Month: June 2016

How was your day?!

When do I have time to blog? Well today I was Blogging in the car, in the open garage with sleeping babies and air conditioner on full blast, burning oil and burning money! Haha! This is when I have time to regurgitate my mommy adventures. 
Yes I’m eating Cinnamon Toast Crunch! 👊🏻

When it’s this hot in Oklahoma anything under 70° is unbearable to me and my family. We avoid the outdoors, using the dryer and oven unless it’s before noon or after 9 PM. 
Target should be paying me. I go there anywhere from 1-3 times a week! Last week we decided to have a Play date @ Target bc it’s 97 -100 degrees every afternoon and bc we have already exhausted other options at 3pm. 
On Monday I had to get the boys school snack and I of course thought I had it all stashed away ready to go but no it was 1/2 eaten. So off to the red store we go @ 8:30am. The Red card saves money The Self checkout line does not save time with 2 kids in tow. As we were hurrying thru the checkout I keep hearing that ladies voice:

“Please place your item in the bagging area.” 🙄Then

 

“Please wait for assistance.” 🙄
This happened at least 3 more times bc my happy helper isn’t really helping. 😁 
Then I hear “Oh that Poor baby must be starving.” I turn around to look and see him shoveling handfuls of veggie straws into his mouth at 8:45am. I wanted to hiss back at this target employee 

“Really bitch?! Well he just ate a gluten free organic waffle with 2 organic grass fed sausages covered in an organic maple syrup & agave blend with vanilla coconut milk, so ya he’s starving.” I didn’t say this obvi but I’m saying it now LOL. 
Next up blind bags. What are they you ask?! They are tiny piece of shit toys that ends with “you can collect them all!” My kids are an advertisers dream. Everything is “mom we can collect them all!” Um NO we can’t. 

Well if you beg and bug your mom enough, until she screams “Fine!” Then you get them. At least they are like $1.50-3 but they are also a chocking hazard and hurt like a MFer if stepped on. He learned about these things from KidsYouTube which is basically videos of other kids and creepy grown ass adults opening these blind bags, toys and candy. Seriously it’s absolutely insane that these videos have millions of views. My initial thought was cool a YouTube especially for kids he can watch Thomas, Paw Patrol etc. NO! Don’t get sucked in. It’s a terrible choice. Advertisers dream! 
This one has 74MILLION views I guess I’m the dumbass 
Blind bag and candy egg YouTube
 

Jim Gaffigan is probably one of my favorite people on the planet other than my family and friends. I love him and actually encounter most of the things he talks about in his books. Sunday I slept in my sons twin bed bc he fell asleep with daddy. He then woke up about 6 AM to sleep with me. I woke up and realized he had Peed the bed. I woke up wet. I was so tired I rolled over and thought its not that bad on this side. 😝

Jim Gaffigan Mr Universe
Next, Breaking things in stores it happens but it’s usually my fault and not the kids. We were leaving the Starbucks area of Target and my diaper bag hit the display and shattered a glass French press☕️🙈. Again while at hobby lobby a woman said excuse me and ended up backing her back end into an entire glass display of yard gnomes and chachkeys and half of it shattered all over the floor. 
Finally my social media rant. It’s a love hate relationship with this addiction. 

My Instagram feed sends me mixed messages. The photos of food and perfectly staged beverages make me want to eat everything. Then the next pic says but use this to stay skinny and wear this bc we never have enough. It’s so annoying bc I too am an advertisers dream. I love to shop. Grocery shop, home decor, clothing, shoes, you name it I can find a reason. Again you can convince yourself you need it because it’s pretty and some unconscious part of your brain was a victim to perfect product placement. 

Also it’s so annoying when I see the pretty sparkle “be thankful for today” script. I am thankful for today. I love my family, my boys and all that I have and all that I am. I’m just not thankful for the flooded bathroom floor or $1,000 car repairs. I’m not thankful for poopy swim diapers at the pool or that my sister sits at the Hemotology lab by herself 6 hours a week. #Blessed. BTW when I #blessed I’m totally sarcastic. I know it could be worse. Duh I’m not 6 feet under and my kids are baby models. 


