Family Archives • Page 2 of 2 • Ashlee and Her Tribe

July 2, 2019 by ashlee stoodley

Family Taco Night

This blog post is sponsored by General Mills, but all opinions are my own.

My favorite time of the day is when my family sits down together for dinner. It’s a hectic world, but I make a point of enjoying as many family dinners as we can together. We get the kids involved with our family dinners and give everyone a special job to help bring our dinner to the table! This summer one of our weekly meals has been TACO NIGHT. We love tacos because you have so many different options for picky kids. You can add tons of toppings such as cheese, avocado, lime, mango, pineapple, cilantro, sour cream, peach salsa etc. You can also change up the meat from beef and make turkey, chicken, cod, or shrimp tacos. We have tried almost every kind of taco shell that is available. Something I can tell you about Old El Paso is that my children enjoy the “Stand ‘n Stuff” and my husband appreciates their gluten free option . I buy ours from Walmart and use their convenient online grocery pick up. I don’t even need to take the kids into the store!

The Old El Paso Stand ‘n Stuff shells are a simple meal solution because the kids can make their own which they love! Even my two year old enjoys making her own tacos. I put all our taco toppings in a appetizer serving platter that has lots of bowls. The kids can then fill their shells up with whatever toppings they want.

I love using the Old El Paso Crunchy shells because they are gluten free. We make the Old El Paso Traditional Refried Beans as a side. All we do is open up the can heat up the beans on the stove for a few minutes and then place them in a bowl to serve up as a yummy side!

We love tacos because of the variety in which you can serve them and how easy they are to make. If you are looking to turn your boring family dinners into a Fiesta, then definitely grab yourself some fresh ingredients of your choosing and a taco kit. You will not only allow the whole family to create their own delicious tacos with all their favorite ingredients, but also create a memorable experience! You can head to Walmart.com to place your online grocery store pickup. It’s a life saver!

xoxo

Ashlee

May 14, 2019 by ashlee stoodley

Weekend Getaway Monaco Baltimore

My Family and I spent Mother’s Day weekend at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor. It’s the perfect place to spend time with your family and explore downtown Baltimore. The hotel is minutes away from tons of restaurants, shopping, and museums.

The Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore was built in 1906. It was originally the B & O Railroad Headquarters. As soon as you walk in the front doors you will notice the stunning original architecture. The crystal chandelier, marble stairs, and vaulted ceilings are simply breathtaking! We stayed in their family friendly Bunk Bed Suite. My boys loved having their own space.

The staff is very warm and welcoming. The minute you pull your car up they greet you with a warm smile and make you feel like royalty. They valet your car and handle all your bags with care. When you check in they gift your children with a toy from their toy chest. To the left of the lobby is a beautiful lounge area with eye catching art work, an inviting fire place, and games for your children. Everyday they offer complimentary coffee + tea and evening wine hour.

Inside the hotel is the B&O American Brasserie restaurant where we had Mother’s Day brunch. When you first walk in, the elegant decor and vaulted ceilings will draw your attention. Once you are seated you will feel right at home and can enjoy some contemporary American foods. Our meal was quite possibly the best food we have ever had. There was everything you could possibly want: fresh fruits, pastries, mini burgers, salmon, shrimp, mac & cheese, bacon, french toast, bagels, waffles, and an omelette making station. The service was top notch with water and coffee refills before we could even ask for more. I highly recommend stopping in this swanky yet causal restaurant for a drink and something to eat. You will not be disappointed.

We spent our time outside of the hotel exploring the harbor and The National Aquarium. Inside the aquarium we saw sharks, dolphins, tropical fish, turtles, and we walked through the rain forest. My kids said their favorite part was getting to touch the jelly fish. We then headed to Pierce’s Park. My kids had a blast playing on and with original sculptures, a musical fence, and running through a living willow tunnel. Afterwards we had lunch at the Cheesecake Factory outside overlooking the water. It was very relaxing watching all the boats on the water. After lunch we stopped at It’s Sugar for candy. While my husband was excited for the warheads, my boys were overwhelmed with the biggest blow-pop lollipops they have ever seen. It was nice seeing some of the classics, I had forgotten like when I bought my daughter her first candy necklace!

