Run-around little Cousins

We went down to Orlando for a special milk and cookies party, my sister and her husband were holding. Eli, their son, started eating solids and they wanted to show the family. He's 6 months and so delicious. I never thought I'd be one of those people that say "I want to eat that baby" but I am. I want to eat that baby! He's is just so gorgeous. I love him so much. He will always be a special little man to me.

Ahem... tear.

We also got to see my step-brothers kids (on both sides), as well as, snap a couple family photos. // I must add a warning, my older sister, (yeah we are not twins) just so happen to wear our hair up and stripes. It must be some weird psychic connection or something - my little sister too (wore stripes). Speaking of my little sister, she is SO tall! She is almost all grown up (scary face). She has got to be the smartest and sweetest little lady on this earth and to add so beautiful inside and out!  I can't wait for her to be old enough to drive up and see us or spend a weekend wherever we end up. I'm a proud sister!! This day turned out to be such adorable fun!

Buzzing Around

Geminis - Josephine Baker

  June 3, 1906

Josephine Baker (June 3, 1906 – April 12, 1975) was an American-born French dancer, singer, and actress.

Sun Gemini // Moon Libra // Asc Virgo

Interesting facts about Josephine Baker:  Baker was the first African American female to star in a major motion picture, Zouzou, to integrate an American concert hall, and to become a world-famous entertainer. She appeared in the chorus lines of all-black revues on New York vaudeville stages, then travelled to Paris in 1925 as part of La Revue Negre. Baker dropped out of school at the age of 12 and lived as a street child in the slums of St. Louis. Ernest Hemingway called her "… the most sensational woman anyone ever saw."After the war she fought for civil rights in the United States, returned to France and retired in 1956 to look after her 12 adopted children.

So many more interesting facts if you click on the link above. Too much to add in this bit. 

1.5 years old

Here we are at 18 Months (more like 19 months // your mother is a busy bee and posted this a bit late). Olivia, you are a mover and a shaker. You're still dancing up a storm but now with a bit of humming. You're just itching to sing those lyrics. You are much more responsive to questions and directions. A sweet nod for yes and no helps communicate your needs. A simple pointing to what you want also helps with the communication. 

• Your favorite food right now is spaghetti but mostly plain pasta. lately its simple foods that are not mixed with anything. It's a bit boring but your eating and that makes mama and dada happy. 
• You now say "Wah" to Walk and you shake you hands if you want to get down with a light "Dow". If you point to your mouth, its because your hungry or want a bottle. If I ask you a question like "Would you like a bottle?" you jump up and nod your head like your so happy I got it right. You love words like "stroller" "juice" and "bath"
• Oh and let the climbing begin (scared mama // biting lip) 
• More and more you are holding our hands. Love this so much!
• Favorite nursery songs - itsy bisty spider, twinkle twinkle little star, wheels on the bus... the classics. Oh and Ring around the rosy... I guess school sings this a lot because you immediately plop that butt down but just before "we all fall down" it's cute. 
• we ask you what certain animals sound like and you know: Dog/ruff , Cat/meow (favorite of mine because you have the sweetest little voice), Cow/ Moo, Duck/quack, Frog/ribbit...
• You know how to say and point where your head, hair, eyes, mouth, teeth, hands, belly, feet and toes... "What's this?" I touch your nose. You point to your nose and say "no..s"that's your nose.
• cause and effect usually equals something falling and you say "ah oh"
• There's just not enough stuff animals in the world right now. You want to bring 3 plus your blanket everywhere you go. Squeezing them and hugging them with love. 
• Speaking of your blanket, you are very attached to this comfy thing ( i had a blanky too) Mama has to wash it at least twice a day. We actually have two for you... no three, they actually go in order in hierarchy, so if ones not available on to the next one. If they're not around, the tears come falling. So we make sure you are fully blanket stocked.
• Still as lovable as ever :) You give hugs and kisses all the time as well as make sure everyone has a treat when we snack. 

What works for us

Here are some products that helped us through Olivia's first year and still use to this day. I also included an alternative recipe for formula. I know each child is different. What works for us might not work for your little one but I thought it would be good to just throw out some alternatives if you're looking for some. I wouldn't mind if anyone has some more suggestions to add. Thanks!

