Wednesday, December 28, 2016

Ten Truths About Working From Home

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts thereof this evening!

I have had one of my busier days, between Mamastè and running my business.

In case I never told y'all, I work from home. I run my own business as well as assist my hubby with his. Cows, gas pumps, and stethoscopes are what make our green grass grow.

Because I have the uh, luxury, of being at home all day, I often think people expect me to have unlimited time for their favors, honey-dos, and agendas. So...here are my ten truths about working from home.

1. I do more before 10 a.m. now than I ever did when I worked in an office. I work during the baby's longest snee.

2. My work is just as valuable as it was when I sat in the office from 9 to 5...6...7...

3. While I am home all day, and likely in my pajamas, don't ever think I don't get in the paint elbows deep or better.

4. No...I don't have time to *insert favor or request* on short notice. Sometimes I don't have time even when given sufficient notice.

5. My work is not "easy." The accounting portion alone often takes hours, hence me beginning each day at 4 a.m.

6. No, I am not "LUCKY." My job is the benefit of making a few wise decisions, coupled with having a supportive spouse and an insane work ethic. I'm LUCKY if I finish everything before lunch, but other than that I don't know anything about that "luck" thing.

7.  While I can handle my kid(s) with ease as I crank out my work, please don't think babysitting is a free-for-all around here.

8. No, I don't sleep as late as I'd like to. Four aye-em comes early. Period.

9. YES, I am as valuable as the other employees in the firm. After all, I trained them. *wink* Human resources has its perks.

10. Yes...I enjoy the heck out of it. I love being able to contribute financially while being a sort of hybrid SAHM.

I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Monday, December 26, 2016

Them B'reservoirs...

Namastè!

As I enter the tenth month of my breastfeeding journey with Baby Namastè, I feel compelled to share what it's been like. The good, the bad, and the WTF.

NOTE: I'm NOT an IBCLC. My experience is just that, mine. I don't shun formula moms, I just do what works for me personally. I'm not an MD, a self-proclaimed expert, or a titty guru. I'm just a mom who's figured out her own little rhythm to the nursing dance. Hopefully this disclaimer will spare me the know-so-much crowd who takes precious time from knowing so much to send me to task about my opinions and observations! I'm always ready to stand my ground but it'll take more than a 2-minute Google search to dress me down, so kindly save that "send email" click for something else.

Them B'reservoirs.

That's what we (Hubby Namastè and I) have dubbed the boobs. Breast reservoirs.

Even before Baby Namastè was born, I knew I'd be nursing him. I read every book I could find. I talked to IBCLCs. I drilled veteran moms. (Princess Namastè was tube fed for a good portion of her first year, so I didn't nurse her directly. I used a hospital pump, and she was fed via an NG tube until she could swallow.) I wanted the best, the worst, and the WTF about nursing, from people who had been in the trenches.

I studied latch. I studied nipple confusion. I studied all the diferent things that could affect, challenge, or even possibly curtail my endeavor. I was gung ho to make it to the one year mark, with a freezer stash at the ready for extending those benefits after he weaned. I would not even think of weaning before he himself was ready.

I was set, y'all.

It has not been easy. Initially I was tandem feeding--nursing Baby Namastè and providing milk for a very special little princess as well. (She was in the NICU.) It seemed like my milk came in overnight. From the very start I could pump many ounces even after feeding Baby Namastè on demand! That made me glad, because the only thing I wanted was to give both the babies a solid start, setting a good foundation for our nursing story.

In the first days it was rocky as hell. I knew how to nurse, or at least how to be patient and let Baby Namastè figure out the best way to eat while I figured out the best way to support him and make sure he felt safe and adored. I endured cracked nipples, engorgement, and letdowns so forceful I could (and still can, on a good day) shoot a stream of milk about three feet. I didn't slept much at first, because my baby literally nursed around the clock. He wanted his noms and as chuffed as I was to be nursing, I was beat. Beat, dehydrated, and sleepy. Baby Namastè had a lip tie, which made his latch a little harder to master. He also has an adorably tiny mouth.

I would have thrown out my flanges that first week, honestly. I was miserable. The babies were thriving, both Baby Namastè at home and Tiny Warrior Princess in the TICU, but I didn't feel like I was thriving. I felt like slow drain. Every ounce of milk was like another bit of me being poured away. Each time I went to feed or pump, the first few seconds during letdown were this crazy unhappy ride on a train I never wanted to ride. (That sounds so dramatic, but that's because at the time I didn't know I was suffering the effects of D-MER, dysphoric milk ejection reflex.) About 3 months in, my tandem journey ended. I was crushed. But I still had to stay the course for Baby Namastè.

As I kept going, I learned to make time for eating, drinking, and sleeping. I became another newborn, honestly. I ate, slept, nursed, and pumped. I got some insight about the D-MER, which saved my sanity.

As Baby Namastè's gotten older, the challenges have been different. I have never shied away from nursing in public, but people can be anything from downright nasty (gross guy on the subway in Manhattan) to absolutely inspiring (NOT gross guy who stood next to Hubby Namastè to make a human shield on the Staten Island Ferry!) where babies and b'reservoirs are involved. Even the most pragmatic, resolute mom would be slightly nervous about feeding in public for the first time. He didn't take a bottle initially, so I didn't have the luxury of just giving him one while we were out. I had to balls up and brass out quickly. I was up for the task, though. I believe fed is best, so I don't shame formula mommies. I expect the same while I whip out the b'reservoir to feed my own little hungry bear.

Around the four months mark, Hubby Namastè had a stretch of time where he was home a bit earlier. We were not worried about a nipple preference (it's not really confusion--the baby develops a preference for the bottle because that nipple flows more quickly and is less work!) by this time, but Baby Namastè hated every bottle we tried! He wouldn't take one from me at all. A few months later we found our Mimijumi and could not be happier. I never cared about being able to give him a bottle, but I did want him to have one he actually liked! Hubby Namastè has an even better bond with the baby, because he can literally care for him all day without needing me to step in for a feeding.

I learned another lesson after the bottle resolve, and that one was about the importance of taking care of me. I was eating well and sleeping more,  but aside from blogging I wasn't taking any time to do much for my spirits. I could take a Tayè Day and not feel guilty about Baby not having his milkies due to our ever-present fridge and freezer stash, and I could reconnect the dots and recharge. Ironically most of my Tayè Days involve  getting a quick hairstyle, then getting right back to my little bears.

When Baby Namastè was nine months old, I developed pneumonia. This in and of wasn't a major issue--but I spiked high fevers and could barely breathe. I was so sick, I had to break my no-meds preference. The meds I was given--antibiotics, pain killers, and anti-epilectics--rendered me a zombie. I was so weak, all I wanted to do was sleep. Everything hurt,  and between that and feeling like my head was on fire from those 103 temps, I had to limit my exposure to my baby. He had his freezer stash to lean on, but I was still pumping. I have never dumped milk--he got milk baths those days!

MY. SUPPLY. TANKED.

After the pneumonia cleared and I felt like a human again, I noticed he was cluster feeding. I assumed it was a growth spurt until I logged my pumped ounces and realized I was at less than half! My ineffective schedule those weeks, likely coupled with the meds, had compromised my supply in a big way. I panicked, as he only had about 250 ounces in his stash. That seems like a lot, but remember he's still almost totally EBF even at just shy of 10 months. I plan to go much longer, continuing with expressed milk when he no longer nurses directly. I needed that stash to stay put!

There's nothing more harrowing than a supply drop. I felt so bad, because this has been my thing for so long now. Yet when I thought it might end, it seemed like no time at all. At my lowest I went and spent 40 bucks on a can of formula.

Note: The low point WAS NOTTTTTTTTT the formula itself. It was the idea of not being able to make my breastfeeding goal. Remember,  I studied and read and researched for this! I was sad that I night not be able to carry out that goal.

