Top 5 ways to enjoy the now

I have been nursing my Juliana Rose for over 17 months. Yes, 17 months. It is hard to come to terms with our kiddos growing up and not needing us the same way they did before. As much as nursing can be hard, demanding, time consuming and downright exhausting at times… it is wonderfully amazing and I am sad to know that this point in our lives is coming to an end soon.
Somedays, I am so ready to be done nursing. Done with on-demand nursing sessions. Done with nursing bras. Done with feeling like I am the only one who can comfort her. I know, totally selfish. Most of the time, though, I don’t want this time in my life to be gone. Juliana may very well be my last baby so I really try to enjoy it all.
I know that I am going to miss this stage of motherhood but I welcome the future. I am learning to embrace the fact that my kids are growing up. Madilyn will be going to school in the fall. Life is changing. We are growing. We are evolving. Instead of being sad, I am smiling and enjoying the change.
To my sweet Madilyn. In a few short months, I will no longer spend every day with you. You will be at school learning, growing, experiencing new people, new situations, new environments. I pray that you have fun, that you learn, that you know that mommy is always here for you. I will have a yummy snack waiting for you when you get home from preschool. I love you sweet girl.
To my baby girl, Juliana. I can feel our nursing sessions coming to an end someday soon. I have loved this experience with you and I am so proud of us. Sure, this experience will be changing but I look forward to what the future holds. I love you baby girl. 
Lately, I have really been enjoying motherhood. My girls are both sleeping great. I am getting time at the gym. I am cooking a lot. Life is good. Gratitude. My mom says it is time for #3. Hmmmm… not sure about that one. The hubs is staying strong that we are “done” for two kiddos. 
Below are my top 5 ways to enjoy the now:
1. Start your morning right. Instead of jumping right on your iPhone and checking FB statuses, do something that connects you to the real world. Make a cup of tea and stretch. Do yoga. Make a real breakfast. Let your kids cuddle with you in bed so you can catch a few more minutes of shut eye.
2. Take your pictures then put your camera away. Sure, take lots of pics but then put your phone away. Nothing is a bigger distraction from the present than constantly looking on your phone.
3. Embrace change. Knowing that life can change and will change, helps us all enjoy the now.
4. Be thankful for it all. Yes, thankful for the messy playroom, the sticky fingers on the sliding glass door, the spilled milk and the lack of sleep.
5. Get in the kitchen and create something. Cook dinner for your family. Get your kids in the kitchen with you. Make these easy breakfast squares for everyone to enjoy.

Peanut Butter Quinoa Squares
Ingredients:
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 banana, mashed
1/2 teaspoon real vanilla
1 egg
1/3 cup plain, unsweetened peanut butter
1/4 cup real maple syrup
1 cup cooked quinoa (1/3 cup dry)
1 cup oats
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1/3 cup dried fruit, chopped
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine applesauce, banana, vanilla, egg, peanut butter and maple syrup in a bowl. Mix well. Add the rest of the ingredients and continue to mix. Spray an 8″ X 8″ baking pan with cooking spray. Pour mixture into baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes. Cool and cut into squares. Refrigerate.
Could you use some support in motherhood? Want to tackle some of the biggest stressors? Sign up for Mama Sanity Group Study. We start April 21st.