Hiking adventure at Estero Llano State Park in Weslaco, Texas

Estero Llano State Park, Weslaco, Texas

In all the years I’ve lived in the Rio Grande Valley, I had never taken the time to visit Estero Llano in Weslaco, Texas. I’m not sure I can be proud of that statement. I’ve missed out.

Hiking hasn’t been my thing, ever. If you know me, you know that snakes scare the bejeezus out of me and bugs induce soprano tones from my throat. It’s no lie. Ask my kids. They’ll chuckle and tell you all about it.

Since life has us all turned around and masked up, the family has gotten creative about how we can safely see friends and loved ones. Frankly, we rarely go anywhere these days but over the holiday break, we wanted to see familiar faces and embrace the holiday spirit.

The solution, outdoor gatherings in large open spaces while masked. That’s what worked for us and honestly, it was a beautiful opportunity to do things I don’t generally do. I have to admit. This holiday break taught me to be a little more open minded about hiking and exploring the outdoors. Aside from being mildly scared of the wildlife, I found that I was mostly astounded by the beauty.

The cool breezes took me back to all the days I played outside as child and the outings kept nudging me to try some more. So over the holiday break, we not only explored this beautiful state park… we kept on exploring and I can’t wait to tell you about those.

Estero Llano has clearly marked trails that lead you to various bodies of water which are perfect to catch a glimpse of the many birds that travel through South Texas on their migration journeys. I hear there’s also an alligator which I did not get to see (thank goodness) and the kids were kind of bummed about missing “Alli the Alligator” as they called it.

There is an area with a small incline that leads you to a water reservoir… if you make it out there, the view is worth the extra steps. We saw plenty more beautiful birds and looked down to catch a glimpse of the park while we were up there. (I make it sound like a steeper mountain but it’s really just like getting to the top of a canal..)

If you plan to head out, take me with you next time. I’d love to document your family hike. :) (I promise not to hit the soprano notes on your outing…)

~Norma H

Minimalist Hospital Bag for New Parents

It’s time to pack your birth bag! What to pack in your minimalist hospital bag.

McAllen, Texas

So you’re having a baby and want to keep it simple… you’re in luck! I have the list of things you’ll need for your upcoming birth. In some cases you may need to add a few things depending your individual needs but this is a great guide to get you started.

Note: I’m not sponsored by any of these companies so feel free to branch out and learn more about their products on their own to ensure they meet all your ethical check lists. :)

Comfy non-slip socks, slippers, or shower shoes: My favorite pair of slippers would be my preferred choice but hospital floors can get kind of icky, so if you want to save your favorites for home, take a cheap replacement with you to the hospital or birth center. Shower shoes/flip flops are an excellent choice so you can wear them during your shower too.

Chapstick: (because nobody likes dry lips. ouch.) You breathe a lot during labor… A LOT. If you’re hooked up to an I.V. you likely don’t have a lot of access to drinks and your lips may feel very dry. Bring your favorite chapstick and you’ll be glad you did.

Hair ties: Whatever you prefer to use to hold your hair back is good. Bring an extra elastic or headband in case you misplace the one you’re wearing.

A comfy robe: Your hospital or birth center may already have these on hand but if you’ve never been in a hospital gown, get ready to see some funky patterns and colors. They’re 100% useful but not always the most comfortable. A comfy robe will look good in photos (you’ll likely be taking tons of them, you ARE meeting your baby for the first time) and it will also make you feel good. Plus, you won’t feel a draft on your back every time you get out of bed.

Nursing Tank Top (1 or 2): If you’re planning to nurse your new little addition, the nursing tank top will be super helpful. Most of the time, these come with a built-in “bra” and can be worn under your robe or your going home outfit of choice. (I think I lived in nursing tanks for the entirety of my breastfeeding career…. lol)

Nursing Bra: A cotton bra without underwires or fancy stuff is perfectly fine. It’s just there to support you and keep everything handy for the many feedings ahead.

Cotton Underwear: Think granny-panties. The bigger the better. Your abdomen will still be swollen (you just had a baby, it takes a while for things to shrink back to their semi-original state) , you’ll have a giant pad to catch the lochia discharge post birth, and in the event of a cesarean, these giant undies won’t irritate your incision site.

Toiletries + Light Make-Up: Hospitals generally have everything you need but if you need special products, it’s always a good idea to pack a small toiletries bag. Pack your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant, lotion, hair brush, and maybe some make-up wipes. As far as make-up goes, I always suggest a simple tinted moisturizer, mascara and some tinted lip gloss. #easypeasy.

Protein filled snacks: You can’t forget your favorite protein packed snacks! You may not be able to eat much while in labor but your partner may need an energy boost to stay strong and by your side. You’ll also need your own energy boost post birth. So pack your favorite protein bars or trail mix. Mix it up so you have a couple of options. (With Covid-19 restrictions at most of our hospitals, you may want to consider packing a few more than you may think you need since your partner will not be able to leave the hospital once they are by your side.)