Of course, I know I'm missing a bunch more but these are the ones off the top of my head.

1. Baby Bjorn // this link is for one similar to the one we had. If you can find one second hand, buy it!! 
2. Children's DHA // We give Olivia a dose everyday. It really makes a difference.
3. Sound Machine // I'm obsessed with the ocean sound, it really puts the whole family in a more relaxed state.
4. Liquid Multi-vitamin // We also give her a dose of this everyday. It has a lemony taste.
5. Little table and chairs // Olivia eats at her little table every morning. She loves to push the table exactly where she wants it. 
6. Snack box // This is great for a grab-it and go. Fill it up with lots of goodies and take it to the park, bike rides, playdates... anywhere.
7. Bug spray // we all use this stuff. I love it because it's light and smells good plus no chemical crap :)
8. Diaper area wash // we started using this as soon as it was put on the Target shelves. Its great because it freshens her up and helps wipe the crusty stuff (yep, all types of textures down there)
9. Bla Bla doll // She hugs her Suzette all night long. We want everyone of these dolls... okay I do. She could care less. 
10. Moccasins // These are great for winter months and they're soft on her feet.
11. Tea Tree Oil ointment // THE BEST! We could live without most (ok maybe not the vitamins)of this stuff but this one. We use it alllllll the time... bug bites, scratches, bruises, bad diaper rash (it's on my top favorite baby things)
12. Evenflo Car Seat // We had a cheap car seat when she was an infant. She hated that thing, don't blame her. We bought this thing and boom! new quiet child. Make sure it's comfy in the butt area.
13. Toms toddler shoes // She runs a lot in these shoes.  
14. Chinese Herbs // This is a great alternative to antibiotics. Of course, consult your doctor or acupuncturist. 
15. Black Elderberry Syrup // great use during the seasonal changes (mix it right in with some juice and water)
16. Shampoo/body wash // doesn't sting in eyes and has a very light fragrance.
17. Re-usuable Diapers // Not shown // This is a great baby shower gift to give. We got a variety pack. I wish I was one of those moms that only used these but I'm a 50/50 mom. We use disposables at school and re-usuable at home. 
18. Music Album - Do Fun Stuff - Vol.1 // Not shown // add this to your iTunes. It's great for all to sing plus you're donating to a great cause. Olivia swings her hips and claps her hands to most of these songs.
19. Alternative Formula Recipe: Again with my 50/50 mom style, Olivia was only breast fed for 2 months. So I had to think fast with an alternative for the breast milk. We made this mixture for her around 4 months, after 2 months of stomach cramping, gas, crying, colicky and acid reflux. It totally worked for Olivia. Now, it might not work for any baby and so I should write again to consult a pediatric nutritionist or acupuncturist. Most doctors will probably deter you from doing this so go with your motherly instincts. I will say that most formula on it's own is very cold natured so adding these ingredients with help warm the baby's stomach which helps with digestion and bowel movement.

•  1/4 cup of goat milk kefir
• 1 to 2 tbsp of black strap molasses
• 1 cup of chamomile tea
• 2 tbsp of organic coconut oil
• 32 oz of distilled water
• 16 scoops of formula (Earth's Best or Gerber Good Start)

At 12 months, we switched out the formula mixture to half Goat milk and half Almond milk. 

Any suggestions are welcome! What really helped you out during the first few years? Would love to hear! Lately we are on the look out for a potty training chair and some great books/toys for learning colors, shapes, ABC's and 123's. Also music for her... some classic sing-a-longs w/o the cheese (if you know what I mean). Have a nice day!

Cajun Crab and Quinoa Cakes

This is a really good recipe I got out of a magazine--->Cooking Light. I have to share it because I think it's worth cooking. The cakes are baked not fried and the quinoa gives it a really wholesome flavor/texture. I've never made Crab Cakes before so I have nothing to compare them to except for now! I love love love them and the yogurt sauce is hot peppery goodness... a bit spicy but nothing the yogurt won't cool down. I'm going to make these again and again and again. So here's the recipe: Cajun Crab and Quinoa Cakes