So yesterday after camp, lunch, nap/quiet time I really wanted a sno cone and to bring my sissy one. So we went to get shaved ice and then swimming at Meme and Poppys. We had a blast. Come home eat dinner, watch Zootopia and then as I’m laying back on the new clean sheets of the twin bed I ask him “what was your favorite part of the day?” “Nothing,” he says “this is not my best day ever!” #AssholeParent
So God Bless America the home of the free and the brave.  I Hope you and your family enjoy this most important holiday! 🇺🇸❤️💙🎉
Xoxo

Just happy mommy 


Warning: This content is offensive, so pour yourself a drink and sit back while I lay the smack down 😘😝🍾👊🏻

Skin Testing for Food Allergies

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I decided to document our first round of skin testing for food allergies on our son. I was very afraid and I could tell my energy was radiating onto him. Once the nurse came in, he was crying and hugging me tight. Poor guy has scrubs and white coat PTSD. I talked to him and assured him he was safe and that Mommy was there and nothing bad was going to happen. “I love you baby, you are so brave and it is going to be ok.” His blood was tested when he was 9 months old and revealed his extreme food allergies which is the new normal for us.

Now he is 20 months and he will have skin tests to see how things are now. The pediatric allergist will not test him for peanuts or dairy during this time. The videos below are not bad. I took them to show other moms what to expect. I had in my mind that it was going to be a lot of screaming and crying and it was not that.

There is a histamine that is like a misquito bite and a control which is sterile water

Then down the left side of his back they tested for

Egg Yolk

Egg White

Soy

Oats

Wheat

And on the right side they did 9 tree nuts which included

Almond

Pecan

Cashew

Coconut

Pistachio

Hazelnut

Brazil Nut

Black & English Walnut

Below there is a time lapse, a video and photo to show his tests. 

YouTube Time Lapse

YouTube video Skin Testing

The results showed that his allergy to Eggs has gotten worse, he is totally clear of his Soy allergy (which is good bc we have been eating Soy) his Oats are the same, his Wheat allergy is still present but looks better and we will do a food challenge with Cream of Wheat in 6 months. He is totally clear to eat Corn & Coconut (again very good bc we already eat that). Most of the tree nuts he did react to and due to his extreme Peanut allergy we have decided to keep him NUT FREE! We continue to have a dairy free diet as well.

I hope that this sheds some light on what skin testing is and how it works. Of course no parent wants this for their kid but if it helps us learn more and move forward in overcoming these food allergies we are all for it. For more information please visit these websites.

FOOD ALLERGY RESEARCH & EDUCATION

Allergy Clinic of Tulsa

WEB MD Food Allergy & Intolerance

XOXO

Just Happy Mommy

Gluten, Oat, Dairy, Egg & Nut Free Diet

Gluten, oat, dairy, egg, & nut free diet:

A lot of family and friends wonder what does someone with this many allergies eat? Well at first not that much. A very simple, strict and repetitive meal schedule. Slowly we trying new things that “state” they are safe but I am always weary.

This is what works for us. I’m not an allergist. I’m hoping this list can help other moms or people navigate their food allergies. Cooking and cross contamination are also very serious! Washing pans, cups, utensils etc is important.

Slowly we have started to eliminate the “bombs” in our house. Obviously we are a nut free home. Snacks and other crackers that contain 3-4 of the allergens are what we consider “bombs.” One example is cheese crackers, they have wheat, milk, egg, cheese etc. So when he has one of these its BAD! We have to be very aware and careful if we let our older son have something we are trying to avoid. (like cheese and chocolate milk are very hard.) Not only do we have to keep the house safe for our baby, our older son is like many kids and can be quite a picky and specific eater. We pick our battles. The great news is that our 4 year old is on top of it and knows what is safe and what is not. What big brother doesn’t like to tell their little brother “No!”??? LOL
Also just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s Gluten or NUT free! We say that he’s a combo of paleo and a MEGAN a meat eating vegan LOL. Allergy free or allergy friendly means it doesn’t contain any of the top 8 allergens.

Free from wheat/gluten, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, fish, shellfish.

Some are also made without casein, potato, sesame & sulfites.

Here are some of the brands and foods that we often eat. You can get them at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Target, Walmart, Amazon or websites. I have included links. On some sites you can enter your zip code and see which stores carry their items.

