What is it like having four- 4 and under?

Well month 1 went quite smooth. For us, four is not much different than three. I think three and four is easier than two. It might be because the first two matured a little more by the time Yasir and Zaire were born. I’m not sure but just Anaiah and Zariah together was always a fight. Maybe I matured as a mom. I really don’t know but things are a lot smoother.

Anaiah has been an amazing help. She wants to help which is the best part. She hands me things for the baby. Both girls check on him and  randomly tell me things like he is sleeping or crying. It can be annoying at times but overall it’s extremely sweet. Yasir loves him! He wants to kiss him and hug Zaire every chance he gets. That drives me crazy because I’m always afraid he will wake him up. But seeing the two of them together make my heart melt.

My biggest struggle is bedtime. The girls go to sleep in their room with no problem aside from the occasional requests for water (something about bedtime makes kids really thirsty), the bathroom, or playing. Yasir has not been sleep trained yet; completely my fault. We have been in transition for so long I didn’t get a chance. So he still cuddles to sleep. I also refuse to do the cry it out method. I’m not that tough lol. Zaire also wants to be held at the same time Yasir wants to be held to go to sleep. If I am alone or Hashim is working then I am holding both of the boys. Yasir however likes to move a lot when getting ready to sleep. He climbs all over me. This makes things very difficult. I have been wearing Zaire to put Yasir to sleep and it helps completely. Once we get Yasir sleeping like a big boy life will be bliss. At least that’s what I tell myself lol.

The other struggle is going somewhere. It takes us forever to leave. The girls dress themselves which is great... Until one comes out with their pants on backwards. I have to do everyone’s hair and feed everyone including the baby. Also making sure I am completely dressed and my baby bag is stocked for the day. Once we are out the door loading all six of us into the car is at least 10 minutes. Checking car seats and making sure we have everything and everyone is exhausting.

We have been making it work and getting it done. Trying things out and seeing what works and what doesn’t. I am so blessed and happy for my large family. We have so much fun!

Zaire Shaddai Lafond

Zaire Shaddai Lafond was born on January 16th although I had a C-section scheduled for January 21st. Our date-iversary is January 15th. For some reason, all of our children are born close to dates that are important to us. Zaire has a very funny story and God is all in it.

January 15th was our anniversary and we decided to celebrate that night. During the day we had a lot to do. We were not finished moving into our new apartment and I had nothing for the baby set up. I didn’t even have a hospital bag prepared which is completely out of character. That morning the kids and I dropped Hashim off at U-Haul so he can go to our storage unit and get our stuff and finish moving us into the house. Hashim was sooo upset. It was pouring rain and it hardly ever rains in Southern California.

While Hashim was building our bed and moving boxes, I was hunting for things that I needed for the hospital. We didn’t finish until very late close to 10pm. We still wanted to celebrate our anniversary and spend some time alone, just us two, before the baby came. So we dropped the three children off to our friends house and we went to the movies. We didn’t get out of the movies until about 1am. Now that I think about it, what we did in the backseat of our new family van may have caused contractions. We got the kids and got home around 2am. We all went straight to bed.

I woke up at 3:30am having contractions. I thought I would try to get them to stop since I had been having them all week but figured they were just Braxton Hicks. They didn’t stop and they hurt. I woke Hashim up and he said okay and of course went right back to sleep. I was soooo tired. I tried to go back to sleep and it was not happening. I woke him up again and I told him that I had to go to the hospital now. We got all the kids back up. Anaiah was so mad. She said to leave her at home. I definitely considered it at that moment because I was in pain. We loaded the car and went to the hospital. The hospital was about 45 minutes from our new apartment and there was traffic. Hashim missed our exit and it felt like forever trying to get to the hospital. We made it and another friend met us at the hospital to get the kids. Clearly they should have spent the night where they were earlier. My C-section went as planned and everything was perfect although it was a week earlier than expected. Hashim was with me and Zaire during delivery. Zaire was born January 16th at 9:46am weighing 8lbs 10oz. I had no idea he was such a big boy. He is our biggest baby and it is a perfect fit for him. Later that day Hashim picked up our other children so they can meet their new baby. Everyone is absolutely in love. Zaire is perfect and we are completely enjoying him. He is a very good baby and loves to cuddle which is great because we are a large family so there is always someone to be with.

