Jojo just self-weaned at the ripe old age of 12 1/2 months. It feels like just yesterday I was snuggling him on the couch moments after our incredible home water birth, wondering how nursing was going to fare this time around. About one week ago, on that same couch, he decided he’d had his last sip of his mama’s milk. He wanted nothing to do with me, and wanted everything to do with the food kept in the kitchen.

It was heartbreaking. I weaned the girls on their first birthday, but had decided to go longer with Jojo (#mamasboy). Nursing a two-year-old wasn’t meant to be, and now his nursing journey is over. I wish I’d cherished it more while I was in it, instead of [frequently] wishing away my every-3-hours obligation. I wish I’d put down my phone and just gazed into his eyes. I wish I’d let him fall asleep while feeding more often. I wish I could reverse time and then slow down time. I wish, I wish, I wish.

My full-of-life Zoe is somehow 5 1/2, going on 15. And Naomi is becoming such a thoughtful big sister, who’s turning 4 in December. And now Jojo’s 100% weaned and climbing stairs. Where has the time gone?

I’m still trying to figure out how to slow life down. And since I can’t actually slow down time, I’m just trying to physically slow down, pause, reflect, observe, cherish.

And we did just that today, for an afternoon tea party. As part of our homeschool, we’ve started a new semi-weekly afternoon tea time. We set the table beautifully and put out a few simple snacks: Mama Bear Organic Baby Food, miniature toasts, honey, and popcorn. After steeping and pouring the tea, we sit for anywhere between 15 minutes and an hour, and we read poetry together. I love this intentional time together with my babies.

Today, I am honored to partner with Whole Foods Market, and to share more about their Mama Bear Organic Baby Food launch. It’s really an incredible experience to work with a brand that I admire as much as Whole Foods Market. I included their new baby food in our tea party this week (spoiler alert: it was a HUGE hit). I love everything about this brand; their flavor combinations are scrumptious (yes, I tried them, and of course, they are Zoe, Naomi, and Jojo-approved). Mama Bear is committed to producing high-quality, baby food made with organic fruit and vegetables.

Our overall favorite flavors were the Apple-Carrot-Apricot-Millet, and Pumpkin-Apple-Peach-Buckwheat. The girls also loved Apple-Pear-Spinach, and Apple-Pear-Green Pea, and I didn’t  have the heart to inform them of that “mysterious” green third ingredient!

These pouches are so perfect for our on-the-go moments (photo shoot days, errand days, babysitter days) and for our slower moments like afternoon tea & poetry parties. I love being able to give Jojo something that will completely satisfy and occupy him while I focus on reading poetry to the girls, and enjoy the moment. Mama Bear Organic Baby Food does the trick. While I’m fiercely protective over what I allow my kids to eat, I feel so good letting my kids eat these. And they love them, so it’s a win-win. I’ll definitely be keeping a handful of these in our cabinet (I need to add a “snack food” category to #ACapsuleKitchen!).

Mama Bear Organic Baby Food has launched at Whole Foods Market locations in Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC this month, and they’re offering a coupon code for in-store use through 10/31/18. I hope you try these out and let me know what you think!

How are you slowing down for sweet, simple moments with your little ones? 

Sponsor Note: This post was written in partnership with Whole Foods Market, but all opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the partnerships that help keep A Daily Something running.