There was almost something magical about that canister. It was the Enfamil Enspire, in a dark blue canister with gold. It's the formula touted to be closest to breastmilk.

The magic, you ask?

I didn't want to cave before I exhausted every avenue to get my supply back right. I didn't see the canister as failure at all. I saw it as motivation. I simply did not like the idea of taking Baby Namastè from his customized, just right, always-exactly-what's-needed food. So I did the needful. With that can as my motivation, I dove in and worked to restore my supply. No magic drinks or teas, just some time with my lactation consultant and a willing spirit.

All it took was to do like I'd always done--feed on eand, and kept a good pump schedule. While I got the chance to try some exciting (and at times very tasty) galactagogues,  the thing I am 100 percent sure of is this:

The more I pumped and nursed, the greater the demand for milk. The greater the demand, the greater the supply.

It took about a week or so to see the uptick, but it happened.

Now, on the cusp of our tenth month, I am happy. I am not doing anything special, as this is what our b'reservoirs are made for! Nor do I feel any superiority. (If I had needed that canister of formula so my baby could eat, I wouldn't have batted an eye about mixing it right on up!) I'm still feeding him on demand and pumping to build his stash. I may donate another 5K ounces before I hang up my flanges for good. I've given just over 10K ounces at present.

There's been a moment or five when I just wanted to quit and be completely done. Breastfeeding is seriously one part touching photos, three parts learning, and one part total WTF moments. When I look back on my leaky b'reservoirs days, my long nights trying to latch or cluster feeding, or those days where he went on strike, I still wouldn't change this choice. That tells me that I've done the right thing for him, and for me too. I stood on my principles. I didn't quit. I've never been perfect at it, but I stuck to it.

As always, I close this out hoping I have shed some light and shared some as well. As for me? I'm thinking about the future. I'm not sure how I'll feel when my b'reservoirs are just cleavage again.

Ah, them B'reservoirs.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Baby's First Christmas!

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts thereof tonight.

I am still buzzing about how much fun we had for Baby Namastè's very first Christmas.

First off, we have moved and settled into our new home, so we were already extra excited. It feels amazing to be here and know that this is the spot Kids Namastè will grow up in. This is where they will hang out with their friends, where they will play Monopoly and have birthday cake, where they will each have growth marks on the wall!

I digress, slightly.

Kids Namastè usually have big holidays. I cook tons of food, plan tons of activities, and give tons of fun presents. (We do tons of community service and outreach as well, to balance the indulgence.)

This year, Baby Namastè got to be a part of things.

I was determined to NOT go overboard with toys and stuff for him, as he is still young. I love seeing him explore and discover with his favorite things, so I decided to expand on those for his presents.

Note to all my wonderful readers: Don't EVER let what's under another person's tree, or your inability to meet your own expectation, make you feel any kind of way. You have done your best and that in itself is a wonderful gift, one you give all year! ♡ Besides, there are people in the world who would rather have ALL the clothes, toys, and shoes BUT won't put in the same effort to be independent. People will literally work overtime for presents but will not extend the same effort to secure a better spot in life. All that to say this-- You never know a person's means to their end, and not everything is as glamorous as it appears. Don't measure your success by what's on your holiday photo queue.

More digression, but I can never resist a moment to shed an encouraging perspective.

I didn't want to overwhelm him OR his playroom with stuff he wouldn't use yet, so I kind of went with the basics--music, lights, and his first ride-on toys! He loves trains, cars, and Mickey Mouse.

The day was about as sweet as I could ever hope for.

For one, Hubby Namastè got the day off!

This is a rarity. In his line of work, the rewards are many but the time to rest and enjoy, not so much. He works six days of any given seven and he has not had more than 48 hours off since our last vacation--in August. *sighs* Given the two to four hour commute, he leaves early and gets in late. We cherish any extra time together, and our holidays rarely go by the book because if he is summoned, he generally must go.

But Christmas, he was home. His presence was the biggest present of all, honestly!

Baby Namastè's his father's kid, one hundred percent. His little world revolves around his time with daddy, and I think it is precious. So all day on Christmas, he was putting on the cuteness. He stayed right in his dad's arms most of the day, occasionally getting down to show off a newly-mastered skill. (He can stand so well now, y'all--first steps are on the horizon. Also, he can climb!!!)

While we assembled toys and programmed new gadgets, Baby Namastè enjoyed his trains, blocks, and assorted goodies.

I only got educational toys for him. He likes music and story time, and his ride-on train (which I'll review in a future post) is perfect. He loves his new pajamas, and I've never seen a kid get so excited about dinner! A lot of the holiday meal items were things he already loves: sweet potatoes, turkey, Mac and cheese, and cornbread dressing (NOT stuffing--croutons are for salad, people), and collards. We also had a couple Sri Lankan and Indian staples. Yumness. While he probably only ate a few spoonfuls in all, he was good and full. He doesn't always eat well, so that in and of was a treat for me.

I believe the best part of the day was just seeing him enjoy. He's always such a happy baby, but he was all aglow. He didn't even give a fuss show at bedtime because he was plumb tuckered. He fell asleep holding on to his Sophie, smiling.

Now he is onto the business of another round: celebrating his first Kwanzaa! (We do American Christian, African, and Hindu holidays in our home--we are a very diverse family. Our cultural tapestry is richly woven of beautiful threads in different hues of wonderful.)

I hope you all enjoyed your day as well!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Solids!

Namastè!

I hope you are all enjoying the afterglow

Baby Namastè's now 16 months old, as you all know. He is still breastfeeding. He is also taking expressed breastmilk in his cuppa, and we've added in almond, coconut, and cashew milk.Some babies his age have eaten solids for many months now. In fact, our pediatrician was pleasantly surprised that he has not.

Many parents go by the calendar or wives' tales to determine when to start solids, most doing so by way of infant cereal added to formula or breastmilk to either reduce crying or help baby sleep.

I didn't take that approach with Baby Namastè.

*Note: I am a blogger. Not a pediatrician. This is not intended to encourage any particular path, simply to share my own. If you deem a different route acceptable, go that way with your head held high! Feel free to listen to your friends/family/doctors/whomever. No judgment here! Remember, most of YOU can have delicious guac. I am allergic to avocado so that same delicious dip YOU can enjoy, might actually KILL me. Just perspective.

Most pediatricians recommend starting solids at 4 to 6 months, depending on readiness. Thankfully we have one who not only recommends delaying, but shows research journals proving the open gut as well as the link between childhood obesity and starting solids too soon.

Readiness means the baby no longer pushes food out of their mouth with their tongue. (While newborns seem totally defenseless, most of their reflexes are designed to give them a little protection--the tongue thrust prevents the baby from swallowing things s/he isn't able to break down properly. Readiness means  the baby can sit up unassisted. Readiness means the baby is capable and willing to see the spoon and open their mouth. Readiness means the baby WILL EAT THE FOOD OFF THE SPOON without being forced. Feeding devices like cereal feeder bottles and those silicone feeders with handles (often misnamed, feeding pacifiers--which by the way should not be confused with the VERY SUITABLE AND SAFE mesh nibblers used by older infants for teething with bits of cold fruit) should not be used by anyone in my opinion

Baby Namastè has met all his "milestones" pretty early. At 4 months he knew what spoons were about--but he showed no inclination to eat purees. His silicone spoon was a teether, nothing more. (He would not have gotten solids that early anyway.) Months five and six, same. Months seven to nine, more interest but still refused puree.

I'm a parent who believes in letting the baby lead.

This doesn't mean I am ruled by them. It means I do what they are ready for, not what "I want to do with MY baby." (If you haven't noticed already, that is a group of parents I generally avoid, the "It's MY baby" crowd. No one doubts that it's your baby, but sometimes they doubt your choices when everything is trend based or set by what you want versus what Baby needs.)