2019 Only the Beginning

After Christmas our lives went into what felt like hyper speed. Things started happening extremely fast. If you know us you know that there is a lot that happens in our family in January. Zariah’s birthday is 12/31, my birthday is 1/8, our anniversary is 1/15 and Baby Lafond’s eta was 1/21. That’s a lot and it can be a little overwhelming.

Right after Christmas friends of ours invited us to stay with them for a little while. It was a huge blessing because we were able to save money. They also invited us to go to Magic Mountain (What California calls Six Flags) for Zariah’s 3rd birthday. We were so excited because @hashimlafond and I had no idea what we were going to do for her. We always try to make her birthday extra special without a party because of the holiday. This year we were able to spend with friends at an amazing park. She had a great time.

We found a place! We were able to leave our friends home and go to our new apartment. We are subleasing a place for six months. We absolutely love it and it is perfect for our family. We are on the first floor near our parking space. I know that doesn’t sound so special but for me it is everything. I didn’t have to walk far or up any stairs after my c-section. It made moving all of our belongings into the apartment easy for Hashim. It is absolutely perfect for us right now. The children are so happy to have their own room and all of their toys. I am happy to be in my bed and back on my couch.

The timing of how everything happened was so perfect. We also have a car that seats seven and our family loves it. We actually purchased the car on my birthday which was a week before our new addition arrived. Hashim finished setting up our room and the baby items on our anniversary right before our date. Baby Lafond came the next morning; HOURS later! We will share the details very soon. We know you all really want to know the gender of  Baby Lafond. Thank you all who have been supporting us, praying for us, and checking on us. We were having a very difficult time. It definitely wasn’t as easy to come back like it was when we first moved here. The way that everything came together for us, we know Gods hand was on us the entire time. We are happy, blessed and grateful for where we are and where we are going next. I am recovering and adjusting to my new life as a mother of 4. I am slowly getting back to working and Hashim is working everyday, no days off, no weekends. We are back!

Lafond Christmas 2018

Our Christmas was absolutely amazing! I must admit that I am surprised at how beautiful our Christmas turned out. We have been praying to move into our own place since before Thanksgiving. We put most of our efforts into trying to get a home before Christmas and it just didn’t happen. We applied to apartments that we loved and kept getting denied. To the point where we decided to give up and just book our hotel and focus on being comfortable there for a week. It was expensive and took the majority of our money. However we had a great sense of peace knowing where we would be for the holiday.

Since our money was low, I went out and used whatever gift cards I had to set up and prepare for Christmas. I went and bought an all white tiny pre-light tree and some little ornaments. I put it on top of the table in the hotel. We got some cheap stockings and stocking stuffers that I tied to the dresser knobs. I used these few inexpensive items to decorate our room.

My children didn’t want to much for Christmas this year thankfully but they did want a few items that were on the expensive side. I had to be honest with them and tell them that they would not be receiving certain gifts that they requested. They were understanding although they did not want to hear it. For the items we were able to afford, I used coupons to get the majority of the gifts. We also had family send us  money for the children’s gift so that we could purchase toys. That was a huge help for us. Not only was money a factor in our gift purchase the reality of space was also. We didn’t want to get much because we didn’t want to have a lot to carry. What we got was perfect and the kids loved them.

The hotel that we chose provided free breakfast which was perfect. We got up and went to the lobby together and had breakfast. We didn’t have plans for dinner although we had invites from friends. We decided that we would just spend the entire day together rather than going with others. While the children played and watched Christmas movies all day, Hashim went out to find dinner. Only place he found open was a Del Taco very similar to Taco Bell. He came back with 26 tacos and two drinks for us. We all ate tacos, candy and cookies. We spent the entire day together playing with toys and watching movies. It was not what I expected but it was beautiful and I will never forget it. The simplicity of the day spent with my family was absolutely perfect.

Disney on Ice Dare to Dream

I am always looking for fun things to do with my children especially things that we can do as a family. I love exposing them to different arts and cultures.

With that being said, we are excited to go see Disney on Ice Dare to Dream.

Anaiah and Zariah both love all things princess. They love the dresses and the music. They love acting out the movies. For them to see the princesses that they love so much ice skating is going to be mesmerizing to them. This will be their first time seeing Disney on Ice — or anything on Ice for that matter. I am excited to see how the children react to all of the beautiful performers doing tricks and gliding across the ice. I believe that after seeing this show, my children’s world will expand. They will see a new form of artistic expression. 