From the welcoming staff to all the stunning architectural design at the Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore Inner Harbor we had a fantastic weekend filled with wonderful memories. We hope to come back and visit again someday.

Thanks for stopping by

Ashlee

*This blog is written in Partnership with Kimpton Hotel Monaco Baltimore. All opinions are my own.

February 10, 2019 by ashlee stoodley

My Breastfeeding Journey

I wanted to share my journey nursing my daughter for 20 amazing months. Before I get started I want to say I know breastfeeding isn’t for everyone and some have a harder time with it than others. At the end of the day all that matters is baby and mom are happy and healthy. I was bottle fed and I turned out just fine. At least I think I did lol!

A little back story on my breastfeeding history with my other 2 kids. I have been blessed to have always had an easier time with nursing. My children always latched on right away and I never had a problem producing milk. I know some aren’t as lucky. The one piece of advice I can offer is don’t give up! Once you hit the 6 week mark it should get easier. If you struggle with milk supply try your best to nurse on demand. I have found from my experience nursing on demand is the KEY to things working out. Don’t worry about schedules and how often you should nurse. When the baby is showing signs that he or she wants to nurse do it and everything will fall into place. Some cues are smacking lips, eating his/her fists, rooting.. If the baby falls asleep at the breast before emptying try and undress them to wake them. If that doesn’t work let them sleep and eventually they will wake to nurse again. The early days are exhausting and it feels like all you do is nurse. These days will quickly end and it will all be worth it. I promise!

Hudson- I nursed for 6 months. I went back to work and pumped for 2 more months, so he could take a bottle of breast milk while at daycare. I found pumping to be overwhelming and stopped. He then had Earth’s best formula around 8 months until he went straight to milk at 1 year.

Everett- I became a stay-at-home mom so, I exclusively nursed him for a year. He never took a bottle and I was fine with that. Besides a few clogged milk ducts our nursing journey was wonderful. On the night of his 1st birthday I decided to end the relationship. I rocked and cuddled him then offered him his pacifier and placed him in his crib. I was sad the journey was over but happy to get back to myself. He asked to nurse a few times after I weaned and I would try my best to distract him or simply just hold him.

Winter- We nursed for 20 months and I still cannot believe we went that long! I always envisioned exclusively nursing her for a year and then weaning her. I was home with her and never felt the need to offer a bottle. I hate to pump and found it easier to just pop her on the boob when she was hungry or needed extra comfort. Our nursing relationship was always when she wanted it and I was ok with that. When a year hit I didn’t feel ready to wean her. It may be because she is my 3rd baby and probably my last. I didn’t want it to end and either did she. I kept saying one more month and then I would wean. I was busy over the summer with the boys off from school and I just found it easier to nurse.

When Winter was around 16 months old we were down to about 4 nursing sessions a day. (Morning, before her nap, after her nap, and before bedtime). I eventually cut the session after her nap. I would offer her water and a snack. At 18 months I cut out all day time nursing sessions. I would make sure to snuggle her up if she seemed like she needed it. I then ended the AM session shortly after. If she asked for it I would distract her and offer her breakfast or her blanket. The last session I held on to was before bed. It was a special bonding time for the both of us. I found it peaceful and relaxing to connect with her as she drifted off to sleep.

One fall day I remember I looked at Winter and saw a little girl and not a baby. (Tears) Shortly after, I decided we would no longer nurse before bed. We laid in her bed talked about our day and sang a few songs while she held her blanket. When she wanted to nurse I told her “No all done mommy has a boo boo”. She seemed concerned and then whined a bit. I settled her into bed and she eventually fell asleep. The next night when she asked to nurse and I said all done she got very very upset. In fact she had a full blown tantrum. It broke my heart she kicked and screamed for it. I almost gave in but thought that won’t be good for either one of us. She eventually calmed down and I snuggled her and made sure she felt loved. She asked a few more times that week and would cry a little. She then caught on fast and was over it!