It means I follow their cues. When Baby Namastè eschewed my organic mashed potatoes, carrots, peas, and sweet potatoes, I didn't push. Admittedly it was hard because I had a lot of pressure from well-meaning humans who wanted me to "just give him a bite" or "see if he sleeps better after having some cereal!"

I digress.

I let Baby Namastè decide when we would go to the baby spoons and jars.

Tick through months 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11--he was still exclusively breastfed, consuming only milk and very sporadically playing with bits of food.

Now hee eats when he is inclined. As he learned to "chew," I carefully expanded his organic noms. The rule for us is, all or at least 90% organic at home. I don't mind him having regular stuff, though. I just feed him what I eat. He now eats about 4 small meals per day, and he spends about 3 hours (of 24) nursing. He drinks one 4 ounce serving of coconut, almond, or cashew milk; roughly 4 ounces of water; and we are still waiting for his taste for fruit juice to kick in. No rush, as he doesn't care for it right now and we aren't pushing it! He does not consume dairy, so we give coconut milk yogurt. Due to his diet (tons of mostly organic veggies), he does not miss out on his calcium. I am not vegetarian but Hubby Namastè is, so Baby Namastè's gotten used to having meals from both diets and enjoys both equally.

He eats things like baked sweet potato, steamed carrot pieces  (he especially loves purple carrots!), and he's developed an affinity for little broccoli florets. He is game to try almost anything he sees us eat.

Initially I was freaking out because my baby did not want purees. Period. I had a hard time getting him to eat anything at all, and while I knew he would be fine, I was hoping he would be a tiny foodie.

This is the time to begin shaping their ideas about food, though, and I don't believe in forcing anything. Sure, I could give him pureed carrots through a nipple on a feeder. But what would I accomplish besides a full belly for him? I wouldn't be teaching him to eat, I'd just be slamming food down his gullet. Babies naturally suckle so yeah...nothing there.

But in applying a bit more patience to my approach, I learned that he is willing to eat. He desires solids, not puree. He could care less about the adorable spoons and plates (even the silver spoon we planned to use for his very first meal), but he does like texture and color. He likes sitting with us as he enjoys his tiny portions.

Turns out, this approach has a name. It is baby led weaning!

It's exactly what its name suggests. Letting baby lead the way to solids based in their own readiness and willingness.

We often quote doctors, friends, parents, etc when defending our choices with our children or bolstering our stance on said choices. The problem here is, no two babies are alike, and very few milestones occur solely by chronological age. Good but slightly unrelated example--Baby Namastè knows both his father and me by our names, Amma and Dada. He calls us by name, with discernment, and has for a little while now. Most infants do this at about 10 months forward, but he began at around 7 months. But this doesn't mean I would expect all children to do the same. In contrast, Princess Namastè scarcely babbled at all as an infant. My point is, we have to make decisions and conclusions about each child based on that child alone. I can run down each of my children's milestones and the ages they hit them, but that would serve at best only as a mere point of reference. Nothing ironclad.

By letting Baby Namastè lead--as well as using my own noggin--I was assured of two things. One, he was both ready and willing to eat foods. Two, he was actually able.

When we push food by age instead of readiness, we overlook a baby's ABILITY. Swallowing rice cereal is NOT akin to eating a jar of carrots. Eating a jar of pureed carrots is NOT akin to eating pieces of cooked carrot.

Note: I do not like, endorse, or recommend rice cereal for any infant. It's the nutritional equivalent of a candy bar--empty calories. Also, it DOES NOT aid in treating acid reflux. Those calories help baby gain weight often lost during bouts of spitting up. It serves as a thickener, which can be a boon to prevent choking and gagging in infants whose reflux has rendered their gag reflexes hypersensitive. Bottom line, you cannot cure reflux with this stuff. You need a pediatrician, a feeding plan, and possibly medication to control and alleviate the damage done by the acid. FURTHERMORE, PLEASE SECURE THE PROPER TESTING. Spitting up and fussiness don't automatically mean reflux. Reflux can only be diagnosed via endoscopy by an ENT, NOT a series of questions from a pediatrician. You wouldn't let a mortician do your gel manicure. You wouldn't let a secretary do your Pap Smear. So please stop expecting that pediatricians can magically do the work of medical specialists. There are different types of doctors for a reason.

Needless to say, we skipped the cereals and mushes.

I was determined to not be a parent who rushed my baby's infancy. I wanted to revel in each stage. This baby led weaning has been messy at times. We don't use feeders or extra food processing--the most we've done for his food is to take his portion out before adding spicier masalas or sauces. He sits at the table with us, and the only gadgets we use right now are his high chair and his suction cup-bottomed bowl.

It's messy.

I often end up washing veggies from his hair. I'm not sure how they end up there, but I've picked little chunks of chicken or turkey from his diaper. The poops--oy, the poops. We marked the calendar when he eats something red (tomato, bell pepper, cherry, etc) so we wouldn't freak when it passes through again in his bowel  movement.

The easiest way to know your baby is ready to have some big noms is to just watch them. They'll reach for your food, and will often thrown fits if they're excluded from mealtime. In our case, Baby Namastè got grabby-grabby and began taking whatever he could reach off our plates. Thankfully his little manners have improved since then. He will eat any vegetable and some fruits, as long as they are not pureed. 

When they get that first serving of yumminess, they probably won't eat it. They'll smash it. Squeeze it. Pick it up and put it back down. Even toss it across the room! They may taste a little too.

They'll probably gag periodically, but that's part for the course. If you had been consuming only liquid, then someone gave you something solid, you'd gag too as you figured out how to swallow it! But given time, you would learn.

It would seem that that makes the case to start with purees, and if that's your thing then go for it! But bear in mind this--even a baby who loves his or her purees will eschew them completely once they get a taste of what Mom and Dad eat.

Baby Namastè still gets a good percentage of his nutrition from nursing, and he eats about 4 small meals a day. I let him eat when he is willing, and when he gets full, I let him stop.

Please don't rush to feed your infants, solid foods. Don't let antiquated, outdated, medically disproven ideas sabotage your child's health. To wrap up, let's summarize:

1. Some doctors have and still do prescribe cereal for infants. Remember what their buildings are called--PRACTICE. They aren't necessarily trying to hurt your baby, but some doctors simply do not change their stances regardless of what the research they do proves. They are practicing on us all, and in practice very little is perfect.

2. Cereal bottles do not help an infant with reflux. They slow the spitting up, but that is merely smoothing a symptom. The excess acid production requires medication.

3. ALL BABIES SPIT UP. PERIOD. BREASTFED. FORMULA FED. EVEN TUBE FED. Only in recent years have so many babies been diagnosed as having reflux, and it's because their parents completely ignore or don't understand natural development.

NOTE: Some babies DO legitimately have reflux, but please don't allow a prescription for cereal bottles OR medication without proper testing, which generally would require an ENT visit. Simply spitting up does not  mean your baby has reflux.

4. Starting solids too soon, or even overfeeding with formula or breastmilk bottles, stretches a baby's stomach too fast and causes them to overeat. This of course leads to obesity. Which opens the door to a host of problems, of which overeating is only a tiny blip.

5. Babies have tiny tummies--tummies designed for frequent small feedings at first. Accept it. In time, the tiny baby who wants to be fed every two hours will stretch into every 3 or 4 hours...then they'll be sleeping all night! Just be patient.

I hope this helps. As always, feel free to research anything I say and confer with your baby's care team! That's why they exist. I'm just sharing what I myself have learned.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Friday, December 23, 2016

Happy Holidays!

Namastè!

Happy holidays to you and yours from Family Namastè and Mamastè LLC!