Anyone that knows Yasir knows that Mickey Mouse is his absolute best friend. Although he is young, I know he will be filled with excitement and joy watching his favorite characters live and in person. I am so excited to be sharing this experience with my favorite people and making life long memories.

L O S  A N G E L E S

WHEN: Thursday, December 13 – Sunday, December 16

o Thursday, December 13 7:30 PM

o Friday, December 14 7:30 PM

o Saturday, December 15 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

o Sunday, December 16 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE: STAPLES Center – 1111 South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKETS: Ticket prices start at $25!

Discount Opening Night tickets available for as low as $16 each on select seating (not valid for premium VIP/Front Row seating) 

Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or in-person at the venue Box Office.            *prices subject to change; additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

Chinese Lantern Festival

My family and I were able to enjoy the beautiful artistry at the Chinese Lantern Festival in Pomona, CA. We walked through the festival and saw amazing lanterns lit in detailed animal shapes. My children were captivated by how beautiful the lions, tigers and bears looked as they lit the night. Yasir was most excited to see all of the dinosaurs and growled at each one. Anaiah loved seeing all of the beautiful colors while Zariah was amazed by their size.

Not only were the lanterns fun to see but the performances were also. There were performers using fans as well as swords. Anaiah now wants to learn how to use a fan. We were definitely impressed with all of the art and culture that the festival had. Hashim and I stopped to slow dance to the music and the girls of course copied and shared a dance of their own. The festival is a great place to capture family photos and make great memories. The Chinese Lantern Festival will run for 8 weeks: Every Thursday – Sunday, from November 15, 2018 - January 6, 2019, plus holidays. Children under 3 get in free!

Labor Scare at 28 Weeks

We had a labor scare. I am 28 weeks and started having contractions. I ignored them at first because being only 28 weeks they shouldn’t be happening. So I figured they were just the notorious Braxton Hicks that just come and go occasionally. I tried all of the tricks I knew to get the contractions to stop. I layed on my left side so I could make sure not to put pressure on the main artery. I ate dinner and drank plenty of water. I went to the bathroom and walked back and forth. I laid down again and tried to rest. Nothing helped. By the time I finished my home remedy attempts it was bed time for the children. I knew that if I went to the hospital they would monitor me for at least an hour. I didn’t want to take the kids out and keep them out in a hospital room so late. So I put the girls to bed and left Hashim to put Yasir to sleep and drove myself to my hospital.

Driving with contractions is not a good idea and definitely not easy. However it was the best decision for us at the time. I called my mom to talk to me during the drive and distract me from my pain. I spent more time looking for a place to park than anyone ever should. I pulled into the hospital lot and the attendant said it was closed. I told him what was going on and he told me I was good as long as I left before his shift was over at 5am. That was a huge relief especially since it was free.

When I walked into the hospital I had a huge rush of emotions. I got nervous, scared and felt completely unprepared. I was alone in a hospital that I have never been to with labor symptoms way to early in my pregnancy. The staff was great and welcomed me. They made me feel comfortable while diligently working. The only thing I could think to do was research premature babies. I was blessed to be in constant contact with my friend who urged me to go to the hospital to begin with. She kept me company and prayed for us the entire time. I checked in with Hashim and updated him frequently but he was in and out of sleep with the children.

They did a routine labor check on me to see if premature labor had started. The test came back negative so I was not in labor. I was very grateful for that. The staff kept baby monitored and watched my contractions. The contractions were strong and 2-4 minutes apart. The nurse was also in contact with my doctor. The doctor ordered me and IV and a shot with medication that would stop the contractions. The shot was called Terbutaline. This shot was one of the most painful things I have experienced. It is administrated with a little tiny needle but the medicine going in is very painful. It gives a burning stinging feeling that spreads through your arm. I was definitely not expecting it to be as painful as it was. It also had side effects that I didn’t enjoy. I felt anxious, shaky and got a headache after the shot. They had to administer the shot twice. After the first shot my contractions were not at strong. They were still coming 2-4 minutes apart so my doctor felt that was still to much. After the second round of receiving the shot I didn’t feel any contractions. So it worked but it hurt incredibly bad.

