"What I Have Learned" Series - Featured Mommy: Celine Khakh

Celine loves being a mommy, it shows in her enthusiasm when speaking about her beautiful boys Dylan, 3, and Johnny, 4 months.  She knows that being a good mom means also valuing her own time and needs.  While managing her career as People Potential Partner at Lululemon Athletica, she also fits in time to sweat (workout). Her workouts include a love for circuit classes and running, and currently doing the Fit for Two stroller classes with her baby. Aside from her work and working out, Celine enjoys meeting other moms and travelling (been to Disneyland 15 times)!

Celine says she always knew she wanted to be a mom someday, though she didn't quite realize just how much she would love it, until she had her sons. This mom definitely has an infectious spirit and loves to share her insights on mommyhood.

What would you say is your biggest learning(s) since being a mom?
Making time for yourself is really important and it does not mean that you are not prioritizing your kids and family.  If I get a chance to sneak away for a quick lunch with a girlfriend, go to the gym (by myself), or a pedicure. I come back refreshed and re-energized to be with my family.  I feel that it makes me a better mom.

What, if anything, was the hardest about transitioning to mommyhood?
Balancing your new duties as a mom, wife and friend.  It is really easy to jump on the mama train and not take time for your husband and your friends as you are prioritizing your child. However, your children will grow up and leave one day and you will be there with your husband. I received great advice from someone that I need to make sure that you are prioritizing your relationship with your husband as well as your children.  My husband and I have 1 date night (or day date) a month.  I also make time to see my girlfriends, whether we go for a run, coffee or lunch, it is important to have girl time.

What is your favourite thing to do with your children?
Go to the park or beach and have a picnic.  Dylan (my 3 year old) loves helping me pack the snacks before we leave and kicking the ball around the park.

How do you balance work, family, hobbies?
This in an ongoing practice for me.  Some weeks I feel really great about the balance in my life and then other weeks seem crazy.  One thing I love about my job is that I can workout during the day, whether it is going to a yoga class or a run, I get to sweat during the day rather than taking away time with my little ones when I get home from work. I sit with my husband and we go through our calendar for the month, upcoming birthdays, family events, weddings, etc.; and we make a priority to select a date night and figure out a couple of options of dates that he can hangout with his friends and I can hang out with my friends.  This way it helps to plan with the kids and also gives you something to look forward to for the month.  My husband and I are planning a week long trip as a couple in January (when Johnny turns one).  Our goal is to have one family vacation and one vacation (just the two of us) per year.

What advice would you give to new moms?
Every mom has good days and bad days. On the bad days, just survive, get through the day and think tomorrow is a new day.  Everyone posts the "good" pictures on Facebook and social media, they never post the pictures of the baby that just pooped his diaper and it soaked through his sleeper; puked all over you and him; or just had a meltdown because they did not want to put on their socks before preschool.  We all go through it and your good friends will talk to you about their good and bad days, and you will laugh together, because what else can you do.
Also, get a house cleaner!  After I had baby Johnny, my mom gave me a birthday present for her house cleaner to come to my house once a month.  This is really great so that each week I can clean and do the maintenance cleaning (which doesn't take that long), and then the house cleaner can do a big clean every month.  I really appreciate this so much, so that I can spend more time with my boys, especially when I go back to work.

Is there any item or anything in general you would say is a must-have or must-do for parents? and why?
A good stroller makes a huge difference.  This was advice I received from a friend before I had my first son.  She said make sure you spend money on a good stroller because you will use this everyday.

I loved interviewing Celine, and think other moms alike will love hearing about her love for her boys and also how it is important to also take the time to take care of yourself also.  How achieving a balance sometimes takes some thought, but it's important.  Doing so just makes you a better mom overall, and Celine shows it is true.

Celine and her boys, Johnny and Dylan

Bucket Fun List for Toddlers

I pretty much always have a mental note of what our next activity or playground adventure should be with Caiden. 