May your days be filled with joy, presents, and the PRESENCE of your nearest and dearest. If you must be without, may you find comfort and warmth knowing we are here wishing all the best for you.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Birthday Twins!!!

Namastè!

Let's get right to it.

Today Baby Namastè had his very first play date.

It's been almost ten months coming.

I made a few friends while I was pregnant. We all talked about babies, life, and life with babies. We bonded over due dates and cravings. We encouraged each other  cried with each other, and cheered each other on.

But one friend stood out.

For one, I'd go to war for this girl. She just gets me. We can finish each others' sentences. We share so many philosophies. We have the same dry humor.

She's gorgeous and so sweet. I call her my Britty-bits. She's a pistol, too, and a straight-shooter.
Aside from all those amazing attributes, WE GAVE BIRTH THE SAME DAY.

FEBRUARY 28, 2016.

Funny story--I was supposed to deliver Baby Namastè at WellStar Cobb. Unfortunately I had complications (hyperemesis is the devil) and had to be kept at Northside. At the time I was living in Peachtree Corners and that hospital was closest.

At the same time I was in active labor,  so was she! Just a few miles apart, in the same hour, on the same night, Ajani and Lainey were born.
Since that day (and months before), Britty-bits and I have kept in touch. I recently (read, FINALLY) moved back to the city where it all began and guess who lives there too?! My Britty-bits!

I couldn't even sleep last night. I've waited so long to get some snuggles from Lainey and see those pretty eyes in person.  (Y'all, my Peachy is just perfection.) I HAD to see Britty-bits just to know my friend is real. Not fake-Internet-person real, but OMG-this-girl-is-literally-on-this-earth-with-me real.

Lainey and Ajani were so adorable together. Ajani had never seen another baby before, much less one his exact age. He kept touching her face and smiling. She has this squeal that just melts my heart. I love her little voice.

I couldn't have planned a cuter afternoon. The babies were so content to play. I haven't cooed and squealed so much in years. They're just that precious.

It's rare to find a friend so early in life, but these two raise the bar immeasurably. They share a birthday. They meet their milestones closely. They hit their wonder weeks and even teethe similarly! It is just so comforting to know I can hit my Britty-bits up and know she will understand whatever madness my kid has that day, likely because hers has the same.

So many people have commented about how precious it is that the babies aren't being raised racist.

Damn straight they aren't. They're being taught love. They're being taught the right way, the Golden rule. Most importantly, they're being taught BY EXAMPLE what true friendship is. I know Britty-bits would care for my son as if he were her own, and she already knows her daughter is as safe here as she is in her own bed. We are our tribe, our mom tribe! We love, honor, and protect the little ones, period.

I cannot wait to watch them grow up together.



Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡


Tuesday, December 20, 2016

My Favorite Things

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts of peace and love this afternoon. I have been so busy ripping and running that I have not had much time to sit down and write. I have a few favorite things I wanna share with you today, that have gotten me through this move intact. In no particular order, here we go!

1. Mamava.

This is my favorite nursing support company, period. They provide safe, comfortable, portable "pod rooms" for mothers to nurse or pump! While I have never shied away from nursing or pumping in public (the Medela Freestyle has helped me turn many a tucked off corner into a pump station!), I am all too grateful for Mamava for their warm, safe, comfortable pods. Just because I'm willing to handle my work anywhere doesn't mean I should have to resort to such, and Mamava is a wonderful innovation.

2. Etsy.

In the midst of moving I have done next to ZERO laundry. I literally just ordered and had rushed, many outfits for Kids Namastè. Etsy has the goods. Period.The onesies and outfits people create make our already adorablemkids, impossibly, desperately cute.

3. Medela!

While I rarely have time to sit during the day, I always have a few minutes to strap on my Freestyle and pump that liquid gold. Baby Namastè's been nursing like a little piranha at night, but during the day he is busy exploring and being all mobile. My Freestyle and my PISA help me keep up my supply even when my little one has other ideas.

4. The Mimijumi.

This bottle has been a lifesaver since day one. Baby Namastè rarely nurses during the day but he also shuns many solids. Add to that a serious disenchantment with most bottles and BOOM, we could have a real problem. Thanks to the Mimijumi mimicking breastfeeding as closely as possible, he is willing to take--and loves!--his Mimi. I no longer worry about him when he's off the breast, because he takes his Mimi freely.

Pro-tip: If you are introducing a bottle to your nursling, try warming the bottle nipple under warm running water before offering it. This made a big difference for my baby, and now he takes his Mimi straight, no warming needed.

5. Infantino.

This line of toys (we have so many, it's crazy--we love the Topsy-turvy collection best) has Baby Namastè's interest and ours too. The colors and adorable characters are so engaging.  Also, they are so valuable in terms of play longevity--as far as I know, most are good from birth on up and I can personally attest that babies don't get bored with them easily. Our most-loved ones are the Grow With Me Ballpit and the Topsy-turvy Mirror Friend.

6. Guyokuro tea.

I love my tea. I'm generally a chai girl, but I'm also wildly fond of Guyokuro. It is pricier than normal tea but it's so worth it. I call it my delightful green elixir.

7. Texts from Brit, Robin, Alicia, and Zelley.

Best friends make everything better.

8. Naps.

What mom doesn't need a good snee?!

I'm on the go as usual, so I'll be back in a short bit with a funny moving story. Putting this house together has been equal parts hilarity and tedium. You can guess which keeps me going.

I'm sure this list will continue to grow, as the holidays fast approach and we are still scrambling to be 100% settled in at the house. It's been a wild crazy ride so far, but with my favorite things it's all been so much more bearable.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Castle Namastè!

Namastè!

I'm beyond chuffed. Let me tell you why.

Castle Namastè!

I've mentioned it only a couple thousand times. When I began my blog journey, we were still in the process of getting the Castle together. So much paperwork. So many delays. Did I mention...

So. Much. Paperwork.

Oy.

But it's ready! We will be spending our first night there soon. This is all I've wanted for Christmas--to be in our house. I won't likely decorate much. Just stockings. Perhaps a wreath.

This is the culmination of a year's worth of blood, sweat, and tears. Tantrums. Delays. Setbacks. Fall-throughs. I am having a hard time fighting the feels as I recall everything that's brought us here, now. This is truly a fresh start!

There's no greater comfort than being in your own space, with your own things. Home! For Family Namastè, home is something we have not felt since 2015. A fire ripped through our original castle, and it was downhill from there.  We always had a safe, warm place--but we never felt HOME. Our goal was to be back HOME by year's end.

WE MADE IT.

We have yet to unpack everything. We still have to have our gas and Internet installed. The basement is still rather un-homey.

But...

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

To My Dear Readers

Namastè!

I wanted to take some time this morning to thank you all for the emails, messages, texts, calls, and wonderful vibes you've shared during this whole house process.

We are currently moving into Castle Namastè!!!

I can't wait to show you.

Thank you from the top of my fluffy elephant's raised trunk the bottom of her steady feet. (My elephant is bigger than my heart so more thanks would fit!)

You guys are wonderful, faithful, and delightful.

Now...I must unpack and set up. I'll be doing a bit of faceless vlogging soon! Once I am settled, I'll be launching a series of Questions & Answers sessions. If you'd like to submit questions, email me.

Namastewithtayek@gmail.com

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Friday, December 9, 2016

Boob'session: The B'reservoir Chronicles

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts thereof tonight!!!

I have snuggled back under my covers.

Toward the end of pregnancy I quite literally dreamed of the day I could sleep on my tummy again. I planned how I'd position my Snoogle minus the big bump that had been Baby Namastè's bedwomb.

...so much for that.

Breastfeeding makes it fairly improbably that I'd ever want to lie down flat, and it is actually more comfy to sleep on my side. Weird.