After the last shot was given they had to observe me and the baby for 20 minutes before they could release me. The contractions had stopped and the baby and I were doing well and given the okay to leave. I am so happy that I didn’t not go into preterm labor and we are both doing well. They did not know why I was having contractions but they wanted to make sure they stopped them and they did.

My entire family loves G.H Cretors popcorn!

I originally got popcorn as my late night pregnancy snack. This fourth baby has me hungry in the middle of the night and I wanted something that would be light so I can still sleep. Popcorn is perfect!

Of course my children saw me eating it one day and asked for some. It was all over after that. My snack became a family favorite. All three of the children enjoy it as a snack and love it.

I soon realized it wasn’t just the children eating popcorn but Hashim was a fan too. I would see him walking around the house eating a bag. I would go to get a bag for myself and be left with crumbs.

G.H Cretors popcorn comes in so many different flavors. We have not tried them all but we definitely love most of them. They have a caramel and cheddar flavor that is absolutely amazing. I’m almost positive Hashim’s favorite flavor is buffalo and ranch. I know the children love the honey butter kettle corn. You have to try it and find your favorite!

Monster Trucks and TuTu’s

I am now that mom that goes to Monster Truck Shows. We are going to Monster Jam to see the Monster Truck Show on August 17. We realize that Yasir likes cars and trucks, but Anaiah is the most excited person in the family to be going. She has so many questions. We had the pleasure of meeting the driver Mark List who is the driver of the El Toro Loco Truck. The children had the opportunity to play with a remote control version of the truck. The entire time Anaiah wanted to know how the man drives the truck. We explained to her that it is a big truck made for people. I don’t think she fully understands how big and I know she is in for a huge surprise.

The show will take place in Downtown Los Angeles at the STAPLES Center. There will be three days of action-packed fun for the entire family August 17th- 19th. This show will consist of eight drivers, seven different competitions and three different vehicles. Fans will be able see races, tricks and amazing stunts inside the STAPLES center arena. We are expecting to be on the edge of our seats with excitement! Tickets are starting at $25 and can be purchased online at AXS.com, charged by phone at 888-9AXS-TIX or you can visit the venue Box Office. 

Breastfeeding in public is now legal in all 50 states...

How is it the year 2018 and this is now just becoming legal? That’s crazy!!! Imagine going to the zoo and telling a lioness that she can’t feed her cubs because breastfeeding in public (a zoo is a public place) is not legal lol. I really am excited that I can go wherever I want in the United States and feed my baby legally. Especially with Lafond Baby #4 coming into this world.

I am proud to say that I have successfully breastfed my third child for a full year. I have been breastfeeding for three years straight now, and soon to be 4. Yasir is now completely weened and takes a bottle. I will admit I am happy to have my body back before Lafond Baby #4 arrives. I absolutely love breastfeeding and the bond that I get to share with my baby. However, once they start to get older and nurse for comfort more than food it can become a little frustrating.

There are times when my babies would cry to nurse even though they just ate and diapers were clean and it definitely wasn’t time to go to sleep. They just want to be on me. There are things that still need to get done so I could not just sit all day with a baby on my boob like I am a pacifier. I did enjoy knowing that I can always comfort them and cuddle with them. Breastfeeding can be hard work sometimes.

I am happy that weening Yasir was an easy transition. He never took a bottle before and would fight anyone that offered. I tried the Como Tomo bottle and he loved it. It made weening him a pleasant transition for both of us. The Como Tomo bottle is silicone so it’s soft and squishy to resemble a breast. It’s incredibly easy to clean which is my favorite because I am the dishwasher. He has no issues holding the bottle himself. My baby is growing up and is a big boy now.

You are what you eat!

I had intentions of being that mother that only gave her children healthy meals. I was determined to cook for my children and give them all natural everything. I didn’t want to give my baby food from a jar. I wanted to make everything myself so I knew what was going in it. Fast food restaurants were a definite no. I try to stay away from microwaveable meals. I try to feed my children the best way possible.

My children decided that was not going to happen. They wake up at 7:30am. We have nowhere to be and no reason to be awake. They wake up and come to me not to tell me good morning. The first thing out of their months is “Mommy I’m hungry.” I have no desire to make a full breakfast at 7:30am so toaster waffles and microwave pancakes it will be.

Not only do my children wake up as early as they possibly can, they are picky eaters. Anaiah with her allergies makes food difficult obviously but they also decided they don’t like things. I question all the time if they are even old enough to make these kind of decisions. They have decided that they don’t like eggs. Even when it’s hidden in their food they some how find it.