I was sore and engorged for about 1 week. I pumped a tiny bit 3x to relieve some pressure. I think around day 10 I dried up. For about 6 weeks after I felt unbalanced emotionally. I was a little depressed and happy to have my body back for myself all at the same time. I now feel back to myself as I write this post about 3.5 months later.

Nursing is such a special bond built on tears of frustration in the beginning. If you don’t give up it is worth it. I look back on time spent nursing and it warms my heart. My little girl is almost 2 now and she is so busy and independent. My boys are 7 and 6. I will forever cherish my time spent nursing them all. I am proud of my dedication and what my body is capable of!

xoxo

Ashlee

February 20, 2018 by Ashlee

Meet my tribe

Easter 2018

I love this picture of the 5 of us in Ocean City Maryland

My husband Patrick is my high school sweetheart. He loves to cook and work out. He is a supportive instahusband (Instagram husband) he helps me take a lot of pictures and offers me input on content.

Hudson is 7.5 and a nature born leader, great in sports, math, and the best big brother.

Everett is 6. He is the sweetest, silliest soul. He is great in sports and he asks the best questions

Winter is 1.5 She runs the show and is our family’s happy place

PJ party never a dull moment with these 3 loves!

February 20, 2018 by Ashlee

Baby #3 Birth Story

Remembering Winter’s birth and those first few days after we brought her home from the hospital and became a family of 5!

I was lucky to have 3 easy pregnancies with all of my kids. I enjoyed being pregnant. It calmed me and made me feel like I had a purpose. I loved feeling my babies move inside of me. I know my husband would say I was miserable and uncomfortable at the end of all of them but, I think that is normal. I chose to be induced with Hudson and Everett. I had an epidural with both of them. When I was pregnant with Winter, I knew I didn’t want to be induced. I decided I would let her come when she was ready. Looking back I am so happy I decided to do that.

Winter was born March 7, 2017 at 3:59 PM she weighed 8 lbs 9 oz

One of the best moments of my life. Her first time nursing. Feeling all the emotions pure joy, relief, excitement, happiness, exhaustion. I did it!! I gave birth naturally to my 3rd perfect baby.

Birth Story

On my due date March 7, 2017 I dropped the boys off at school and I remember so many people at the school were asking me when’s the baby coming. I was uncomfortable and ready to have her. I remember saying “who knows when she will come.” After I left the school I went to my 40 week appointment. I was feeling down since it was my due date and I was not having any signs of the baby coming. The doctor checked me and said I was about 1.5 centimeters dilated, but I should make an appointment for next week in case she still doesn’t come. I was VERY irritated. I called Patrick on the way home saying how miserable I was. He was a little on edge because we are planners and the unknown of when the baby was coming was rough on him. I went home from my appointment and I remember feeling the need to CLEAN. I starting cleaning the kitchen and took a bathroom break. When I wiped I saw some blood. I was a little nervous but figured it was normal from my doctor checking me to see if I was dilated. I called the doctors office and they told me to head right to the hospital. I don’t know if it is because this was my 3 baby or if I was in major denial that I was about to give birth but I didn’t go right to the hospital! I continued to clean. I started washing all the bed sheets in everyone’s room and I finished packing my hospital bag. Patrick kept calling me asking if I was OK and if I was in labor. I told him I don’t know but I am going to lay down. I arranged for my mother in-law to pick the boys up at school so we could head to the hospital. I suddenly started getting contractions. They weren’t timeable, so I took my mind off of them by finishing up putting fresh sheets on everyone’s bed. My husband eventually came home and packed his bag for the hospital. I started to get stronger contractions. I was yelling at him “HURRY!” On the way to the hospital I told him we needed to stop for gum because for lunch I had garlic humus and my breathe stunk. I remember he went into Sheetz to pay for the gum and I was holding the door handle because a strong contraction was coming on.