Goofy Tayè confession: Breastfeeding has me borderline obsessed with my b'reservoirs.
Ezq
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I'm a consummate student--I research and study everything that I find myself interested in. I am determined to make it to one year with breastfeeding, so I have done a lot of reading about common issues, troubleshooting those issues, and stories from other moms about their own journeys. I expected to do a lot of reading and listening.

...but I didn't expect so much of my day to day thoughts to revolve around these gyals.

I'm not even upset. I just feel absolutely goofy for spending so much time and energy on the b'reservoirs, because they will do just what they're designed to do--nourish my little one. (And fill my tops pretty sweetly these days.)

As I get closer to the one year mark, I'm even more chuffed about my chesticles. While nursing is something women have done since the dawn of humanity, I feel like a mystical magical thing for having kept him alive just by nature.

I can't be the only one.

I just wanted to share that. Are any of you obsessed with your b'reservoirs?

Namastè.

-- Tayè K.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Did you Know?

Namastè!

Thank you so much for growing with me! In just a few short months this blog has gone from one or two clicks a week to one or two HUNDRED clicks a day. I never fathomed that, in a million years.

Here are some random tidbits about me, the blog, and our stats. (I say "our" and "we" often here because while I do all the writing, it is my team on the back end and my audience who ultimately determine how far I can drive this thing.)

1. The blog title came from a t-shirt I own. It was easy to brand with my lifestyle and name.

2. I publish the blog in English, but it is available via email in English, Tamil, Hindi, Arabic, and Spanish.

3. I typically publish 4 or 5 posts a week.

4. I confer with experts and medical journals to answer normal quarks, but I do not dispense medical advice under any circumstance.

5. The blog is an outgrowth of my parenting group, Mamastè.

6. I don't discuss politics or religion in my blog or FB page. Period. Those conversations tend to divide, whereas I'm all about a united vibe.

7. I  am avidly pro breastfeeding, but not anti formula.

8. I believe confidence is the single most important thing parents need.

9. I always talk about giving back because the way this world goes now, we desperately need to effect some goodness. Everyone.

10. The blog is actually internationally-affiliated. I have sponsors and partnerships in the United States--and also Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico, India, and Australia. This is poignant for me because when I started out, it was difficult to get local companies on board!

11. I'm pretty sure coconut oil can fix everything.

12. I created my own face masque and hair products (all edible, organic things), but I'm not entirely sure I would ever give the concoction a name or make it a public recipe. If it ends up being the reason I live to be 100, then maybe I would share. For now I guard the recipes pretty heavily. Smooth skin be mine!

That's about all I cadivulge for now. I don't want you to get bored, nor can I tell you everything at one time. Stay tuned!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Mamastè

Namastè!

This morning I want to talk to you about my baby.

Not kids or hubby Namastè--my baby. One of several things I do that helps me feel like Tayè. All moms--parents in general--need something that is simply, them. We need to preserve a piece of who we were before we became mom and dad.

For me, it's my support group, Mamastè.

I started this group a little over 5 years ago. I had only been in Georgia a little while, and my princess was getting ready to start school. I was a nervous wreck about how I would manage, because we didn't have the family support then that we have now. I needed a network. I needed some people who were growing through what I was growing through, who could offer their perspective and experience. I needed some type of camaraderie. Mommy'ing is some hard work, y'all. Gotta have a tribe!

Mamastè started out as The Unofficial Breakfast Club. We would wait for the buses with the kids, and we parents would chat it up. Those little chats became a regular thing. We evolved from a few parents chatting to friends helping each other out with rainy days (ferrying the kids to and from the gate, as buses in Georgia do not enter subdivisions and apartment complexes), sharing resources to help the kids meet and surpass classroom goals, and doing activities together to promote friendship in the kids, guaranteeing even the sibling-less kids (at the time, my princess!) a playmate.

We met every morning for 3 years! I cannot even put into words the amount of wisdom and insight I gained from the original Mamastè, but I carry it all with me now. Thanks to that first small group, I have a working knowledge of so many parenting styles and have garnered so much insight about different family dynamics. Family Namastè no longer lives in Lithia Springs, but the principle of that very first small group lives on in its new incarnation.

The biggest principle of Mamastè is INCLUSION. The original seven members all lived in the same neighborhood. To that end, we all had the same opportunities and amenities available, and were all roughly in the same financial bracket. However--we had RANGE. I was still a single mom at the time, working and taking classes. We had two stay-home moms. We had a widowed father. We had a married couple. We had a grandmother who was raising a multi-generational family. We all arrived at the same point, but had incredibly varying paths to get there. Each person brought a completely different outlook to the table, and we didn't necessarily agree on everything BUT the respect we shared allowed for pleasant discourse. That's the way we do things. We include everyone who wants in, and we respect even those things we don't necessarily endorse for our own families.

We are a group with a huge demographic spectrum. Everything is done in five languages--English, Tamil, Hindi, Arabic, and Spanish. My demos are often hilarious because, as you know, we speak English and Tamil in our home--Hindi, Arabic, and Spanish aren't our everyday thing but we make a coveted effort because Mamastè feels like friends having coffee. The principle of inclusion means I have to get in there elbows deep, so I go for it with my game face!

Mamastè doesn't meet at the bus stop nowadays--we are too strong in number. We can't hang out in my living room anymore either, because I simply do not have accomodation--nor coffee, tea, cake, or juice!--to suit 150 to 200 guests at one time. We have  group chats online (via Hangouts) and we have cluster meetings in our range. Because I am in any of three counties, we get together based on where I am in the world.

The HoliTAYÈ Showcase I've been talking about is a Mamastè production. I'll be demo'ing and discussing my favorite baby products and giving the parents real information about feeding, sleeping, and child development. I'll showcase everything I've used in Baby Namastè's first year, as well as share insight on things I should have gotten plus things I should have left in the store.

It's going to be my biggest event ever regarding Mamastè. This is like, my little baby taking its first steps! I have had the concept for expanding this group for so long, but I didn't want to compromise the "small group" feel. I wanted to preserve the "tea with besties" vibe if that makes any sense to you. While we embrace the value of an online presence, we know nothing beats actual phone calls and actual face to face communication. The Showcase is essentially our hugest club meeting to date, with excellent snacks and an epic giveaway or three.

In the coming days I may share sneak peaks of the setup for this showcase, as well as let you in on a giveaway or two. After all, you're part of my tribe as well!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Sunday, December 4, 2016

PARENTING GROUP!

Namastè!

I've got an exciting thing to share tonight!

In conjunction with my bloggy bestie Brit, a Facebook group now exists for moms.

The concept of a group itself isn't new, because there are many. However, ours is a little bit different in that:

- We don't have an insane number of rules.
- We don't control posts other than making sure everything stays respectful and as inclusive as possible.
- We provide a truly judgment-free space online.

We realized there should be a community where moms can post without fear of judgment, overzealous admins, oppressive rules, or lax regulations about shaming and cliques.

Everyone is treated like the cool mom. We try to pull the wallflowers into the conversation as well, rather than leave anyone out. Every mom receives support and encouragement even if there is no one facing the same circumstance. We laugh a lot, and we are just a group of incredibly sweet moms.

You can find this group here! Drop in and see. All are welcome, provided they abide by the pinned post.

I hope to see you there!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

My Tenets As a Blogger

Namastè!

As a blogger, I am met with both enthusiasm and weariness. Enthusiasm because many people love a good read. Weariness because blogging is a fairly saturated landscape--there are millions of us posting about any given thing on any given day.

When I decided to start writing, made a few promises to myself. (I am nothing if not a woman of my word.) Those promises have evolved into my tenets, my very simple creed as a blogger and brand ambassador.

1. I will maintain an honest, tactful, respectful space online.

2. I will treat each commenter, subscriber, or inquirer with the same respect, for their feedback keeps me sharp.

3. I will complete each and every collaboration in a timely, thorough manner. I'm building my reputation and just as I trust the brands and companies enough to bring them into my home, they must be able to trust me to uphold my end in collaborations.