I will admit my children are great eaters. I have heard parents say they fight with their children to eat veggies. My children absolutely love fruits and veggies. There is no fight there. They just don’t eat the way I pictured when I decided to be a mother. A child is an individual that makes their own decisions. This might not be what I pictured and I am definitely still figuring it out but I have learned to adapt.

Parking with Children

Hashim's favorite question to ask is, "why do we park in driveways and drive in parkways?" He can be so corny. But I really do struggle with parking garages. When you park they are usually free for like the first 60-90 minutes. That's not bad and that isn't an unreasonable amount of time to do something with free parking. My issue is that the time starts when you pull into the garage. 

It takes about 10-20 minutes to drive around looking for a parking spot. So that is time wasted that could be spent enjoying the free parking. Since I have three children it takes us forever to get out of the car. It can take me some days 30 minutes to get all of my children out of the car and into the stroller and the baby carrier. I have so much to do just to get everyone out of the car. I have to answer all of Anaiah's questions. And she wants to do everything by herself. I swear she does it as slow as she possibly can. Then I have to stop and feed Yasir and then change his diaper. Zariah also may need a diaper change. She has also taken her shoes off on the ride so I have to put them back on her. She likes to do everything Anaiah does, even though she hasn’t mastered it. Setting up the stroller and or the baby carrier is a job. Anaiah wants to take her doll. Then I have to grab my bag and lock up the car. Once I complete all of that I have 20 minutes left of free parking.

We have to get out of the garage and actually get to our destination. Once I walk in the door to where I want to go I have already used up my 60-90 minutes. Parking timer should start when you walk into the store or out of the garage. I want to be able to take full advantage of my time. Rather than wasting it inside the garage preparing myself to go somewhere. And you have to make sure you pay for parking before you leave the garage. If you try to pay at the exit you have most likely used up a significant amount of time putting everyone and everything back into the car. I think it takes us about 30 minutes to load up the car. So for the most part I avoid a lot of places that do not have free parking.

To all the parking garage owners allow me be your Mom-in-chief. Here are 3 ways you can improve your garages:

1. Let our time start on our way out of the garage.
2. Can there be mother with small children parking. Like check and see if there is a car seat in the car.
3. Please make sure your elevator is working at all times.

Grocery shopping with three and me

Most parents hate grocery shopping with their children. I actually love it. We have such a great time. It’s a lot of work though. All three of my children are very close in age. Zariah is 17 months apart from Anaiah and Yasir. When I’m shopping, I have a difficult time finding a spot for each child in the shopping cart.

Since my family is large, I need a lot of groceries. However, my children take up the majority of the space in the shopping cart. The wholesale stores seem to be the only stores with shopping carts large enough for my family. Unfortunately, i don't shop there. I don’t like the idea of paying for member fees...Some Targets have really cool shopping carts with special child seats. They are very large but not at all Targets. They help but it is hard to get around the store with them.

I always end up having to carry a child. I would prefer if Anaiah and Zariah can both sit in the carriage. It makes it easier for me to not have a child walking around the store. They walk slow and don't always pay attention to where they’re going. Of course they like to touch things. So it is best for me if they are both seated in the carriage. Since there is only one seat in most carriages, I put Zariah in it. Sometimes I try to make them sit together but they are both getting to big to do that. When I put Anaiah in the basket of the carriage, I have to make sure she doesn't step or sit on food. She gets annoyed because she is covered with food. So I walk around carrying Yasir, Zariah is in the shopping carriage and Anaiah is walking, sitting with Zariah, or in the basket of the carriage.

Once we figure out the seating arrangements we really do have a good time. We discuss the different foods we see. We talk about the colors. Things we like and dislike. We taste food which is always a good time. We plan meals while we walk down the aisles. I enjoy going out with my children even with some of the challenges.

Disney Junior Dance Party

Like most children, Anaiah and Zariah see things on television and want them. They have been asking us to take them to the Disney Junior Dance Party. 1.My goal is for them to get what they want. 2. I believe our words have power. When they asked to go I wasn’t sure how we would take them. So my response was always one day. We were blessed by some friends and were invited to go to the Disney Junior Dance Party.

