Pacific Baby 3-in-1 Thermal Bottle GIVEAWAY (AGAIN!!!)

A few weeks ago, we featured the Pacific Baby 3-in-1 Thermal Bottle on The Stuff We Love Tuesday! The response was great and it seems as though many of your share my own feelings....your kiddos will be lucky if this one ever reaches them! I think it may just have to use it for myself!!

The good folks over at Pacific Baby were kind enough to provide us with a few of these to give away to our loyal fans!!  Pssst...that's YOU!

 

 

So, go ahead and enter....then show off your new baby swag to all your friends! Nothing more fun than new baby swag right? Unless of course, it is FREE baby swag!!

Wanna get in on the giveaway?? It's simple and you can earn up to 5 entries with the simple steps below! Contest runs until midnight 6/7/13 and winner will be selected at random and announced on our Facebook page!!!

Here is how you can earn your 5 entries:

1. "Like" our Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know! If you already "like" us, Thank You, please leave a comment below letting us know that and you can have an entry too! 
2. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know that you did so!
3. Become a follower of the blog!! To do so, simply click "Join This Site" in the right hand toolbar and become a member....that way you never miss out on the Yumminess! Oh, and be sure to leave a comment below letting us know you did so! If you are already a follower, just leave us a comment letting us know that you already follow us!
4. Follow us on Pinterest! We are always posting great recipes and fun kiddo stuff that we adore! You can follow us from the "Pinterest" tab at the top of our FB page, or you  can look us up by our username "atfirstbite". Then, you guessed it, leave a comment here letting us know!
5. Visit the Pacific Baby Facebook page and give them a "Like" as well! Gotta show some love to the people making this all possible! And of course...leave a comment here letting us know you did!

Recipe: Yogurt and Kale Popsicles

Yes, you read that correctly....yogurt and KALE Popsicles. Gone are the days when a green Popsicle automatically meant artificial lime flavor (which by the way, was pretty much always my favorite...). These days, the green can be brought to you by one of the current "cool kids" at the produce stand...KALE!!!

Stick with me on this one and then let your kiddos be the deciding vote. After all, it is HOT outside, so anything that is cold and creamy, is sure to please most of the crowd!

Yogurt and Kale Popsicles

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Kristen Howerton (www.rageagainsttheminivan.com)

 

When to Introduce: Besides the fact that these would be INCREDIBLY messy if given to a little one under one (or two...or three...), they do contain strawberries and pineapple. Both tend to be a little bit on the allergenic side, so my recommendation would be to serve once they are over 12 months of age. Always consult your pediatrician with any concerns.

 

Why we Love It:  Ummm....they are cold and yummy deliciousness. And if that isn't convincing enough for you, they are packed with uber healthy probiotics, greens and fruit...all good things for tiny (and not so tiny) tummies!

Ingredients: 

1/2 cup plain nonfat yogurt
1/2 cup fresh kale
1/2 cup frozen pineapple
1/2 cup frozen strawberries
2 tbsp stevia (to sweeten)

 

Directions: 

 Add all ingredients to blender.

Pour into Popsicle molds and freeze until solid...usually at least 3 hours.

Servings: This will make about 2 cups - so it depends on the size of the molds you are using, but will usually make 4-6 treats!

Recipe: Greek Yogurt Fruit Smoothie

At my house, we are all about multi-tasking. And sometimes...OK, a LOT of the time...that means whipping up some sort of a meal or snack that the whole family can enjoy! One of the best ways to do that is with a good ol' fashioned smoothie. And this one, has a few optional ingredients that make it even more AWESOME for the older kiddos and adults in the house. I think you are gonna love it...

Greek Yogurt Fruit Smoothie

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Sonia Collins (www.littlegreenpouch.com)

 

When to Introduce: Omit the walnuts and protein powder, and this one is good to go for babies over 9 months old. Nuts can generally be added in after the one year mark. As for the protein powder, ask your pediatrician for their recommendation. 

 

Why we Love It:  Oh so tasty....and packed with so much goodness! The Greek yogurt adds much needed protein (but is low and sugar) and the fruits are packed with potassium, essential vitamins and nutrients every tummy can appreciate. For adults, the added punch of the walnuts and protein powder, make this smoothie a meal in and of itself!

Ingredients: 

1 banana - broken into chunks
1/3 cup fresh boysenberries
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 scoop protein powder
1/4 cup walnuts
3/4 cup frozen pineapple chunks
Splash of sugar free juice

 

Directions: 

 Add all ingredients to blender.

 Tip: if you are not using frozen fruit, add a few ice cubes. Blend until smooth. Pour into glass and enjoy.