4. I will not use my blog as a place to trash a brand, person, or demographic.

5. I will create a variety of posts and provide in-depth, well-researched info to include parents from every walk of life.

6. I will NOT accept collaborations just for the sake of having an item. If it is not something I trust, believe in, and legitimately use, I will not endorse it. Period.

7. I will never represent anything but my honest to gosh REAL LIFE. I'm a mom blogger, my life centers around my family, and I will not romanticize or glamorize that for views or popularity.

These tenets are with me as I'm bringing you opinions and reviews. I'm nowhere near done growing, but as I see it, I would rather grow slowly in the right vein than become insanely popular overnight and not work according to my principles.

I like to maintain an honest, open, inclusive environment here, and I hope I have been successful in making every parent who clicks a link feel welcome!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Aleva Naturals **Review Post

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts of Sunday sweetness and glowing skin.

Way to switch that greeting up, eh?

Today I'm beyond chuffed. I've been getting extra snuggles from Baby Namastè as he is a teething, front-tooth cutting mess. When Baby Namastè's a little crabby, typically from Wonder Weeks or most recently teething, I like to put him in his duck bath and let him splash around. He is like a little turtle.

Baby Namastè has never had a diaper rash, or any skin issue. I credit that, in part, to our preference for natural products. He gets coconut oil baths often, and we stay away from chemicals. Some baby products smell absolutely amazing but when a company offers a natural line in addition to a not natural one, it gives me cause to pause.

Note: Do what you love with your babies, tribe. I offer many opinions, experiences, and insights for you to ponder, but I don't sit high and look low to scrutinize your decisions.

Enter Aleva Naturals!

Aleva Naturals is a maternal and baby care company based in Ontario, Canada. In addition to being dermatologist approved and pediatrician recommended, their products are 100% natural, chemical free, and even vegan-approved. Everything is certified organic.

This product was provided in exchange for my honest review. The items used are sponsored but the opinions herein are mine and mine alone.

While I awaited my package from Aleva Naturals, I took it upon myself to do a little research on them. I checked out their website (go here for information AND to order!9) and was blown away.

For my collaboration, I worked with the lovely Minji, who made sure I got everything I needed to do a solid review. Even in the midst of our shipping snafu, Minji worked diligently to get the package rerouted to me. (I learned a bit more about international post--learning is always good!)

I was so super excited to get my package (even with the FedEx snafu, it arrived pretty quickly), so super excited that I did an unboxing video, which you can view here.

That box was packed to the brim with organic skincare goodness, y'all. I received the folowing full-size items:

☞ Calendula+ Multipurpose Skin Remedy
☞ 2-in-1 Hair & Body Wash
☞ Daily Soothing Moisturizer
☞ Bamboo Baby Wipes
☞ Bamboo Pacifier & Toy Wipes
☞ CATALOG!!!



Having researched the ingredients, I knew none of them would irritate me or Baby Namastè, so I was excited for his bath. Which ended up happening around 5 that evening because he made a glorious mess with his food.



Let me say this--this stuff smells so nice. Lemongrass and lavender, undertones of chamomile and a slight hint of rose. It's rare to find natural products that aren't shea butter based, also. (Nothing against shea butter--I just don't prefer it.)

Baby Namastè enjoyed splashing in that good smelling lather, and the moisturizer is so luxe. He was notably more relaxed after his bath and massage.


I have never tried bamboo wipes before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I certainly wasn't expecting them to be so soft, almost like a cloth! (When I think bamboo, I think wood! Sue me. *chuckles*) The wipes smell lemony, and it only takes one or two to thoroughly clean even a soft bowel movement.

Baby Namastè has never had the easiest time of using wipes. We found one national brand that he can tolerate, but these Aleva Naturals wipes have impressed me greatly. He has not had any redness or anything with them!

The pacifier and toy wipes have proven indispensable for when we are out and about with his various teethers and his Jollypop. (The infamous orange paci.)

THE WIPES ARE BIODEGRADABLE IN 28 DAYS!!!

I keep our Calendula+ in our diaper bag. I like to use it in his little cheeks to protect them from this nippy Georgia wind.

I definitely enjoy using these products with Baby Namastè. The wipes have even inspired me to create a few more cloth diapers! I want to use what's best for him, and I know pure, natural, organic products are the bee's knees.

I'm about to jump into this catalog and get the entire product line. We need. Ire wipes fornsure, and I'm interested in seeing and using more Aleva Naturals.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Oh, My Hubby...

Namastè!

I want to introduce you to my very best friend.

Hubby Namastè.

This man...I don't know where to start.

I'm not the easiest woman to love, nor am I the easiest to live with roughly 90% of the time. I am not spoiled, materialistic, or unreasonable--I'm just very set in certain ways. I'm not used to depending on anyone. I've made my own way since I was 16, and I've never really looked back. I won't say I have trust issues (I don't), but I freely trust no one. Every person must earn that privilege. Most, do not.

Enter, this one.

He gets me, but he is still interested in learning me. He loves me, but he also really really likes me. He doesn't mind letting me be great.

The thing I'm most impressed with in him is that he is not the least bit intimidated by me. He really isn't fazed by the um, strength of my personality. (I'm 100 proof on a mild day.) He doesn't particularly care for me working, but he doesn't impede me.

Hubby Namastè is my balance. Where I am fiery, he is cool. Where I am impulsive, he is the voice of reason. Where I am uncertain, he is steady and sure.

There's so much cheese to go with my whine. *sighs*

As I navigate the holiday season with this heavy cloud over me, I have to shake the dust off my gratitude and keep pushing. I'm so weary at times from just the weight of a day, and he makes me feel so light, almost weightless.

He doesn't care if I have my hair done. He doesn't care if I insist on sleeping on half of the bed (ok, three fourths). He doesn't even fuss about the hour-long shower I take sometimes. (We have a near-toddler, long showers are a luxury and I abuse it when I can. I also like lots and lots of steam.)

I am naturally tough as nails. I grew up in a family where if you didn't fight for a spot, you got eclipsed. I didn't get to really be soft, because that meant I'd be weak. Honestly I'm not a big fan of carrying over bad habits. However, being a hard butt served me well in corporate America. I was like a female Terminator. Nothing could hurt me because nothing could get to me!

Hubby Namastè broke down that wall easily. Not by hurting me, but by loving me enough to make me love myself! I never looked in the mirror and saw much beyond the basic--I'm smart, I'm a nice person, and I'm not painful to look at. He forced me to look much harder. I'm not just smart, I'm wise. I'm nice, and also nurturing, a natural caregiver. I'm ok to look at--because I'm actually beautiful.

Interestingly enough, looks are a funny thing with him. He has never referred to me as sexy. I asked him why one day. (It didn't bother me, but that's one compliment men aren't shy abut doling out!

"I don't think of you that way. You are my perfect girl, you are more than physical beauty. You are my incredible."

...yeah, I teared up. He has this way of completely disarming me with his words sometimes. I never know what sweet thing he will say next. Sometimes he doesn't say anything! He just looks at me like I'm the best thing he's ever seen.

We don't have a perfect path for sure. We are both very strong-willed people. We are both stubborn.

But I feel know he belongs right here with me, because he's supposed to be here. He's my happily ever after. Not perfectly every after, because that would be boring. No. He's my partner in crime. My joke buddy. My protector. My provider even though I insist on trying to help in that regard. My comforter.

I am.still decidedly not into this holiday thing,  but I am very into Hubby Namastè. Perhaps this year won't be a total wash out after all?

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Paper Whale Design: The Feature!

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts thereof.

