03.18.24 Weekly Message

Hi mama!

It’s a big week over here as my little Emi turns one.

MY BABY IS ONE!!

Now I know what “in the blink of an eye” truly means. And you know I’ve been reflecting on this year and all the crazy beautiful things we’ve gone through together. I often think, “oh, she’s not as little anymore,” but then again, she will never be THIS little again so I need to soak it in while I can. Motherhood is such a beautiful reminder to be present; no use in being sad about the smaller version we had or anxious about them leaving for college. Today, we are here, and she is perfect.

EAT: I’m searching for the perfect no-eggs and no-sugar cake for Emi’s birthday, and it is proving quite a challenge. This is the top contender but with dates instead of sugar.

LISTEN: A recommendation from my husband; as soon as I hit send I’ll be listening to it this week: “Protocols for Excellent Parenting & Improving Relationships of All Kinds” by Dr. Becky Kennedy. 

CLEAN: Literally everything because my mom, Wanda, aka “Number-One-da,” is coming to visit us. She arrives on Thursday and will be with us for a month. I’m looking forward to having her around, but we do have different styles. However, we’ve already set expectations and boundaries, so we should be fine.

✨ I find it hilarious that this is a TikTok Trend, this is literally every mom ever.

✨ Is oat milk a scam?

✨ Not sure how we got here but there have been some measles outbreaks.

MOVEMENT: I don’t plan for this category anymore because when I tell you this girl is moving up and down the house all day, I am not kidding.

SENSORY: Up until now, most of her meals were baby-led, but I kept one as a purée. She seemed to still enjoy it and was able to practice with her spoon a little bit, but during her one-year checkup, the Doctor told me “ONLY chunks.” So wish me luck!

MUSIC: My mother-in-law teaches a mindfulness class to elementary kids, and she has THE BEST instruments. She got Emi this wave drum, and she loves it so much. It’s supposed to make a calming ocean sound, but she gets a bit too excited, not very relaxing but so much fun!

LANGUAGE: I wasn’t sure when it would be a good time to introduce flashcards; I was a little hesitant as they felt too “pop quizzy” for me. But according to The Montessori Toddler book, now is a good time. I prepared some for Emi in English and Spanish; you can download them here and aquí.

MINDFULNESS: Not sure if these Affirmations are more for mama than anyone else, but Emi is somewhat amused when I say these out loud.

NATURE: I might be living in Santiago, but I’m still a Spring baby, and Emi is a Spring Baby, so here’s a list of Springtime activities we’ll be partaking in no matter what the weather report says.

SOCIAL: Yesterday, we attended a beautiful birthday party; we didn’t know anyone except the birthday girl, of course, but we felt so welcomed. It was a good reminder that social activities are not only for the little ones; mamas and papas also need to connect with fellow mamas and papas.

✔️ Yoga with a baby? Possible but not as relaxing.

✔️ Plans 90 days in advance? Booked.

✔️ Emi met Soraya the Zebra Plant; I am happy to report that it still has all its leaves.

✖️ Still trying to find a dog Emi can play with.