Ian’s Natural Foods Ian’s Natural Foods

Enjoy life Foods Enjoy Life Foods
Thankfully he enjoys any and all fruits, vegetables and proteins!!!
He lives on these pouches (read labels some can say contains milk or wheat when you don’t think they do) these are his favorites

BREAKFAST & POUCHES

Ella’s Kitchen  Ella’s Kitchen

Plum Organics Plum Organics

Simply Balanced @ Target Simply Balanced Fruit & Vegetable

Peter rabbit Organics Peter Rabbit Organics

He eats anywhere from 4 to 8 pouches of fruits and veggies a day plus a cut up fruit and vegetable at every meal. LOTS of real fresh food. You name it he likes it. Strawberries, grapes, peaches, nectarines, blueberries, raspberries, apples, green beans, corn, carrots, potatoes etc.

Vans gluten free waffles Van’s Foods

Jimmy dean breakfast sausage Jimmy Dean

Oscar Mayer turkey bacon

Rice Chex cereal

Vanilla coconut milk from Trader Joe’s
On Saturdays I make pancakes and I’m happy to say they really aren’t bad.
1 cup gluten free Bisquick mix

1 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I use Crisco)

1 egg we use EnerG egg replacer EnerG Egg Replacer

Earths balance vegan butter Earth Balance

Real maple syrup or agave Trader Joe’s

SNACKS & SWEET TREATS

Dum Dums

Gluten free Marshmallows

Enjoy life pizza crust, cookies, snacks and chocolate brownies

Immaculate honestly good baking Immaculate Baking (cookies, brownies) (using Earth Balance, Vegetable oil and Egg replacement)

Shaved ice (be sure to ask!)

Fruit strips (Trader Joe’s we call them laffy taffy even tho they are organic fruit)

We love juices too orange, Apple, peach or Capri suns and Ella’s are great!
We go to Tropical Smoothie Cafe Tropical Smoothie Cafe Menu

I just always request they clean the blender out special for him since he has so many allergies and we don’t want to cross contaminate with dairy or peanut or others OMG

LUNCH & DINNER 

Lean protein: ground beef, grilled chicken, turkey, chicken tenders, nuggets, beans

Oscar Mayer naturals turkey Oscar Mayer Naturals

Veggie straws

Potatoes

Glutino gluten free pretzels

Lays BBQ chips are vegan (Baked Lays contain milk)

Fritos

Gluten Free corn chips & salsa

Hummus (again check ingredients) Sabra and Trader Joe’s are safe for us

Perdue Gluten free chicken tenders and nuggets Perdue Simply Smart Gluten Free Chicken

(Trader Joe’s ketchup is the bomb!)

Ian’s potatoes are great Ian’s Natural Foods

(We have NOT found a gluten/oat free pasta that does NOT cause his eczema to flare up so we just don’t do pasta.)

Again he eats a fruit and vegetable at every meal.

These are just a few that I know work for us and our child. Please feel free to comment below with more ideas and suggestions. Again I am not a dietician or an allergist. I am just a mom trying to navigate this life called motherhood and help my children eat healthy foods.

Xoxo

Just Happy Mommy

Food challenges

What do you think of when you read those words? Food Challenges

Do you think of an eating contest? A diet? Allergies? Picky eating? Sadness?

As a mom of a child with food allergies it is a roller coaster. Sometimes it’s easier and then it can be harder.

Our little angel is starting to notice, understand and get upset that he is eating different food from those around him. When GiGi comes to visit we usually go out to eat which is dangerous to begin with. She and big brother chose to go to Hideaway Pizza, a family favorite! When the food arrived he looked around at his plate and then at all the pizza on the table. He reached for bubba pizza and we all yelled “NO!!!” His little bottom lip folded over and tears started streaming down his face. He is beginning to notice. He says “I try it.” “Peeez!” Looking at me with such a sad and confused look, it made me hug him tight, carry him away from the table, and burst into tears myself.

It’s happening. We have been pushing it and we need to stop taking him places that are unsafe. This sucks because it starting to get harder and more cruel. We have to make a change but it is so hard. Once you see your baby in pain you want to protect them at all cost. Going to restaurants is an easy go to for all people and Mom’s are no different.  So it’s a little more complicated when your child can’t order anything.

