Motherhood: Luna-isms

Growing up I used to watch Sabado Gigante with my parents, and the kids series was hilarious.  If you aren't a savant of the Spanish language, it was similar to the Kids Say the Darndest Things show. Here are few funny and insightful Luna-isms as of late:

Luna (came in to wake me at 5:45 a.m.)

Me: Are you going to help me up?

Luna: No mom, you need to help yourself. 

Me: Are you going stinky poop?

Luna: My poop doesn't stink.  It smells like lavender. 

Luna: I'm going to work. 

Me: Where do you work?

Luna: At Amazon. 

Me: What do you do there?

Luna: I work with smart people. 

Me: Please eat your lunch baby.

Luna: Mom I can't eat it yet.  You forgot to put broccoli on my plate. (Put me in check!)

Me: What are you doing? (while she was getting into something...)
Luna: Be calm mom. 
Me: Okay
Luna: Remember your favorite word. Be calm. 
Me: Okay you're right. 
Luna: Be chill mom...  

Me: You're so pretty. 
Luna: No I'm not. 
Me: You're not?
Luna: No, I am beautiful. 

By the way, I read these to her and she said, I am so funny! Love her. 

Napa (with kids)

Mother's Day my husband surprised me with day trip to Napa. A planned outing which eliminated my tendency to overthink was the best gift ever (Thank you babe).  

Our first stop was to Oxbow Public Market which I recommend (especially if your kids are in tow).  They have a variety of restaurants and shops, and great outdoor seating. As well as a nice walking path along the riverfront. 

We had a relaxing and delicious lunch at the Kitchen Door.  (Tip: Luna's cubebot always garnishes attention, its easy to carry in my tote and it keeps her entertained.  The cubebot can also hold my iPhone perfectly. It is one whole piece so no little pieces at the bottom of my bag.)

On our way to our next stop we ran into Luna Vineyards. This vineyard is not kid-friendly, but they were still welcoming to Luna playing outside while I went in and purchased a bottle of wine.  Come on what mom doesn't want a bottle of wine with their kids name.  

Castillo di Amorosa was our next stop.  It has many memories for us so going back with Luna was extra special.  We did not think it was worth paying for the tour with a toddler, especially because walking around the castle's open areas and petting zoo is exciting enough. 

On our way out of Napa we always stop at V. Sattui for food to take home.  They have great deli and picnic area. We actually just bought our food and took it with us.  Our plan was to stop mid-way and have dinner on the road.  A trunk picnic always makes Luna happy!  

This was a perfect day, and it reminded me of one of my favorite quotes "collect memories, not things."

Flourless Banana Muffins

This is an easy healthy recipe for the whole family.  I tried making these pancakes per the many Pinterest recipes, and it was a disaster.  Therefore, I thought I would Lend-ify the recipes and make it my own. 

Flourless Banana Muffins

2 ripe bananas 

2 eggs

2 tbsp of Almond butter 

1/4 tsp baking powder 

*If bananas are not very ripe, you can add a tsp or so of honey.

Mash bananas in a bowl. Then add 2 tablespoons of almond butter (I am sure you could add other butters such as Sunflower if your family has a nut allergy).  Stir the banana and almond butter until completely blended, then add 2 eggs and blend that as well.  It will be a runny batter.  Lastly, mix in the 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. 

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray your muffin pan with nonstick spray.  I used a 12-cup muffin pan and poured 2 tbsp of mixture per muffin (which made 8 muffins).  While the oven is pre-heating let the mixture rest.  Then bake for 15-18 mins. 

I like to serve them with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of maple or sugar free syrup. In my opinion they taste like french toast.  Luna loves them so these are kid-approved!

Motherhood: Seasons

I recently read this post, and it basically summed up my own theory on motherhood.  I believe there are seasons in motherhood when we are great and some when we are not so great.    

For me the infant season, is not my season.  When my daughter was a baby, I was a spaz and had lots of anxiety. I was never a baby person prior to having my daughter, and as you can imagine, it was an awakening.  I know moms, who are like baby whisperers.  When their kids are babies they glow and have a certain ease about them. You know, those moms that look like their baby is a part of their body. Yup, not me.   Don't get me wrong, I tried my best, but I was grateful when the season changed.

My daughter is now three, and I am thriving this season. I love to read to her, teach her new things, go on adventures and explore the depths of her imagination.  It's my time to shine. 

Abundantmama put it like this: 

The “I got this” season.
This season is really pretty awesome but it’s also pretty fleeting so I love to really savor this one. This is the season that leaves me with a certain skip in my step. Everything just seems easy, it flows and there are few hiccups in our days. Positive energy and motivation just seems to come naturally to me. To experience this season is a treat but to know it when it’s happening is a true gift of motherhood.

As a mom, I find it is easier to embrace my ineptitudes knowing these seasons will come and go, and hopefully I can help my daughter go through her own seasons with this in mind. 

What about you? What's the season (age) you are good at?