The Old My

I thought I had lost myself along the way with having a child and having changed my habits drastically in the last few years.

Somehow I found a new My (me šŸ˜) when Tove was born; A stronger, more confident woman.

Traveling again and people watching has invigorated the old My. Not the bad habits or the mental issues… although let’s be real the mental monsters never go away, you just find a better way to manage them. But I feel like myself again, FUCKING FINALLY. I would apologize for the swear words, but no, that’s exactly how I feel.

I’ve been so torn between being My and being a mother and you know what? You can have your cake and eat it too. I can be the true me and be a great mother to my daughter.

I’ve needed this break so badly and I’m so thankful that I’ve gained the clarity to continue working to achieve my dreams. I cannot wait to show Tove the world and not let go of my own desires along the way.

Everyone warns you about how much your life changes when you have children but nobody ever emphasizes how much better you become as a person. Being a mother has empowered me to feel strongly and stand my ground.

The future is female and I birthed her.

Exploring Downtown OKC

When my parents came to visit we took advantage of the good weather and explored some of what Oklahoma City has to offer downtown.

Are you even in OKC if you don’t get at least a few shots with Devon Tower?!

We got some Lime scooters and decided to scoot our way around a bit. I was a little apprehensive at first, being pregnant and all, but honestly felt very safe and the new parameters they’ve set up around different areas meant we couldn’t go above 5mph in some areas. We also took advantage of the bike lanes in OKC to stay out of traffics way.

We scooted by Scissortail Park and then saw Scissortail bridge as well from one of the overpasses! Before making our way through Midtown and ending up in Bricktown.

Ben snagged this shot of me outside the Exhibit C Gallery in Bricktown. Oklahoma City was recently voted best in the country for their public art and I for one can’t wait to explore and see more.

At one point we decided to pause riding and walk the Bricktown canal. It’s reminiscent of the riverwalk in San Antonio and I love walking along the water every time we go downtown here in Oklahoma City.

My parents were staying at a hotel just on the other side of the railroad from Bricktown. I love that the underpasses to get to/from Bricktown are even artsy.

Next up is a visit to the Plaza walls

The Collective

My parents drove up from Dallas to OKC last weekend for a quick visit before they went on vacay in Mexico. So last Saturday we met for brunch at The Collective in Midtown.

Ben and I went once before and it’s a neat spot. The Collective is a food hall with different options to choose from; tacos, salads, Hawaiian fusion, sweets, coffee, a big ol bar, and more. They also have a rooftop area I have yet to see, and their patio is dog friendly šŸ¤—. It wasn’t the best weather when we went so we sat inside by the bar.

I hate these pictures of me but sharing is caring, right? I think we were all hungry because none of us got pictures of our food šŸ˜…. Ben and my dad got some Phill Me Up Cheesesteaks and mom and I both chose The Salad Bowl. We also got some samples from Big Buns Bakery and their cinnabomb was just that, the bomb.

The Collective feels like an influencers dream to go to. They have artwork hanging on the walls for sale on the lower floor and the ladies bathroom is also very chic, so bring your camera for some pics with the girls when you gotta go.

Felt like there was a clear message to my baby girl written on the wall. Plus I loooooove their “I’ll be ready in a Prosecco” poster in the bathroom as well.

Can’t wait to go back when the weather is warmer, so we can enjoy the outside spaces and I can indulge in a mimosa… or two šŸ˜‹.