Since it’s summertime and we have lots of celebrations, the allergies are at the top of my mind. Bubba and I make special allergy free food and treats so he can participate and feel included. We found out that shaved ice is allergy free!!! (be sure to ask.) Squints and YaYa.


Easy & common things you don’t think twice about until you are a parent of a child with extreme allergies include: cheese sticks, yogurt, Cheerios, pizza, cake, cupcakes, cookies, chicken nuggets, gold fish, and peanut anything etc.

We really do NOT expect anything to change or for anyone to make crazy accommodations for us. This is the world we live in. It’s up to us to protect and teach our kids what is safe for them. But should that include not taking them places out of fear? NO! He just started at a little nursery school and we love it. They  take his allergies very seriously and I feel he is safe, comfortable and happy there.

Anytime he has something in his hand that is not safe we used to scream “NO!!!!” Out of fear and now it scares him to tears. We are trying to be calm and say “no baby that will make you sick,” I reminded him that he can’t have those treats or he will get sick and have to go to the hospital. He says “k.”

Food is a big deal in American culture. Sometimes we affiliate it with family, celebrations and even love. When I think “ok I can do this,” then I slip and think,” but I want pizza, ranch, cheeseburger, or queso or a donut.” All terrible food choices I know, but man they are delicious and cheap.  I love the idea of becoming paleo and vegan but seriously the execution in Oklahoma is hard and expensive! Yes I am complaining. It’s really F-Ing hard when you can’t have wheat, oats, eggs, dairy or nuts. I go to 3-4 different stores to get all the things we need and like. But I’m starting to not mind as much it’s the new normal.

Today I saw new items from one of the safe brands he can have.

Enjoy Life Foods

I was so excited I called my mom and almost burst into tears. Sounds absolutely ridiculous but I have been waiting for this brands pizza crust and brownie mix to come to Oklahoma for 10 months. They are “Allergy-Friendly”

This is huge! It’s the little things in life that matter and being able to let him experience them not only brings him joy but all of us as well. When I showed him and big brother all the new “safe” foods bubba said “oh mama that makes my heart go up!!” As he beams his smile and hugs me tight. He is so protective, aware and helpful when it comes to baby brothers food and safety. For that, I thank God. When baby sees his food boxes he is thrilled, claps, smiles and says “Yay!!” It’s the little things that matter.

Of course we hope and pray he will outgrow some of these allergies. But how will we know?

Food challenges.

Skin testing.

Needless to say I was afraid to take him to get his skin tests. He was scared but he did amazing! I’m so proud of him! He’s mama’s tough, beautiful boy! Please read the next posts for more photos, videos and recipes.

Teaching him that things will hurt him and make him sick is crucial to this process. Empowering him to know he is feeding his body with the best food possible is important for his self esteem. Remember he is only 20 months so our allergy journey has just begun.

XOXO

Just Happy Mommy

 

 

Don’t mess with Mama bear, her babies or America! 🐻💙❤️🇺🇸

I’m a mama bear! Don’t mess with me, my Cubs or my country ! I need to know where my babies are, who they are with, what they are eating and how they are feeling. Helicopter mom? Yes. Have I started to become the mom in the “Luvs” commercial? The one with the mom with her first kid armed with gallons of hand sanitizer and then she hands the second kid over to the man at the oil change place. Yeah I’m not quite there yet. As I sit here, getting an oil change, listening to the sad news reports on TV, I realize I’m far from that “Live, Learn then get Luvs” mom. (Click the blue words below to see links 💙👍🏻)

Luvs Commercial
This place smells like cigarettes, piss, pine sol and I wouldn’t hand my baby over to lovely Mr. John with the neck tattoo. I’m more like the “Eat, sleep, then pray” mom.

Anyway I started this post 215 days ago and I still feel the same way I did when I started writing this. We have to protect our kids and loved ones more than ever. 

The mass shooting in Orlando and the media coverage the last couple of days has reminded me why I am afraid of this world. Remembering all the horror and terror of years past makes me sad. Visiting the 911 Memorial Museum last summer and hearing the voices, screams and seeing it up close and personal is something that will haunt me forever. Plus when you work in television, you see and hear gory, gruesome details on murders and other heinous crimes. It makes you paranoid.  So ya I’m scared for my kids because of the evil world we live in.