 

Servings: This will make about 2 cups - so it depends on what size smoothies you want to serve up!

Socorro Counseling

Every once in a while in this life, you stumble upon someone whose career is such a perfect fit for their personality that you think, "how awesome is that?" When I first met today's Working Girl, I was floored by just how connected I felt to her in such a short amount of time. Her sincerity and genuine ways simply made me feel instantly comfortable and at ease. She was relaxed, yet invested in our conversation (something pretty inane I am sure, since our first meeting as at a Fourth of July BBQ)...all while managing a 2 year old and a brand new baby girl. Impressive.

Elisa and her husband relocated back to the Phoenix area just about two years ago and decided to grow the business that they had started in their previous home in Seattle, Socorro Counseling and Consulting. In their time as a business, they have touched many lives and hope to be able to reach out to so many more in the years to come. Their services are based on support, compassion, and understanding...all in a safe and welcoming environment.

She is truly changing lives each and every day....good stuff for sure.

It is my honor to introduce you all to Elisa.

 Tell us about your business...

"My husband and I started a small private counseling practice, Socorro Counseling, years ago in Seattle. Since our move to Phoenix 2 years ago, we have developed and expanded the practice and are now Socorro Counseling and Consulting. We now offer premarital counseling and have a mom's group along with the individual and group counseling & consulting. Socorro means "assistance in a time of need." We believe that sometimes you just need someone to walk along side you and meet you in those places of great joy, deep sorrow, and many areas in between. Sometimes that means a person comes to us in crisis and despair, other times it is because of relationship issues, times of transition, or life's challenges."

 

What did you do in your past life...before you launched your business?

"I have worn many hats that have ironically prepared me for starting my own business. I have been a graduate student for a Masters in Counseling Psychology; worked as a full time employee at an inpatient eating disorders facility; traveled the nation as a part of a Speakers Bureau and Marketing team addressing issues of eating disorders and anxiety; and most challenging, thought provoking, & rewarding I have been a stay at home mom. There is nothing so real and amazing as to watch your own kids become their own little people."

 

What made you decide to take the leap into being a business owner?

"Private Practice allows me to do the work that I love and feel called to do, but have a more flexible schedule to be able to play, enjoy, and be home with my kids while they are still young."

 

What has been your greatest professional success to date?

"I don't know if it's a success, as much as gratitude and feeling honored that I get to walk alongside people and witness change and hope emerge in their lives and relationships."

 

 How about the biggest "lesson learned"?

"Finding a work/life balance. It is easy to "work here and there" when you run your own business which turns into working every day. We try and find a time of rest and play for our family where gadgets are turned off, ideas aren't bouncing, and we are just being present with one another…it's been a journey."

 

What is next on the horizon for your business?

"We are super excited to have recently moved to our new offices! We are now located downtown at 6th Ave and Roosevelt. We are excited about being a part of this community, and look forward to developing new relationships."

 

Where can we find you when you are not being Super Business Owner Woman??

"Most days, just trying to get through the day with two little girls - making it to all our activities, being creative around the home, filling our bellies, and getting sleep (if that happens). I most enjoy playing out doors with my family (walks, hikes, or at the park or pool), finding new places to eat and drink on dates with my husband, and relishing any quiet, alone time I can get my hands on with a cup of coffee and something to read or a project to work on."

 

If we were to run into you at a cocktail party, what would be your "party trick"?

"Oh my, it may be my moves on the dance floor…that is if this cocktail party is the kind with a dance floor. :)"

 

When someone asks you to tell a joke, what is your "go-to" one-liner?

"I am much more of an improv comedian. :)"

 

 If you could go back in time, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?

"Breathe deep, and breathe it all in. Life moves quickly, try to slow down. It is ok that life is hard and dark sometimes, this doesn't mean that it isn't also very, very good."

 Inspire? Want to learn more?

Check out their website at: http://www.socorrocounseling.com

Recipe: Popeye's Ice Cream

There is no doubt about it....summer is here (at least here in Phoenix anyway)! And when it is this warm out, one of the very best ways to cool down is with a cold treat! There are plenty of healthy-ish frozen treats on the market these days, but they tend to be a little pricey. So, why not make your own? And while you are at it, slip in some nutrient packed ingredients....your kiddos may not even know they are there!

Today, I share with you a delightful little recipe that I think will be a hit with your littles....

Popeye's Ice Cream

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Shannon at Squooshi (www.squooshi.com)

 

When to Introduce: Because of the use of cow's milk in this recipe, we would recommend waiting until your little love is at least one year old to try this one out.  If you have concerns, always be sure to consult a pediatrician.