In my last post, I raved about my current favorite designer, Paper Whale Design. I enjoyed working with Megan so much during our collaboration that I decided to make her my featured vendor this week.

Note: All images herein are the property of Paper Whale Design,  except where watermarked or designated otherwise. Please respect the integrity of her work.

In case you missed it, check out that collaboration here.

Now for that Q&A!

1. Tell us about you!

I am a illustrator, graphic designer and MOM! Being a mom is the most important job, so having my ETSY store allows me to help support our family, but still spend lots of time with my twin girls.

2. What was your inspiration to start your business?

I have always made shirts and gifts for family and friends, so making them for others was just the next step.

3. What's your favorite item to make and why?

I love sending the NICU graduate onesies as I can relate having had babies in the NICU as well. It's such a big step, and a time in your life that you will never forget!

4. How do you stay motivated? What keeps you going?

I love coming up with new ideas and products which are mostly inspired by by own children or for friends and family.

5. What's your single favorite parenting tip?

Go with the flow, and do what works for you.

6. I've browsed your Etsy shop page and we've spoken a few times. I love your designs. What do you see in the future, what's your next steps?

I am still working on building my FB page, and would like to include more products as well as more about me to build a relationship with my customers. 

7. Please share the best piece of life advice you have received, the one that has helped you the most.

Do what you love.

Megan has QUITE an array of personalized onesies as well as wall art. The onesies Baby Namastè received are great quality, and we've washed them (I recommend a gentle cycle--they are baby clothes, after all!) TWICE now with no problem. The designs look as fresh as day one, and the onesies did not shrink. 

Get an eyeful of these adorable designs she creates...





And I cannot get over how she tucks them into the box for shipping.




The other point I can't stop talking about is the attention to detail and obvious care she puts into these designs. The little ribbons. The individual packets for each onesie. The note she includes. I am never lost for words but I honestly cannot speak highly enough of Megan and her work.
I highly recommend her.

You can find Paper Whale Design on Etsy. She is also on Facebook.

An additional bonus of our collaboration? A coupon code for you!

Between now and December 17th, enter coupon code NAMASTE at checkout to receive 10% off your order of $10 or more!

I look forward to seeing more wonderful items from Megan in the future. She has made a major impression on Family Namastè. I am preparing to grab a few more items for Baby Namastè as I type. We love personalized items and we don't particularly love corporate companies, so Paper Whale Design is a definite win for us!

Do yourself and your little one a stylish solid and check her out.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Paper Whale Design: The Review!

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts of peace and love this evening.

I am, and it's all sprinkled with a big spoonful of happy. My package from Paper Whale Design arrived, and it is so perfect, I am beside myself.

This post is sponsored, but all opinions are mine and mine alone.

Paper Whale Design is a shop I came across on Etsy. (See, that site has all the best things!) I'm so honored Megan chose to collaborate with me. She is truly golden--excellent communication, wonderful customer service, and a joy to work with, because she's really sweet. She is officially one of my favorite collaborations ever.

As all the best blog adventures do, my time with Paper Whale Design began with a package in the mail. As an added surprise, it arrived on Baby Namastè's 9 months day! (I don't go overboard with his "practice" birthdays but I do take a photo. What a wonderful moment to get new onesies!)

This package was different. You know how you receive something and you can tell by the packaging that it's going to be good? This was my impression with Paper Whale Design. The labels were straight. The tape was neat. She had a cute little whale stamped on one side.



Here is my unboxing video. I was so floored by the quality and attention to detail that I decided to record it!

Brass tacks.

Please ingest how beautiful this is. As rampant as image thieves are online, I almost considered NOT watermarking these photos because I didn't want to detract from what I'm showing you. (Unfortunately...people. *sighs*) I love the colored tissue wrap. It's like opening a gift!


Ta-da!!! 


As you know, we are HUGE on all things Namastè. Imagine the sheer chest burst I felt when I opened the box to see my instant favorite item. (That palpable burst of happiness when something incredible happens? That is a chest burst.) I knew exactly what Baby Namastè would wear for his pictures. This onesie. It reads, "Namast'ay in Bed."




She also included another gem, one that reads, "Mr. Adorable." I am probably quite biased, but Baby Namastè is undeniably adorable. I had to run out for a quick errand, so I decided to switch him to the Mr. Adorable for the trip. We stopped for a smoothie and home fries. Here he is, waiting for a fry. He loves potatoes.



I was so taken with the cuteness of the onesies--but there was more. I was expecting a single onesie, but she sent two. She also included a wall hanging. I got a little teary looking at it. One of my favorite mommy pastimes is savoring those sweet moments when Baby Namastè has fallen asleep and looks so pure and innocent. He looks so tiny when he is asleep. He is beginning to attempt standing, and I know steps are not far behind, so I absolutely indulge in those moments where he still looks like my little baby.



I digress.

There was more, still.

She enclosed a tiny birthday hat. It is seriously the cutest thing I have come across, and I have encountered all levels of adorable. I will be saving it for his first birthday photos. We have yet to finalize his theme but we do know, it will center around this thoughtful little extra.



I enjoyed working with Megan so much that I absolutely had to make her my featured vendor. Stay tuned for her Q&A! She is the sweetest.

In the meantime in between time, here are her links. You can see her shop at Etsy, or you can find her on Facebook. She is one of the kindest, most responsive vendors I have ever had the pleasure to do business with. She is absolutely the best. I'll definitely be buying lots of items from her, because there's nothing cuter than handmade, personalized gifts.

I speak so highly of Megan because when a person loves their work, they put love in every project. If you watched the unboxing, you saw how carefully the box was arranged. She ties a perfect bow around each onesie with her tag. Nothing is just thrown in the box! Everything is tucked in neatly and you know it's all quality, right found to the tags. (I saved ours. They serve as a tangible reminder that the little things make a huge impact.)

As I said, stay tuned for my feature in Megan and Paper Whale Design.

FYI: From now until December 17th, use coupon code NAMASTÈ to receive 10% off your order of $10 or more!

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡


Is THIS What Holidays Are Now?!

Namastè!

One of my fairly unpopular opinions ahead! Youve been warned. I am really working on sorting out my disenchantment with this season, and a huge part of it lies in materialism.

Before I even get started, this is an opinion post. (Most of my pieces are!) I won't judge, but I will call a spade nothing else. Holidays have become a competition among parents, some of which can barely afford regular days. Where does this pressure come from?! Why do we buy dance shoes for kids who aren't yet walking? Why do we have infinite funds for toys and glitzy outfits but don't buy life insurance or pay for health coverage? WHY is having STUFF more important than having substance? Just...ugh.

Family Namastè isn't really huge into buying tons of gifts. The kids are always super thrilled for like three days, then they're back to fighting over their old toys.

We do like giving them presents, don't misconstrue me. We just don't go to extremes. For example, Baby Namastè will not be receiving hundreds of dollars in toys he is either not old enough for or won't be able to play with. Meanwhile Princess did receive an item she has been wishing for, for a while now. (We didn't make her wait on purpose--availability of this item is a witch!) ALL the kids will receive their golden item.

Part of what depresses me about the holidays is the compulsion to buy shameful amounts of stuff for kids who simply won't care.

I'm a mom, a veteran one of sorts, because I've been through almost every stage of parenting. I've felt the excitement of those pink lines. I've waited anxiously for the first trimester to pass. I've been smitten with tiny kicks. I've snuggled my small fries from newborn to preteen, and enjoyed/cried over/muddled through/rejoiced at the end of each stage in between.

I never got bitten by the "gotta have" bug though, and I am glad. I don't want my kids to be greedy. I certainly don't deprive them--they each get half birthdays as well as regular birthdays, with celebration of each. They receive treats and trinkets fairly often.

I just get really disenchanted because I feel like everything is about buy-buy-buy and GIMME-GIMME-GIMME now.