Gum or Mints: These are helpful during labor when you have nausea (peppermint is a good choice.) They are also super helpful in case you or your partner need a fresh breath boost.

Cell Phone + Charger: Our phones do it all these days. Google search, FaceTime call for our families, Camera for the thousands of pictures… you’ll need it. Don’t forget to pack your charger and to keep it close for those important photo opportunities.

Bluetooth Speaker or Earbuds: Want music during labor? These are a must. A Bluetooth speaker can drown out the beeping coming from the hospital halls. Earbuds are an excellent choice if you’re practicing Hypnobabies too!

Birth Plan: If you’ve created one, print it and bring it with you. It’s good to have a few copies. One for the nurses station and one for your room.

Wallet: You’ll need your I.D. and insurance card as well as a credit/debit card in case you need to make a payment or purchase while you’re at your birth facility.

Your own pillow: It’s smells like home, it feels like home. You may get better sleep with it too. Make sure you use a pillow case that can be easily identified so it doesn’t get swept away with all the white pillows at your birth facility.

Medications: If you are on special medication, don’t forget to pack them.

What about baby? I haven’t forgotten about your little one. While you’re at your birthing facility, chances are your baby will be in a diaper and a swaddle. This makes it much easier for nurses and doctors to check on baby as needed. However, you’ll need a couple of items to bring baby home.

A swaddle blanket (1 or 2): A thin muslin or cotton blanket is sufficient. If it’s winter, you may want to consider something a little thicker for the weather. Winters in South Texas aren’t too terrible but you may want to plan for that random “cold front.”

Going Home Outfit: A simple outfit for baby should suffice. You may want to stick to something like a cotton onesie in a color you like for those going home photos. Newborn size is fine for most babies but if you’re expecting a bigger baby, carry a 0-3 month size too…. just in case.

Going Home Outfit for YOU: My outfit of choice was always something super comfy like yoga pants and a loose nursing top. I think I one wore a slip-on summer dress too. The less I had to fuss with it, the better. Something that doesn’t wrinkle too much is good, it will be sitting in your bag for a while so there will be plenty of time for it to accumulate wrinkles in there.

Planning to birth at a birthing center? You may need newborn diapers too. Check with your facility on this one. Most birthing facilities have everything you need for your baby already available for you.

Have anything to add to this list? Drop it in the comments so future parents can add it to their bag.

2020 Birthdays look different...

Drive-Thru Birthday Celebration in McAllen, Texas

2020 has been such an interesting year. We’ve all had to adapt to some twilight-zone type of life and our traditional birthday celebrations kind of went out the window.

Alas, the human race is adapting and drive-thru birthday celebrations became all the rage. We have hosted a few of these ourselves (it comes with the whole 5 kids package I signed up for… lol.)

I wasn’t sure what to expect but we’ve had a ton of fun adapting to this new way of celebrating.

Our first attempt at this birthday party style was our 8 year old’s birthday in June.

We invited Kairo’s Coffee to serve up some yummy hot & cold coffee beverages (because without coffee, what is life? Am I right?)

They did a phenomenal job and we have reached out to them again for another birthday, because, #yum.

We rented some exaggerated birthday yard signs that the kids absolutely loved. RGV Yard Cards was punctual and so accommodating to our last-minute request.

And finally, we threw together some treat baggies for the kids. We donned our masks and got ready for the honking and the yelling.

Let me tell you, our kiddos had an absolute blast (I’m not sure the neighbors felt the same way…) and everyone was so happy to be able to see familiar faces as we celebrated in this new way.

Here are some photos of the big day! Enjoy.

If you need to contact the vendors we used, let me know, I’d be happy to pass along their deets. :)

If you are planning a social distancing special event, I’d be happy to help you document the big day. Let’s chat and make it happen. (Special pricing if you are in McAllen or within a 5-mile radius.)

`Norma H

Father's Day: The C Family

Celebrating Father’s Day: Family Reunion Photos, Los Fresnos, Texas

This Father’s Day I got a chance to document a beautiful family in Los Fresnos, Texas. They were celebrating the father figures in their lives together and I got to witness all their connections. It was beautiful to see! The little ones sharing memories with their cousins, siblings gathering their families under their father’s roof…. it was just what my own heart needed on this warm & sunny Father’s Day!

The plan was to gather everyone for a big family portrait… we did that but I have to say, my heart melted as I was pulling up these candid shots of the little ones as we worked on gathering the whole family.

The little ones got curious about the camera and loved seeing themselves in the photos! “Take a picture of me!” she said. Just one year ago, she was so shy and hiding from me and my camera. Oh, how time flies!

These photos are a sneak peek of our session… I can’t wait to show the C family their completed gallery!

Thank you for welcoming me into your home C Family! It was so much fun to spend time with you and your wonderful family!

xoxo

Norma H