 

Why we Love It:  Who doesn't love ice cream? I mean, really? This treat is so sweet, creamy, and cool that you are likely to forget how healthy it is. And, with the Spinach slipped in there, you are providing your family with the best stuff around...and they may not even realize it! 

Ingredients: 

3/4 c half and half
1/4 c agave nectar
1/2 banana
2/3 c nonfat dry milk
2 c fresh spinach
1 1/2 T vanilla extract
2-3 c ice cubes

 

Directions: 

1. Place all ingredients in blender jar in the order listed above.

2. Blend until smooth (on whatever setting you would typically use for something with ice cubes)

3. Pop in the freezer to set up for a more ice-cream consistency, or serve immediately! This is a GREAT recipe for your reusable food pouches! You can even freeze portions in the pouch and simply let thaw for about 30 minutes before serving. 

 

Servings: This will make about 4 servings (about 1/2 cup each)!

A Letter To Sweet R on her 4th Birthday

(This content was originally published on 5/13/13 at www.westvalleymomsblog.com)

 

Dear Sweet 4 Year Old R, 

4 years ago I sat in the hospital and held you in my arms in that rare post-partum combination of sheer bliss and utter terror. Your hands and feet so very tiny, yet perfectly poised to take on the world. I smelled your sweet newborn scent (that I have yet to determine where exactly it comes from…but it is so divine) and fell in love with the way your tiny head snuggled perfectly into the crook of my neck, like a long lost puzzle piece. The nurses assumed that we knew how to change your tiny diaper…silly them. They gave us a tutorial. They assumed that we knew just how to swaddle you into the perfect baby burrito. Again, they were wrong. But we figured it out. Little did we know that the “we will figure it out” part, wouldn’t be over when you were no longer a newborn. We have been “figuring it out” for the last 4 years….and I have a sneaking suspicion we will be doing just that long into your adulthood. 

Today was the first time that your birthday fell on Mother’s Day. While the 10-years-ago-me may have been selfishly miffed to have to share my special day, I can think of no way better to celebrate than to share the celebration with the perfect tiny human that bestowed upon  me the coveted title of Mama.  Funny how motherhood does that…takes away the selfishness.  Funny too, how you have taught me to love beyond what I thought possible. How to love a person with every fiber of my being, unconditionally, and forever. Who knew that kind of love existed? My mother…and my mother’s mother…and generations of mothers before them...that’s who. And someday my love, you too will hopefully join the club of mama hood….just be sure you get out there and spend some time learning to be you first….trust me, that will come in handy along the way. And besides, you want to have some good stories to tell your kiddos someday…the kind that will make them roll their eyes at you.  Some “been there, done that” moments.  Trust me on that one (someday I will share my stories with you…whether you want to hear them or not...and you are free to roll your eyes all your want…I will keep talking).

I used to be the person that only cried in a movie when something bad happened to an animal. Now, I get all weepy when I think of you or your brother growing up. Your dad is already dreading the “empty nest” syndrome that I am sure to have when the two of you head off to college one day. (Poor guy better get used to lots of dogs…or goats…I have kind of always wanted a goat….). But for now, I remind myself that you are just four year old. You are still a baby.  I remind myself to focus on enjoying these moments with you while you are young.  I know they will pass far too quickly. They already have.

This weekend was amazing. I melted when your eyes lit up each time one of your friends walked in the door at your party yesterday.  You were so excited to have them all around you, in your home. The sheer joy you showed as you blew out the candles on your bright blue birthday cake (with sprinkles of course…) and made a wish. You told everyone just how much you loved them over and over again. And you mean it each time. You have a heart of pure gold. And today, celebrating Mother’s Day with you and your brother by my side, while wishing you a Happy Birthday no less than 43 times….well, it was just about perfect.  

Sweet R, I may have taught you a few things along the way…like how to write your name and how to make your bed, but you have taught me so much more. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a pro at this parenting thing yet…not sure if anyone ever really is. But as I took a longer than usual time to say goodnight to you tonight, and you snuggled into my side, I realized that you still fit against me like a puzzle…just a slightly larger one. And although I still have moments of sheer terror when I think of all the things I have still to teach you (many of which I have not even considered I am sure…), the moments of pure bliss, and just a frequent as when you were a newborn. And now, those moments are mixed with pride. You have so many wonderful adventures ahead of you.  I am so very proud of you my sweet girl, and I cannot wait to hold your hand along the way. I promise you, we will “figure it out”…together.

Happy 4^th Birthday Big Girl!

Love you to the moon and back,

Mommy

One of the open tabs....