The girls had an amazing time! Yasir to our amazement also had a great time. He stayed awake during the entire show. All three of the children didn’t stop dancing. They were excited to sing and dance with their favorite Disney characters. They watch them on television so to see them in person was magical.

I recommend taking children to the Disney Junior Dance Party. It was a great experience for the entire family. Anaiah actually cried when it was over. Yasir fell asleep as soon as it was over. We took the children home after the show and put them in bed for a nap. The girls slept all night. Completely worth it!

A Wrinkle in Time

      Anaiah and I went on a special Mommy/ Daughter date to see A Wrinkle in Time. It was an absolutely amazing movie. A great story with beautiful imagery. Anaiah is a bit young to fully understand the entire plot, but she loved it! She definitely understood the theme of the story.

     Anaiah has stated a number of times that she loves the dresses that the Misses wore. She has made a special request for me to get her the dresses. She came home from the movie and told Hashim that she wants the dresses in the movie. Of course her Daddy is going to try his best to find her one. I hope they make them for Halloween costumes. Anaiah would be the happiest girl ever.

   She also noticed that the main character in the movie played my Storm Reid,  looks like her. She was very excited to tell me that the girl in the movie is a brown girl just like her. She was in love with her curly hair because she has curly hair just like her. Representation is very important to our children and it definitely does matter.

Wonder

Lionsgate hosted a ValenKIND’s day event in honor of the movie “Wonder” being released to DVD February 13th. “Wonder” is a beautiful story about a boy named August (Auggie) who has a facial deformity. He spends the majority of his time with his family, his mother, father and older sister. Auggie’s family tries to protect him from the negativity of others who see him. After being home-schooled for several years, he goes to school for the first time. Auggie interacts with classmates for the first time and some of his experiences are good but others are not. The movie is heart warming and full of lessons of love. The ValenKIND’s day event contained science centered activities for the children to do. Choose kindness was the main focus for the day. The amazing cast and crew of the movie were there and available for interviews. They served food with the most amazing heart-shaped cookies.

At the “Wonder” ValenKIND event, the children made Valentine’s Day cards. They also made their own slime and were taught which ingredients to mix together. They experimented with liquid nitrogen and added flowers, balloons, and even strawberries and marshmallows. The children tasted them and seemed to really enjoy them. While the children worked on the experiments there were also interviews happening. Speaking with the cast and the crew was definitely inspirational. They all had amazing stories to share from their time on set for the movie.

There are so many life lessons in the movie “Wonder.” Kindness, friendship, and compassion are just a few. Actress, Izabella Vidovic, who plays Auggie’s older sister Via said that she was drawn to the role because she was “embodying a character who’s had to sacrifice so much for a sibling who has challenges that he faces is difficult.” She also mentioned that she got a better understanding after talking to the families. In our interview, she said, “I got to talk to different families and siblings of kids with cranial facial disorders and really understand what they are going through. It’s crazy how selfless and humble kids are considering the hardships they are facing at age 12.” I also asked Izabella what she hoped people would learn from the movie. She stated “I hope that kids are inspired to treat the Auggie’s in their life, not literally, just anybody that’s in their life that doesn’t seem to fit in. I hope that they are inspired to befriend them and to treat them with kindness. Because we are all equal, it doesn’t matter where you come from or who you are. We are all people and I just hope that this new generation of kids is inspired to choose kindness as the film says.” After watching this movie I know that anyone who sees it will absolutely choose kindness.

My hands must be full...

This is an open letter to all of those that see me and my three out and about. First and foremost, STOP telling me I have my hands full! Stop looking at me like you feel sorry for me. Please stop looking at me like I need help.

I wanted this! All three of my children were our choice. We might have been surprised but we were always excited. I don’t wish we would have waited. I wouldn’t change a thing. I love that we had 3 under 3. No we are not done!

There are times when I feel overwhelmed but every human feels that way at some point in time. I don’t feel overwhelmed because I have three children. I feel overwhelmed because life in general can be difficult. My children often relieve stress. They make laugh and are full of so much joy how can I not smile around these perfect people.

New year same me...

The beginning of the new year is hectic for me. So much happens in such a short amount of time. I remember when I used to be able to stretch Christmas out for at least four days. I would go shopping and buy stuff on sale. Make returns from gifts that I didn't really want. I would visit family and get more gifts. Then visit friends and get more gifts there as well. But now, it is a maximum 2 days and there is no time for more.