I feel like there are always going to be so many things to do or see.  What I am learning,  however, is to not get consumed with all the things available because some may be just way too much for him at this stage; and to reserve some fun for later ages too. I am starting to take it in stride...it is very easy to get caught up in the  "not missing anything" parent frame of mind.

So in keeping toddlers in mind, and seeing what was super successful and fun with my toddler, I came up with a bucket list of fun must-dos for aged 1 to 3 year olds.  Some include visits to parks or venues, but others are just simple, easy, things that they will love with no planning needed on your part.

Each item on the list here gets such an awesome response.  Seeing this enthusiasm and joy is...well it brings out the kid in you too.

I think you will have fun seeing them enjoy the following:

1. Visit the local Aquarium

2. Jumping Puddles (with rain boots of course)

3. The Pumpkin Patch (including sloshing in the mud puddles)

4.  Watching airplanes take flight

5.  Choo choo train ride (usually put on during Christmas, Halloween or Easter)

6.  Petting or any zoo of sort

7.  Water parks and swimming

8.  Sand castles and Beachcombing

9.  Cotton candy and Kiddie rides at a Fair

10. Public song or Storytimes

11. Running around in large open fields

12. Bubble Baths

13.  Finger painting with no boundaries

14.  Cake smashing

15.  Jumping in a ball pit

Have fun you guys!!!

The Perfect Cup of Chai

In seeing a lot of Indian inspo online...I thought I would post my chai recipe.  Chai is gaining a lot of popularity, though it has been around for centuries.  A staple in Indian culture, being served at all events and to guests of the home. 

It is an instant feel-good tea treat, perfect when you have a chance to relax. I think after a long day, it is fabulous to curl up with a nice cup.  I think, since you can make it with or without caffeine, it is great for moms.  We all deserve a nice cup of chai once in a while.

Most Indian people make it the same (black tea with milk and Indian spices), but we all vary it up a bit here and there.  Traditionally, it is made with full fat milk or cream, and sugar.  My variation uses skim, and I opt for no sugar. Also, as  breastfeeding mom, and because I limit caffeine in general, I use a decaffeinated tea, which still tastes amazing. 

What you need:
-ginger
-cloves
-cardamom
-cinnamon sticks
-skim milk
-evaporated milk (optional)
-orange pekoe tea bags (I use Tetley decaffeinated)

What to do:

In a small pot, put about 2 cups of water.

To the water add 4 to 6 cloves.
Slightly crack about 6 to 10 cardamom seeds (you can opt to discard the leaves and just use the seeds, but I use it all).
Peel about 1 inch of ginger, mash it so the juices are exposed, and add to the water.
Add 2 small cinnamon sticks.
Add 2 tea bags

Let everything boil together. 

Once the tea has taken a blackish colour, add your milk.  Add enough so that the colour takes on a dark beige tone, but not white.  You can add half skim, half evaporated...or just stick with skim if you prefer.

Let the milk come to a full boil.  Stay very close as the tea will start coming up fast once boils.  Just as the tea is about to reach the top, quickly take it off the heat...so not to boil over. 

Now strain and pour into your cup.  Add sugar if you wish.

Makes about 4 cups.

Enjoy!

5 Rules For a Successful Bedtime

Sometimes getting the kiddos down can be challenge.  Also, not every day is created alike. However, if you want to have somewhat of a scheduled bedtime or routine to the day,  it is possible. 

I have found that a bedtime was very important for them...and for me.  It really does help to ensure they get enough sleep, gives you some downtime at night if you need (that is if you don't pass out yourself), and in general it creates an expectation that they have some rules they must follow and stick to.

I read a lot about bedtimes, and talked to other moms, and found that the same advice kept popping up.

So here I have summarized my findings into 5 neat rules.  

Here are the 5 rules I followed to solidify a schedule for Caiden's sleeping, and it works.  These 5 things, learned along the way, some the hard way...need to be followed to have a bedtime really stick.

Consistency

Basically, once you have set a time in mind, keep to that.  Of course, there are exceptions like events that come up, but the majority of time, and when at home, it is important to follow the same timeline every day.  This creates a little timer within them. 