As The POTUS said yesterday. The President of the United States,

“This is a sobering reminder that attacks on any American regardless of race, ethinicity, religion, or sexual orientation is an attack on all of us and the fundamental values of equality and dignity that define us as a country. No act of hate or terror will ever change who we are or the values that make us Americans.
Today, marks the most deadly shooting in American history. The shooter was apparently armed with a handgun, and a powerful assault rife. This massacre is therefore a further reminder of how easy it is for someone to get their hands on a weapon that lets them shoot people in a school, or in a house of worship, or a movie theater, or in a nightclub and we have to decide if that’s the kind of country we want to be. And to actively do nothing is a decision as well.”

This was the 14th time President Obama addressed the nation about the worst mass shooting in US history.

USA Today Article

We are not promised tomorrow. 

Just like Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda said last night “Love is love is love is love!”

Tony Award Winner Speech

His sonnet moved me to tears.

This world is crumbling. I fear for the future. I fear for our kids. We are not safe at school, church, movie theaters, nightclubs, work or sporting events. Do we stop living our lives? No. Do we step up and take more precautions? Yes.

So what can we do as parents to keep our kids safe? Watch them! I swear almost all of our accidents have happened when we have been inches or feet away.

1. Leashes:

The first time I flew alone I put a panda backpack leash on our older son. He is a wild one and I needed that peace of mind, regardless of the looks and judgment of other airport patrons. This mama don’t care. I ordered it on Amazon Animal 2 in 1 Harness Backpack


And I got my mom one too! We haven’t flown with our little son yet due to his airborne food allergies but you bet your ass I will be using it again!

Let me say that I openly hated on parents who used leashes on their kids before I had kids.  Disgust written all over my face as kids were attached to their parents at the a State Fair, like dogs on leashes.

And in the words of The Notorious B.I.G., “if don’t know, now you know!” – Juicy. RIP Big Poppa

Juicy The Notorious B.I.G.

2. Baby Monitors: 

Ok I plan on keeping these up and on until puberty. We live in a small house yet I am attached to these more than my cell phone when the sun goes down. I’m on my third monitor and use the dual cameras. My husband is looking into outdoor home safety cameras. He had me download this ap yesterday which we are super excited about.  Family Life 360 in the AppStore. I’m reluctant with technology and my hubby is a techy guy. Let’s just say I would go back to blackberry if I could even tho life revolves around Apple and Android.

I have a sign like most mama bears, hanging over the door bell either kindly or threateningly requesting not to ring the bell, knock or solicit for fear of waking the baby. Truth be told I think everyone should have one of these because seriously who likes it when the doorbell rings or there is a knock at the door? Not me! I don’t need what you’re selling, preaching or to open my door for a home invader. If you haven’t seen this stand up comedian talk about answering the door click here it’s hilarious!!!

Sebastian What’s wrong with people?!?!

It’s so true when we were kids it was a joyous sound to hear the doorbell. Now it’s like STFU, hit the deck and “did you park in the garage?!” We live in fear. If I’m home alone, forget about it.

3. Microchips:

Which brings me to microchips. We microchipped our dog so if he was lost or stolen we could find him. So when will we start microchipping our kids? Agree or disagree but we already put  leashes on our kids. I know, I know it’s inhumane and goes against free will, but so are these staggering statistics on missing and exploited children in the United States!!!

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
According to the FBI, in 2015 there were 460,699 NCIC entries for missing children. Similarly, in 2014, the total number of missing children entries into NCIC was 466,949.

So forgive me when I say I want to do anything in my power to keep my babies safe and secure. I have mentioned before that I may be too real with my boys. I teach them stranger danger. I never bring race or looks into it. Just simple facts.

“If someone tries to get you what do you do?!”

“Run, scream your head off and look for help.”

“If you can’t find mommy who do you look for?”

“Police or someone that looks like mommy, daddy or meme.”

“No one touches your penis but you!”

This might sound agressive but so is the abuse and violence that is blind to its innocent victims.

It starts at home. We must band together to raise our kids in the world of today no matter how ugly it may be. I wish I could wear rose colored glasses and continue in the mommy brain ignorance is bliss mode, but no longer. Our children’s safety and lives are worth the time. Is it scary? Yes. Is it necessary? Yeah.