When I was a kid, part of the holiday season involved going to the nursing homes to sing and fellowship with the residents. I didn't grow up rich, so we would all make gifts for our friends in addition to the little items we could buy with our allowances. It wasn't about running to Walmart to buy up every toy, then scouring the boutiques for every bow and bauble.

There's a generation coming along now--am I revealing my age?!--that will only know to expect the tree to overflow, but they probably will not think to be a blessing to someone else. They will have photographers at every forseeable event in their little sweet lives, but they may not develop the beauty inside that we see in their photos. They will see their parents make horrid financial decisions in the name of having the best stuff, but they won't have security.

This time of year tends to be lonely for us because we are repulsed by those things. We come from humble beginnings and while our circumstances now are quite a far cry from his village and my family farm, we like to keep things cool. We want the kids to feel the real magic--the feeling of effecting joy for others generally doubles your own, you know? We spend most of the holidays tucked away at home, enjoying the simple things: family movie nights, cookies and cocoa by the fireplace, and trimming the tree.

I guess I'm missing the feeling of community. Would y'all believe we actually used to go caroling?! My siblings, cousins, and neighbors would bundle up close to the holidays and literally go caroling! At every house there'd be a freshly baked cookie or a respite from the cold if we'd been out a while. We used to help our neighbors do their outdoor decorations. The family unit kind of extended into the community, and we'd all enjoy the season together like a giant neighborhood family.

Now it is mainly about outdoing the next person--buy the most expensive/biggest gifts, in the highest number, to show the most strangers online that we love our families the most. Forget community. Forget others. Forget teaching anything. It makes me sad.

To make myself feel a little better, I'm practicing exactly what I preach. I'm making sure my kids understand that to whom much is given, much is required. They've had a small taste of what it feels like to lose everything--we work to (hopefully) ensure they won't again, but we want them to appreciate and reciprocate as well.

Ideally, we will send some assertive, ambitious, philanthropic little people into the world to carry our name when we are no more. The tools we are giving them may not play music, light up, or hold 20 dolls easily--but they will help them develop into successful people.

Going into financial straits or spending excessive amounts to fete one day simply doesn't fit into our plan for the other 364.

There will be gifts though. Gifts and fun. They're children, and we aren't scrooges. While we are dismayed at society in general, we never tire of the happiness we get from seeing them excited or happy about something.

We also never tire of teaching them to be a joy to others. The world doesn't need more brats. (And no--kids who get tons of stuff are NOT always brats.)

Ugh. I vented. Now I need tea.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Friday, December 2, 2016

My PERSONAL HoliTAYÈ Wish List

Namastè!

I hope you're experiencing copious amounts of SLEEP! If you aren't, don't feel bad because neither am I.

I am excited. (That's like a common theme for me, I believe?) My HoliTAYÈ Expo is coming to fruition and I am so glad everything turned out. Mamastè LLC has never seen an event this big have a really big surprise for you, dear readers. I won't tell you what but it's huge.

I digress.

I'm often asked, especially around this time of year, what I want. Usually I give the good girl, "Oh, I want nothing!" And that is usually true. I am a deliberately uncomplicated lady, and I don't like the idea of a fuss being made over me. I like to do the fussing over,  because I'm far more comfortable working on surprises than receiving them.

Alas, this year I do have a little wish list. Nothing too fancy, just a few things I believe will make my spot at the helm of the U. S. S. Namastè a bit more cozy!

In no particular order (except in the case of elephants, because elephants are always first, even when they are tenth!), here is my HoliTAYÈ Wishlist.

1. This rug I saw online a few months ago. It is an elephant and I need it. Period.

2. A nap! I want one afternoon where my tired and Baby Namastè's tired align. I haven't napped with him in a few weeks due to preparing for the Expo.

3. Date night with Hubby Namastè. I'm going to make one of his most favorite meals, get some good fruit for a refreshing mango lassi, and enjoy his accent.

4. A manicure. My nails are horrid and I haven't taken a Tayè Day in weeks.

5. To NOT MISS Baby Namastè's first steps. I know they are in the near future. I don't want to blink and miss them.

6. Maggiano's. ALWAYS Maggiano's.

7. One designated day per week to sleep late, nurse, and pump. And eat. I'm a tired, tired mama sometimes. I need to get back to making time for me. I stay too busy.

8. Blog growth. Not just views--I am studying and honing my craft (writing), and I wish to be big. Big views. Big topics. Big impact on the Mommy community.

9. A big plate of tiny crunchy fish and home fries.

10. This dragon toy I keep seeing in Walmart. It blows steam, "toasts" its marshmallow treat, and is absolutely adorbs. Hubby Namastè's gonna get it for me.

That's all I can think of, and all I need I suppose. I told you I'm a simple chickadee.

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡

Thursday, December 1, 2016

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS!!!

Namastè!

It's December, y'all!

We are gearing up to do our holiday thing.

Family Namastè enjoys a year of holidays but this year should be pretty special, as we are all together and will be celebrating in our home. We are going to bake sweets, share treats, and enjoy all kinds of festivities leading up to the New Year.

December is a big deal for us.

We do a random good deed each day of the month--anonymously. It can be free or it can cost a little money. It does not matter who it is for, or when it's done over the course of a day. It just must be finished before bedtime, and it must not be spoken of, to anyone. The point is to teach Kids Namastè that the joy of the season is in giving.

But we don't expect the kids to shoulder too much , as they are all still young. We take them out and get their top 3 presents, 3 things they each really really want. These are the gifts they have been wanting for a long time, or gifts that they recently discovered that would make the holiday exciting and memorable. When they select their big 3, they each choose a gift for someone else. (There's a $20 limit here, as they are only children.) They can't give gift cards--they have to take that money and put together something fun, thoughtful, and suitable for each recipient.

We enjoy visiting the local nursing home to share candy canes and hugs. This teaches them that the entire community is one family, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or any of the things people use to divide themselves. The joy on the residents' faces is priceless. As Kids Namastè don't have grandparents in the United States, this gives them a sense of inclusion. The man singing "Jingle Bells" with them may not be a biological grandpa, but the love and happiness they share during those sweet moments completely supercedes blood or DNA.

Our holiday meals are always amazing. We make Indian, Jamaican, and Sri Lankan food, enough to feed a small army. We share the food with our friends and family, and friends who have become family. While Dad Namastè and I whip up magic in the kitchen, we enjoy hearing the excitement of our Littles. Those kids of ours can eat!

Because we know what it feels like to have nothing, we make sure we enjoy--and share!--what we've got. You see, at one time we were not as well off as we are today. We didn't have a holiday at all that sad year, because we lost people AND things we held near and dear. The things didn't matter, but those people were the very ones we depended on for wisdom and spiritual support. That was a hard loss. We had a gray season, and it was the saddest, most difficult time period we've ever made it through as a family.

That's why we like to focus a lot on giving. We aren't rich but 2016 has been immeasurably good for us. We want to make sure Kids Namastè understand that giving is natural, like breathing. Being selfish or materialistic, or prideful about what they have, is neither natural nor allowed.

Today we began shopping. I like to wrap our gifts immediately of course, and under the tree they go. I usually have a theme--blue and silver is my favorite. But this year I will be letting Family Namastè be as colorful and festive as they want. I'll be sure to share a few photos as they finish selecting ornaments. One thing about starting over is, we get to make a set of traditions that's all us, versus cobbling together mom's stuff and dad's stuff to make a hilarious holiday mishmash.

I am always a bit reserved about holidays in general but this year it all seems brighter. I'm letting go of my anxiety bit by bit and just existing in the moment. I don't have yesterday or last year anymore. Tomorrow and next year are not promised. But I have today--and today has been so joyful.

Next blog, I'll share my little wishlist. *wink* What's on yours?

Namastè!

-- Tayè K. ♡