Set a time to stop play

Before they retire to the bed, you want to know they likely won't go down right away.  Also things like playing and watching TV come with brain activity and getting excited, so you want to give them enough time for all their activities and have a time it will end.  Once you set a time for that to stop for the day, it will start the bedtime routine, so over time they know what's to follow.

Established routine  (i.e. bath, brush, read etc)

I did this from the baby stage, as do most moms.  But having a little bedtime routine I think is pivotal.  These items become ingrained and they know what is to follow so the fuss of going to bed basically disappears.  We do a bath, brushing the teeth, some warm milk, a book, and hugs and kisses.  Then it is lights out.

Quiet or chill time

I recall a mom telling me this, and I tried it and it helped immensely.  For about 30 minutes before I actually want him to sleep, I have to let him do something quiet and relaxed.  This kind of couples up with the "set time to stop play" and "established routine" rules.  Incorporate some time for them to relax and come down from the day's activities.  For us the bath and books is this quiet time, and we may sing a few songs while he is laying in bed.  Either way, it is very relaxed and soothing and it really sets the tone.  

Not depending  on your kid telling you they are tired or trying to overtire them

I think it is a huge misconception that kids will just fall asleep when they are tired.  I think it can't be further from the truth, and I found the exact opposite.  Kids, as they get older, will push boundaries and try to stay up as late as they can, they have fear of missing out.  So it's important to recognize they are pushing through a sleepy stage...I can tell with Caiden because he starts to get rowdy.  Then trying to work them up more, generally has the complete opposite effect.  The more tired they get, the more wild they may get and harder to put down.  Overtired kids, in general, sleep much worse.  So keep that in mind.

Well, I hope this helps.  I know it did with me.

Good luck (and good night).

Delicious Avocado and Fruit Smoothie

I love a good smoothie...who doesn't.

However, my goal with smoothies nowadays is my own taste buds and my son's.  Usually whatever I make, he helps make it or enjoys also.

Avocados are all the rage these days, and though I can just drink blended avocado and milk...my two year old likes a little more taste than that.  Not only that, but as a mom (and nutrition nut) I am always trying to ensure he is getting enough fruits and veggies in his day.  Smoothies are great for that...blend away and you can get at least 2 or more servings right there!

Anyways, on to this awesome smoothie.  I love it...I am sure you will too.

Oh!  And if you are still trying to lose some prego weight, this is a great one! It provides good essential fatty acids from the avocado, which helps remove unwanted fats from the body.  There is also plenty of calcium, fibre, and the strawberries give us vitamin C in this drink. 

Add the following ingredients in a blender and blend away!

-1 full avocado

-1 large banana

-3 to 4 large strawberries

-1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

-a dash of vanilla (optional)

Tip:  you can change the consistency by adding more of less milk (thinner add more).  Also, if you don't like the taste of the avocado in the smoothie at first, try a little less and work your way up to a full avocado.  

I want to mention this is totally kid-tested, and my toddler loved it!  The strawberries gave it enough sweetness to seem too good to be true (that it had no added sugar).

Enjoy!

She Says Momma...She Says Dadda Too

Rayna is growing at lightning speed, it seems.  

It only feels like a few short months since we brought her tiny little self home.  She was this patutie, sleep-loving, peanut.  Fast forward, 10 months later...she is a happy, loud, babbling, energetic, super cuddly, not so much sleep-loving, mobile monkey!

She crawls her own special crawl, never did the conventional way...and boy is she fast.  Now grabbing things and getting up and trying to stand is her new favourite skill (which, I catch her practicing all hours of the night).  She loves playing with Caiden, and trying to grab any of his trucks...or him.  She loves food, skipped a lot of the baby foods, self-feeds pretty much anything and will even try to grab anything you have in your hand...or mouth.  She is loud...gets excited, cheers, especially when Caiden is showing us something like kicking a soccer ball.  She is sheer joy and such a blast!

But probably one of my favourite things is hearing her say "Momma" or "Mom."