It starts with me, you and all of us to protect this land that we love.

Love knows no bounds.

God bless America.

xoxo

Just Happy Mommy

Parenting is really F$&@?ing hard!

If you think parenting is easy, you are prolly F$&@?ing up.
For the most part, we all hear that parenting is the hardest job in the world, but the most rewarding! In my case, like most parents, I think parenting is really f$&@?ing hard. 

But it’s the best thing we have ever done. 

Sounds like an oxymoron, but doesn’t anything that brings you the greatest joy in life and sunshine in your heart require hard work? The answer should be a resounding yes!

I like to say that pregnancy is the easy part. Even tho it’s very difficult, emotional, nauseating, and exhausting, it’s a cake walk compared to the unwritten, fairytale, nightmare, best seller you are about to write with your family. The ups and downs, twists and turns, loves and loss, triumph and heartache that we both enjoy and hate in our lives. 

Parenting is the most important job in the world. We are continuing the human race. It’s our job to teach them manners, the difference between right and wrong, the golden rule etc., and praying that they have a conscience. Some of these things are inherited, but they don’t know unless you tell them. I think I’m a little too honest and open with my boys. I scare the hell out of them about stranger danger. What to do if they get lost or if someone is creepy. Teaching them early on about body awareness and boundaries. 

We don’t live in the 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s anymore. Hell I’m a child of the 80’s, and we were safer then than we ever will be again. 

Researching other generations is important to learn from the past. 
Do you know where your children are?

My hubby looked up the article above last night. He said “Do you remember hearing ‘It’s 10 o’clock, do you know where your children are?'” I had heard of this, but what we found seemed more interesting to me than the PSA itself.

My generation, GenY or Millenials, is always hearing and reading things should be simple like they were in the good ole days. Let kids be kids. Well, maybe not so much…

The PSA was largely targeting the parents of Generation X, described by a 2004 marketing study on HighBeam Research as “one of the least parented, least nurtured generations in U.S. history.”[3][4][5][6]

It goes on to discuss the creation of a latchkey kid Latchkey Kid and the pros and cons to that lifestyle.

If we don’t parent our kids, who will? Having rules, regulations, and laws are essential to our safety as a society. But are we raising a generation of self righteous, entitled assholes?!

​​
Simple everyday things like taking them on play dates, birthday parties, the park, grocery shopping and even to get gas has become a headache, a treat and torture all in one. That’s life today nothing is easy and we are all busy.

When I hear older generations say, “My kids were easy” and “Just let them play”, My husband and I look at each other puzzled and think “Um, maybe you f$&@?ed up.” If parenting is easy, I’m pretty sure you aren’t doing it right. 

“Nothing worth doing right is easy.” – Mike Matheny

“Nothing in the world is worth having, or worth doing, unless it means effort, pain, and difficulty… I have never in my life envied a human being who led an easy life. I have envied a great many people who led difficult lives and led them well.”
-Theodore Roosevelt

We are setting our children up for failure if we are not good parents, role models, and teachers. 

Saying “No!” is harder than saying “Yes”. 

“There are winners and losers in games.” 

“Life isn’t fair.” 

“Bad things happen.” 

“Being polite is important.” 

“Be the friend you want to have.” 

“Communication is key.” 

“Open your mind, but guard your heart.”

 “Listening is an art.” 

“Patience will get you far in life.” 

This and all that other stuff you thought was bullshit, it’s what your parents should have told you. 

It’s all true. I’m still learning these on the daily! 
We have to learn to parent our children’s generation. Unfortunately, we don’t have the freedoms, trust, or maybe ignorance, of the past generations. But we can help create a new crop of adults that can continue the basic fundamentals of what it means to be a good person. The journey of our lives as kids into adults, and then into parents, requires all the virtues and promotes personal greatness in our kids.  
We have summer chore charts and we started asking the boys at bedtime, “what made you smile today? What made you sad today? What did you learn today?” 
It’s not going that well but I think Reflecting is important for everyone no matter what the age. Doing the right thing is hard and I am learning more from my 2 little, angel, nugget monsters than I ever thought possible.

Embracing the present, learning from the past, and looking to the future are how we learn to navigate this life, and love it everyday we are given. 
Xoxo
Just happy mommy