Zariah's birthday is December 31st. We are no longer planning our New Year's Eve night out. We are trying to figure out what we are going to do for Zariah on her birthday. I am trying to make sure I put away all of the Christmas decorations so I can get ready for balloons and cake. I am trying to make sure I separate her birthday and Christmas. With the majority of my focus being on her birthday I find that I don't get the house clean before the new year. I m starting to believe the saying that how clean your house is on the first of January is how clean it will be for the rest of the year. This isn't looking good for HouseofLafond.

The week following Zariah's birthday is my birthday, January 8th. I don't make a big deal about my birthday however I do like to acknowledge it.  A cake, a great day and a nice dinner is sufficient. I know Hashim feels the pressure though.

In addition to all of that, when we were kids Hashim thought it was a good idea to wait until we were both 15 years old to become a couple. So he waited until the week after my birthday. So our dating Anniversary is January 15th. Our favorite thing to do for our anniversary is take pictures. We also like to go on a date, so there is some more pressure.

Once we finally settle down from all of our celebrations and get through the month of January then comes February. What amazing holiday is in February, Valentine's Day. So we are back to celebrating. We love celebrating all of these momentous days. Each day is special and very important. We actually enjoy planning for these days so that we can make them extra special. It is still a lot of work and it puts a lot of pressure on us. Stores don't make it any easier. As soon as one holiday ends the decorations for the next holiday are out. While I am thinking Zariah's birthday, the store is already screaming at me that it's Valentine's Day. These first few weeks of the new year have me on hyper speed. I rarely get around to a New Year'sresolution or come up with a word for the year. I definitely don't start any fast or new diet. There is no "new year, new me" happening. I have already decided to be the best me I can be. I try to get my house clean and keep my family filled with joy, laughter and peace. Without going broke or crazy!

Respiro

Oh my goodness I can't believe my baby boy will be 6 months! Time is going by so fast. Six months doesn't sound old but developmentally, it's a lot. He is such a big boy now compared to the little tiny newborn that he was. I don't think I ever want my babies to grow up but it's so much fun watching them change and develop.

Hashim is going to be building Yasir's crib so that we can move him from his bassinet. He is starting to out grow it and I am really feeling some way about it. He is trying to sit up on his own and he can already roll over. I'm going to have a big boy.

We found an amazing new crib mattress

Called "Respiro" designed by "Baby Trend." This mattress design is so cool. It is completely breathable and ventilated. It has no stuffing! That is the best thing because it stays clean. It comes with a splash pad for accidents and leaks. It is washable and foldable. Yasir will still be sleeping on his back because it is the safest, but knowing that his crib will also keep him safe will allow me to rest easy.

I am Thankful!

We had an absolutely amazing thanksgiving! I cooked up a storm!!!! Everything came out perfect and it was definitely all worth it in the end.

Well it was 90 degrees in LA and we don't have AC and I had the oven up to 400 degrees. If you can't stand the heat stay out the kitchen. We had a 25lb turkey that I just couldn't lift in and out of the oven so Hashim had to do it. Our pan wasn't quite strong snout so he spilled turkey juice in the bottom of the oven. It started to burn and smoke filled the house. Smoke alarms went off for about 45 minutes. Neighbors were concerned but we were fine. Hashim took the kids to the store to get a better pan while I cleaned the spill and continued cooking.

Hashim went back to the store because I realized I ran out of cinnamon and vanilla wafers.  Hashim was not happy. Especially since he still didn't have anything to eat since he was waiting for the main event. Finally finished everything. Our guests arrived as soon as the turkey finished. I had to get dressed and wake Zariah up from her nap. Anaiah refused to nap because she was so excited. She helped cook and went on errands with Hashim. We prayed and made plates it was so great!

I know I am not the only mom that had at least one child refuse to eat. Zariah only wanted her bottle of milk. I offered so many different options. Hashim even attempted to feed her and she just refused. She just wanted to cuddle with her bottle of milk.

Once everyone left my family knocked out. All four of them were out in no time. No one put up a fight. I piled all of the food in the fridge. Any other mothers out there master packers? I got it all to fit and the door to close tight. With all the food I cooked I have decided I'm not cooking again until Christmas. This must be what meal preparation is like. Maybe once a month I should just cook a giant meal that last for the month lol. Freeze some and just keep out enough for the week. I think I'm on to something!