Blog

Dec 16, 20201 min read

Soaking in Those Quiet Moments

The stillness of my child as she sleeps, matching the calm from the snowy blanket on the land. As the external quiets, I’m able to tune...

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Mama Mandalena

Dec 2, 20201 min read

Empowering Choices

Blueberries or bananas? Would you like to walk, or have me carry you? This shirt or that one? “That one” she delightedly exclaims as she...

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Mama Mandalena

Nov 5, 20205 min read

Another New Phase of Development

Once again, Anaiya has hit a new phase of development. I notice there’s an adjustment period to these shifts as more independence is...

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Mama Mandalena

Oct 12, 20203 min read

Anaiya Turns One and a Half!

Anaiya just turned one and a half. In baby age this feels significant. She’s shifted into 18 month old clothes and shoes. But beyond the...

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Mama Mandalena

Sep 9, 20203 min read

Getting Current

I’ve been in a practice called Elimination Communication with Anaiyana. From two weeks after she was born, I began paying attention to...

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Preverbal Communication with Love and Respect

Mama Mandalena

Aug 14, 20203 min read

Preverbal Communication with Love and Respect

I am continually in awe of the channels of communication occurring between my child and I. Yes, she exists in a small human body, but her...

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Mama Mandalena

Jul 4, 20202 min read

Family Rituals on the River

This was such a special time together, celebrating new life growing inside of my sister’s womb. Our trip to the Yuba last month was...

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Mama Mandalena

May 13, 20201 min read

Re-Union with Love (A poem)

Love comes knocking at my door. Go away! You’re too light Too playful Too easeful I must face the shadows with a fine tooth comb I must...

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Mama Mandalena

Apr 18, 20203 min read

Transitions (A Poem)

Snow blankets the ground Perhaps our final Colorado springtime dump The bright blue skies and piercing sun lapping up the The white...

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Mama Mandalena

Apr 13, 20202 min read

Anaiya's First Birthday

No one could possibly explain to me the amount of love I would feel for my child. It’s a love that grows continuously, my heart often...

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Mama Mandalena

Apr 5, 20205 min read

Mothering Through Unprecedented Times

Almost a year later from when this precious angel decided to bless us Earthbound, I’m reminded of our first forty days at home with her....

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Mama Mandalena

Feb 27, 20203 min read

10 Months Out of the Womb

The human gestation period is early compared to other mammals. Many other mammals are birthed ready stand and locomote. Not humans. They...

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Mama Mandalena

Feb 14, 20205 min read

I Want My Body and Life Back

I want my body and my life back. That’s how I feel in this moment. The constant grabbing at my boobs to nurse or hanging on my body. Not...

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Mama Mandalena

Feb 8, 20203 min read

The Innate Intelligence That We Are

Witnessing Anaiya learn to trust her body wisdom in new ways. We moved into a new home this month with a full flight of stairs. Anaiya...

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Mama Mandalena

Jan 8, 20204 min read

Healthy Integration Into the Community

I’ve been going dancing on Sunday mornings to Movement Mass (one of Boulder’s ecstatic dance jams) with Anaiyana since she was about 3...

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Mama Mandalena

Dec 14, 20192 min read

Putting Herself To Sleep

Typically, my nighttime routine consists of nursing my baby, often bouncing her on my mini rebounder (a total must have for new mamas!)....

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Mama Mandalena

Dec 6, 20192 min read

Anaiya's First Fever

Anaiya crossed a new initiation into this human experience last week. Her first opportunity to strengthen her immune system, as her...

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Mama Mandalena

Nov 11, 20193 min read

She Is My Mirror

We are such reflections of one another. Anaiyana has been going through some sleep shifts where she’s wanting to feed every 1-2 hours in...

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Mama Mandalena

Nov 3, 20191 min read

Discovering Solids

A poem. Squishy fingers Feeling food The soft orange of the sweet potato squeezing through her small fingers Texture Smell Taste...

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Mama Mandalena

Oct 24, 20191 min read

Reaching For Desire

A poem. Reaching for desire, Acting on impulse, Lacking any filter that may question her longing. She sees what she wants and she goes...

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