All Settled In: Chocolate Drop Arrives

Great news, my chocolate drop is on island! It is her third week here and despite some emotional challenges, she seem to be settling in just fine.

Reunited and it feels so good!

Her initial excitement quickly faded once grammy and papa left to go back to The Bahamas and the idea of them not being a car ride away seemed to hit her hard and to be honest, I get it!  To begin with, I gave our dog Chocolate Chip to a loving family at church for a number of reasons: 1. I really didn't give him the love and attention he needed, 2. I hated coming home to clean up after a dog at 7pm in the night 3. Honestly, it was just time. Chocolate Chip has been gone for about 5 weeks and although I miss him, I did not miss any of the ripped pillows, poop and other joys associated with a dog that's never been trained (despite me pretending like he was). I hadn't explained the adoption to Adaya prior to her arrival, so ofcourse once she got here and realize the dog was gone, all hell broke lose, "Mommy, I don't have any of my family, now I don't even have my dog, why would you do this?!" EPIC FAIL MOM!

Chocolate Chip

Beyond that, her resilience and bravery throughout this transition has been admirable. She handled being in Nassau without me like a true champ and even on the nights when I tried my hardest to hold back tears she always said to me " Mommy don't worry, I soon reach". Seriously, how could you not love this kid?!

Do I look bothered?

So she's here, settled in, has already became a Junior Member of the Turks & Caicos National Trust, started a mini garden (which I may or may not ruin because it's attracting too many insects), became a beach bum and is truly enjoying island life! Have you and your kids experienced a transition? How are they coping? What is the most difficult part of transitioning?

Until Next Time,
One Jazzy Mom and her little munchkin

Adulting 101: Separation Anxiety

It's been a while since I've posted. In fact, since my post on 30 things to do before 30; life has changed drastically for me; so much so, I am living in an entirely new country! Crazy isn't it. Shortly after my 30th birthday, I received a job offer from a major distributor in Turks & Caicos Islands. Initially, I turned down the offer. At that point, in my mind, there was no amount of money that would convince me to leave my family. After some deliberation, visiting the small island and seeing the possibility of starting new, I accepted the offer.

Fast forward a few months later, here I am, new job, new home, new life; and while its extremely exciting, there are these emotions that I have been feeling and can not seem to shake.The biggest of all being coping with separation from my daughter. See, I made the decision to leave my daughter back home with our family until school is done, so as to not interrupt her learning or pressure her with culture shock during the school year.

I never quite understood the emotional strain of separation anxiety until this week and I thank all you bloggers who've helped me during this unique experience. This is not easy but there are a few things that have kept me sane during the transition:

1. Knowing this is just short term: school closes for my daughter early June. When you think about it, I only have about 2 months of separation; keeping this in mind; coping has been easier.
   
2. This is for the better: honestly, if I had moved with my daughter ( and my dog) all at once, have to figure out schooling and start a new job all by myself ( the joys of single parenting), I think I would have given up. It's simply too much. During this time, I am able to sort out my new routine, confirm schools for her and create a home she can find comfort in once she arrives.
   
3. Talk about my feelings: this has been the most difficult. I am not big on sharing my feelings with others. I talk about everything except how I feel. Fortunately, I have a few great friends who I can discuss even the craziest of things with and they have been instrumental in calming my nerves and bringing me back to reality. 

The best thing about all of this is that I have connected with an amazing family who has made the hassle of moving much easier. They are loving and accommodating plus they feed me! Couldn't ask for anything better. So I am here, starting a new and enjoying every new day.

Have you moved to a new country, or done anything life changing without your kids, what things did you do to cope?


Until next time,
Bahama Mama now in TCI!

Lessons from a 4- Year Old

Ok, so I have to be honest and admit that my greatest moments in life happened only after having my kid. It's like becoming a mother gave me a clean slate to start a new life ( and boy did I need it!) Each year as my daughter gets older, I find new ways to appreciate her. She's four now and to be honest, what I am learning each day from her, is truly profound. Here are a few lessons I am currently learning from my chocolate drop:

Good Memory Matters
You want to test the memory of a four year old? Promise them candy, cake or ice-cream. Often times I make promises with my daughter that I have no intention of keeping, but I know that it will get her to do what I want for that moment. Wait. Don't get excited just yet; it comes back to haunt you; and most times its in a MAJOR way! To this day I owe her a cupcake, a popsicle, and a trip to the candy store.
Side note: I promise to fulfill these at some point. For real.

Holding Grudges is for the Birds
The best thing I love about my daughter's love for me is that its truly unconditional. We disagree, she cries, we talk and then we are back at it (selfies in the parking lot)! Can you imagine every relationship being this way?! The fact that she can be disciplined for bad behavior and still run to give me a hug and kiss just makes my day!

Food is NOT  that Important
I don't know about you but if I'm not eating every two hours of the day, you can find me somewhere passed out wondering when the next meal will come.  Food is my everything (and can possibly explain my current size).  However, let's face it, food  as often as we adults consume, isn't a requirement. If she can go 5-hours with just water and some fruit, ruling the playground, who am I?

Please and Thank You are the Magic Words
You know how when you get older you sometimes forget your manners aka you are rude. My daughter never allows me to forget the magic words. Like ever! While I get annoyed when she finds the most inappropriate times to correct me (usually in front of others). its so refreshing to have the constant reminder that manners matters and saying kind words are important!

The lessons I am learning and reminded of from my four year old are timely reminders that there is growth in every thing we do. The way she articulates her thoughts are out of this world and I am eager to see what the years ahead would bring.

Here's to lessons from my 4- year old!

Enter to Win the Ultimate Mommy Makeover with MUA Shauna Sinclaire

Hey Dolls!

Last week I posted on my 5-Minute Mommy Make Routine, and received lots of feedback from our Jazzy Moms. Seeing the feedback led me to reach out to local Make Up Artist, Shauna Sinclaire to partner together to bring to my readers the Ultimate Mommy Makeover Giveaway! 

Yes, you read correct. You or a mom like you, now have the chance to enter to win a Glam Makeover! Learn the dos and don'ts of make up application, re-energize your inner diva and step out a Glam Mom.

Rules For Giveaway: 

1. Like the Jazzy Moms Facebook Page.
2. Like the Shauna Sinclaire MUA Facebook Page.
3. Tell us your every day make up routine. 
4. Share with other Jazzy Moms!
   * Subject to citizens and residents of The Bahamas only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Shauna Sinclaire: 
Shauna Sinclair is a professional makeup artist who specializes in makeup application with a special focus on weddings, portraits, beauty and glamour.