She said Momma as her first word at about 9.5 months, and also says Dadda.  I think the first time you hear it, you aren't sure if it's just baby babble.  However, her starting to say it at opportune times, when you are away from her, or she wants you to pick her up, solidifies she knows who you are!  You are "Momma"...and "Dadda."

Hearing your baby's first words is bittersweet.  It is a victory being you.  It is beyond endearing and ever so cute.  It creates little ripples of giddiness and results in cuddling.  It literally is the sweetest sound from such a tiny (yet often loud in my case), angelic, itty baby voice.  It is also a reminder that she is just hitting these milestones and growing...almost 1 year has gone by!

Now I know, more skills, more words will follow.  My baby girl is growing and will only be a baby for a limited time longer. 

That's the beauty of writing here though, I am able to capture this memory.  The memory of right now, she rolls and plays, and when tires and wants milk and to go back to sleep...she calls out "momma...mmmm mom mom...momma."

I got you baby...I love you.

(I am writing this as she is sleeping in my arms.)

It is moments like these that make all the sleepless nights worth it.

Oh I don't want to think what trouble will ensue as she gets older...for now she is still this sweet little baby that loves cuddles and her momma...yes and dadda.

Xoxo and goodnight.

Is it just me?

It isn't always easy; trying to be an awesome mom and wife...and trying to take care of yourself too.  We try right?  

I often look at perfectly beautiful women strolling Main and think, dang they look so put together. 

I ran out of the house today in what I wore yesterday, slathered on lip balm and (you guessed it) put my hair in a pony to run some errands. 

Is it just me?

I am in the midst of normally going crazy because, we are (but really I am) potty training Caiden,  plus Rayna is mobile and cannot stand to be alone in a room without me.  Meanwhile I have a million ideas in my head about what I have to do tomorrow, this week, and this month.

So far my today goals have rolled over to tomorrow, because it was one of those days I struggled to even get a shower in.  I didn't get that shower, my dishes are half done  (good enough), and I have piles of clean but unfolded laundry in each of our rooms. A little busy, yup. 

So here I am, 4am, under a sleeping baby (because it is one of those nights where she refuses to stay asleep and frankly I have given up), writing.  This is also the only time this week I have gotten a chance to really do so.  So it has me thinking,  "is it just me?" 

I answered the door in my pajamas yesterday....at 3pm.  Is it just me?

I have not had a decent pedicure in months, my skin sucks right now because I don't have the time or energy to follow my previous regime morning and night... Is it just me?

I am exhausted and feel I can never get nor keep our place clean.  I wipe something and it's still dirty, how is that even possible... Is it just me?

I love cooking and creating meals, but lately we have ordered in, one too many times, because I cannot figure out what I could make in 15 minutes and forgot to defrost anything.  Is it just me?

I have opened my sons desk box, but have not assembled it because it requires pliers...which, we have but I really can't fit it my day to look for them.  I will get to it the next day....but I don't.  Is it just me?

I vow I will start doing yoga daily at 5am while the kids are still asleep so I will make sure to get that in...but it still hasn't happened.  Is it just me?

Well at least I eat right.  Most of the time...when I can.  Well, when I'm not eating my kids leftovers because the price of everything has gone up and wasting food drives me nuts and I'm doing this at 9pm when I finally get to clean up the dinner mess....ohhh man!  Is it just me?

Chances are I am not alone here...and chances are it is not every day we feel like this. 

I often get so caught up in all the stuff I have to do and planning for the future of what I want to do, I sometimes forget to just pause and reflect on what I am actually doing. 

I don't have to get a bunch of things done daily, and if what I need is to slow down and ask for help...or go for a pedi...or just do nothing at all...well it is ok.  

Sometimes being a perfect mom means not being perfect at all.  Looking at others and wondering why they look more put together is unfair, you don't know if that mom has throw up on her shirt. 

The most important thing is having a blast with your kids and learning as they do. Which, I do and I am sure you guys can relate to that.

Have a great day you do-it-all, pajama wearing, non-showered, amazing moms!

xoxoxo