We decided a few months prior to this day that we would not deliver at the local hospital that my doctor delivered at. He was not on call anyway and we wanted to go to a better hospital in our area. When we arrived we weren’t sure where to check in so, I just walked right into the emergency room and told them I was in labor. They asked if I needed a wheel chair and I said no. I have no idea why? I think I was still in denial. All the sudden a strong contraction came on walking to the labor and delivery section that I screamed yes get me a wheel chair!! We walked in and told them I was in labor and everyone seemed shocked that we decided to use their hospital and not the hospital where my doctor delivers. I quickly gave them my information and they handed me a hospital gown to put on. As I went into the bathroom in the delivery room to put the gown on I felt the sudden urge to push. I ran out of the room and said I need to push. All the nurses looked at my like I was nuts. A nurse quickly checked me and said oh yes this baby is coming. At that moment I freaked out!! I had a vision of the labor taking awhile and I would be able to get the epidural. When they said there was no time for the epidural and the baby was coming now I kept saying I can’t do it. My husband and the nurses in the room reassured me I could do it. They called for a midwife to come in. I started pushing and I remember that pain. It felt like my hips were cracking in half. I was screaming and growling at the top of my lungs…I cant do it!! My husband said women have done this from the beginning of time you can do it! After a few more pushes a midwife delivered Winter Bradley Stoodley. She was born within 30 minutes of entering the hospital. . She was perfect so strong and healthy. I nursed her seconds later. My heart was so full to have welcomed my 3rd baby so dramatically.

Natural Birth VS Induction + Epidural

Having had 2 babies that were induced and getting the epidural with them and then having Winter come naturally, it was 2 totally different experiences. I felt like she was more alert. I felt amazing after her birth. I could get up and move. I did not feel weak like I did after the boys births. Overall It was an amazing wild experience and I couldn’t have done it with out my husband.

The first two weeks as a family of 5

This was the day we brought Winter home from the hospital. I was so happy to bring her home and put her in her crib for the first time. The first few days home where blissful and hard at the same time. The boys did amazing with the baby they loved her! Nursing was going well. Winter was gaining weight and sleeping. I on the other hand wasn’t sleeping. I was exhausted. I didn’t sleep the last 2 nights at the hospital. I had anxiety and I couldn’t get it to go away. My mind was racing every time I tried to fall asleep. I remember I tried tea and a hot bath. It took me about 10 days to finally sleep. We think it was due to having such a fast birth my adrenaline shot up and it took me awhile to calm back down.

We had a blizzard come a few days after bringing Winter home and we joked that her name was perfect because she brought on more winter. We had about 24 inches of snow. School was cancelled for the week. I had to keep the boys busy while taking care of the baby. As I write all of this I am even more aware that time goes by so fast. Appreciate all the moments even the ones you do not enjoy because looking back I loved every minute of my pregnancy, birth, and those early days of us all bonding as a family of 5.

Winter brought more winter with a blizzard in mid march 2017

An exhausted mother of 3 trying to survive. This picture captures the early days perfectly nursing Winter while making silly faces with these goofs!

Thanks for stopping by

–

Ashlee

February 20, 2018 by Ashlee

Weekend Vibes

What we like to do on the weekends! Maybe we can give you some inspiration:

We live for the weekends. We love to nest up as we call it and cook. I’ll share some recipes we love making on a blog post later. We also love to be outside when the weather is nice. The kids love the local parks, going for scooter/bike rides, we love hiking at a local state park and a trail near our house. I love letting kids be little and let them explore in nature. I think sometimes parents schedule way to many activities for their kids. Kids need to have free unstructured play!

Weekend park life

Winter playing with a flower

Scooter rides.

Letting the boys explore and play in the creek.

Feeding the animals at Hillside Farms

Nothing is more fun for kids than playing in muddy puddles after the rain

or in the yard.

We love to cook on the weekend. We usually have a big breakfast on Sunday’s. Besides eggs and avocado toast we like to make chocolate pancakes with strawberry puree in them and top them with coconut flakes. We also like to get the kids involved in helping us make dinner. Build your own burgers, tacos, and pizza night is a favorite.