all the kids (parenting tip – remove all the small stuff and keep all the big stuff and puzzles) that’s what I did plus we had some fun fun balls, a basketball hoop and of course the hit of the party the “little tikes” slide. 

When guests started arriving we had enough of everything & I was so happy to see how all the kids had such a great time right away, after all it is for them. The kiddie table had delicious snacks and fruit so there definitely no worries over there. Music was playing & it definitely has the kids on there feet 😬

It’s funny when you have to throw something, the time just flys ✈️ by. I honestly didn’t think I’d make it in time because one minute it’s Monday and boom it’s PARTY DAY!! But I survived, I made it through & everything was a huge success! 

My son got some wonderful toys which he enjoyed the next day and still does & with all that I did to set up, cleaning up wasn’t half bad. My mom taught me at a young age, clean up right away because the next day you can relax!!! IT’S THE TRUTH! I woke up and all I had to deal with was extra food – which wasn’t an issue because we just ate it up throughout the day.

Parents are really super hero’s in disguise!!! Kudos to all of us 😉 although they might not acknowledge it right away, are children are so thankful for these moments we create for them. 

 

A nostalgic experience at Disney World.

I can’t believe this day had finally come around. Taking my son to Disney World! Words are hard to express it but I’ll try my best.

Years ago my parents had taken my sisters & myself on this endless adventure & I remember it by these classic video tapes I never stopped watching. I was so small, and my mom would stroll me around with my two sisters walking side by side and the cam corder in my fathers hands. I remember it, the laughs and sisters mocks and “it’s a small world” and so much more…. & now it’s my turn as an adult, a mother & a wife. Wow!!!

I was so excited, probably more than my son who is two in just a few days (we thank God) My husband who has never experienced this Disney Magic was also in Awe almost in disbelief that a place could really take you out of the “real world” for a whole day. I told him before “This is a dream world” & funny that the Disney saying is “Where Dreams Come True”

We did it all, walked for hours, ate turkey legs, popcorn, went on the any age rides (surprisingly the lines were all amazing and fast) & shout out to Disney free Fast pass which helped also. We saw the parade, Our son met his two favorite characters the gorgeous Mrs Minnie Mouse and Daisy, saw the amazing castle & other beautiful backdrops…

What a day it was. We ended this amazing day with the finale firework show assisted by graphics and Disney music and I never felt so emotional in my whole life! I almost cried because it was surreal and nostalgic. The memories of my own childhood flushed over me and to be in this magical kingdom with my own family – really was dream come true.

My son, husband and I had the time of our lives and my son might not remember it fully in a few years but thankfully I captured some amazing moments on my camera just as my father did years ago. Technology definitely has its advantages 🙂

Our son took to the place very well & although Disney World does cost a lot of money (being frankly honest) to see the look on your child’s  face is worth every last penny!

I encourage all parents to take this trip at least once & more than if you can. The place is huge. We were only one amusement and water park in and there are still three more to explore & in a few years I hope to do them all again.

Thank you Walt Disney ❤️

Interest 2.0

Time has gone by, my little man has developed a new love for new things. Of course this is normal and it’s interesting to see from a mom point of few.

It used to be all about “Word Party” & flip books but then it became about cars, and trains and animals! Ah ha – there’s the boy in you. He loves his cars and does he loves his trains, it all started because I let him watch a show called “Chuggington” and that somehow translated into “Mickey and the roadster racers” now he can’t get enough. If I buy him toys there usually in the category and I just love how happy he gets like “how is this cartoon character in my playroom” being a toddler must be awesome.

Parents let your children guide you into what they are interested in. Don’t force it because they know what they like. Can it become annoying? ABSOLUTELY! Who wants to watch the same show over and over but there are perks to it! Learning.

When we watch certain shows I hear him singing along and it makes me so happy.

Don’t get me wrong we still read a lot too and the best part about that is he’s involved. He loves hearing different character voices and if he seems animals or anything he knows the words to, he’ll say them out loud!!! YES (my home training worked and school is working too)

There’s  nothing like the development of your child. Remember when it was “oh his neck is up” “he’s crawling” “he’s walking” now it’s about “Wow, when did you learn that word” or “When did you learn that move” 🙂 I’m a very happy and proud mommy.

When your child knows familiarity, that’s when they explore the best. You might have taken your child to the zoo at 1, try again at 2 and again and again as time goes by and you’ll see how much more amazing it is because they actually know the sounds of the animals let alone what they are. This goes for everything learning. Have fun with, enjoy the moment and enjoy your smart toddler in the growing.

“I need a break. We need to put him in school!”

That time has come. Faster than I ever thought it would. Day care. It needed to happen, as I mentioned last week Papa bear and I are dealing with the  troublesome two stage, I needed the break. It took some time because I wanted our son to start before two and he said “NO, let’s wait till after two” but I just couldn’t wait any longer! Of course I love my little man around me but sometimes space is necessary. I needed time to rest (for good reasons) time to catch up on house chores and even clean his toy area properly. Different things. You’ll be surprised how much you can get down with your little one away. Even if I wasn’t resting, I could just enjoy some Mommy time and I have no regrets 🙂

I think as a first time Mom, I did well putting my son in school – it was sad hearing him cry every time I’d leave but it’s temporary time and temporary tears. I like the teachers in the school and I’d observed them when I visit and get to know them so I’m fully aware who is teaching him. The only concern I have is feeding times. I know my son is a picky eater and even though the amount is written down of what and how much he ate, as a parent you really never know that’s why I pack him a  few of his favorite things on the side just incase. It makes me feel at ease.

I enjoy the fact that he’s made new friends and can learn how to interact with others even more than before & learn at a different pace. I’ve done well teaching him in the meantime and learning never stops in our household but it’s great to know he’s learning in two places and from others as well.

The downside of day care is IT’S so expensive oh my gosh! I never knew. Parents don’t talk about this. You have to do your research and find out which school will fit you best and when you do, be prepared for some crazy fees – it’s quite annoying seeing as some of the kids are so small and it takes such a huge chunk out of your finances week after week or bi-weekly or monthly if you choose. In this situation you really can’t have your cake and eat it too because if you don’t  want to pay well – your kiddie stays at home 😩  sorry !!

All in all – Day care for me is win and let me tell you parents, THERE’S NOTHING LIKE SEEING THAT PRICELESS SMILE AND GETTING A LOVED FILLED HUG WHEN YOU PICK THEM UP AFTER SCHOOL ❤️