Those of you who read my posts with any regularity know that (one of) the 2000+ tabs that is currently open in my mind is the looming question of  "Do we have a third baby or stick with the two pretty much perfect kidlets that we already have?" And when I say "open tab", I am severely understating the situation here...as in, pretty much any time I am not tending to one of the many needs of Sweet R or Little Dude B, this is the first place my mind tends to wander (also know as, "Obsess much mama?") And chances are if you asked me where I currently stand 37 times each day, the answer would change no less than 36 different times.

Why is it that this "next step" is so much more difficult of a decision to make than it was going from 1 to 2?  Seriously, that decision was akin to "Hey babe, we ran out of toilet paper. Should we go to Costco and get some more or just skip it?" Why yes, yes we should, dear. And we were off to the races. No muss, no fuss.

And for the hubs and I, the whole "if it is meant to be it will be" thought process is not an option. For two reasons....the first being 3 simple letters: "O.C.D." No plan, means no smiles from mama. This mama is not a fan of surprises....I know, I'm no fun. The second being with our first sessions of TTC, my husband pretty much sneezed in my general direction and my uterus snapped to attention. I mean no disrespect to those who have struggled with fertility....I can only imagine the heartache that comes with it, but our history (thankfully) has given us no grey area in that whole family-planning arena.I don't anticipate it would this time either so "wait and see" pretty much means, get the nursery ready.

Thus, we return to the soul-searching. Let me be the first to admit, soul-searching sucks. Like, with Dyson level suction. Some people say you will just "know"....that must be dreamy. This morning around 9:30am, I "knew". Now....not so much. Sometime during the bath routine tonight, I anticipate I will "know" again. Only to be thrown for yet another loop tonight when I sneak in and kiss their soft cheeks before I go to bed. Followed by much Googling of such rediculous topics as "Should I have another kid?" or "Is it better to have 2 kids or 3?" (Insert eye roll here....it's OK, I would roll my eyes at me as well)

I am one of two and so is my husband. Truthfully that is all we know.  So I have no idea where this idea of more popped into my head. At one point in my life I said I would have as many kiddos as it took to get at least one of each gender (check that one off the list...). At one point that changed to wanting 3. Some days I am sure that I want to be fully responsible for yet another human being for at least 18 years. And some days, I just want to smother the two I already have with so much love, resources and one-on-one time that I cannot imagine them having to share me with anyone else. And don't even get me started on when I start weighing out the, *gasp*, logistical/financial factors of adding another tiny human to the mix. But oh, that perfect baby snuggle and warm, sweet baby breath...swoon....

Alas, the soul search shall continue...

In the meantime, I have to go wake up my beautiful lovelies from their afternoon naps....because when this mama's soul gets to searching, the only thing that breaks the spell are the sweet faces of the two best things that already happened to me. THAT my friends, I know for sure.

FunBites Giveaway!!!

Earlier this week, we featured FunBites on The Stuff We Love Tuesday! I am still so excited about how this tool is a shortcut on the road to "Cool Mom" status and will allow you to create those Pinterest inspired lunch boxes you only scoffed at before....really, it is that cool! A total hit in my house for sure! The good folks over at FunBites was to help us spread the love, so they are being kind enough to give away one of these AWESOME products to one of our very deserving fans!

Pssst...that's YOU!

So, go ahead and enter....then show off your new kiddo swag to all your friends! Nothing more fun than new kiddo swag right? Unless of course, it is FREE kiddo swag!!

Wanna get in on the giveaway?? It's simple and you can earn up to 5 entries with the simple steps below! Contest runs until midnight 5/10/13 and winner will be selected at random and announced on our Facebook page!!!

Here is how you can earn your 5 entries:

1. "Like" our Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know! If you already "like" us, Thank You, please leave a comment below letting us know that and you can have an entry too! 
2. Share this giveaway on your Facebook page and leave a comment below letting us know that you did so!
3. Become a follower of the blog!! To do so, simply click "Join This Site" in the right hand toolbar and become a member....that way you never miss out on the Yumminess! Oh, and be sure to leave a comment below letting us know you did so! If you are already a follower, just leave us a comment letting us know that you already follow us!
4. Follow us on Pinterest! We are always posting great recipes and fun kiddo stuff that we adore! You can follow us from the "Pinterest" tab at the top of our FB page, or you  can look us up by our username "atfirstbite". Then, you guessed it, leave a comment here letting us know!
5. Visit the FunBites Facebook page and give them a "Like" as well! Gotta show some love to the people making this all possible! And of course...leave a comment here letting us know you did!

Happy Giveaway Friday Everyone!!!