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#YourExtraordinaryKid Family Life

What Makes an Extraordinary Kid?


As parents, don’t we all tend to think our kids are just the best, most amazing, talented, beautiful and intelligent beings in the universe? I know I do, and as a mom of many it can be difficult for me to focus on just one kid to sing the praises of. I’m blessed to be entrusted with raising these healthy, inquisitive and amazing little humans. All of my kids are unique and special in their own ways, but today I decided to brag on my middle child – my only girl.

My Extraordinary Kid

At just 1 year, I already knew she was an artist!

When I was expecting RiRi, I found out about 3 months in that there was actually twins, but one had stopped developing a few weeks prior. Then, at 6 months gestation, I went into early labor and it was difficult to stop. I was put in the hospital for over a month because of preterm labor. Every other day I would experience labor pains and the doctors would rush in to stop the labor and give steroid shots to make her lungs strong in case she was born. Every day she didn’t come was one more day towards her being stronger and more healthier. Four weeks before my due date, I was released from the hospital on strict bedrest. Twice a week I would experience labor pains, and would head to the hospital for them to stop the labor – yet again. Thankfully they were always successful and she was born at full term at a whopping 8 pounds 10.5 ounces and 22 inches long. She was healthy and long, and came on her terms.

I’ve known since she was a baby that she was going to be musical and creative. She loved music, she loved to sing and dance, and she loved colors and art. Not much has changed since the baby years, but she’s also a middle child in a houseful of boys. I can’t even pretend to know how that is, but I’m sure it can be tough on her.

My Extraordinary Kid

My extraordinary daughter, surrounded by brothers.

My Extraordinary kid

She’s extraordinarily fierce!

We’ve had our share of struggles too, RiRi was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age in elementary school. Thankfully she had a wonderful second grade teacher who recognized her struggles with reading, and we paired her up with a tutor a few times a week. A few years later RiRi was hooked on long novels and began reading a variety of series. She loves to read, and is an amazing writer as well. Because of her ADHD it can be difficult for her to focus in school, so often it’s a struggle for her to remember methods in math or how something worked in a science lab. As a teen, these are things that can greatly affect her confidence, but she has such an amazing attitude. She is fierce and embraces her uniqueness, and I’m constantly in awe of her. She doesn’t care what people think and she embraces who she is, and I love her for that.

Unfortunately, every day isn’t always perfect, pregnancies don’t always go as planned (which I can attest to) and sometimes kids get sick. Growing up in the Bay Area in Northern California and raising my kids here, I know that Stanford Children’s Health is the largest Bay Area healthcare provider with an exclusive focus on children and expectant women. Stanford Children’s Health and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford has been the top-ranked children’s hospital in Northern California for over a decade. Whether your visit is routine or rare, Stanford Children’s Health is committed to providing extraordinary care for healthier, happier lives and the Stanford Children’s Health doctors can be reached within 10 miles of most homes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Your kid is extraordinary.
Show them how much you enjoy every moment together by creating a special video of your own!

What makes your kid extraordinary isn’t just the epic stuff. It’s the little things. The small moments that maybe only you see – and quietly celebrate every day. Your kid, and every kid, is extraordinary. Celebrate your extraordinary kid! Share your love, hope and pride for your extraordinary kid by creating a personalized video that captures what makes them one-of-a-kind.

Check out the video I made for My Extraordinary Kid!

My Extraordinary Kid

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Papa says

    July 2, 2014 at 5:54 pm

    That is definitely my beautiful Granddaughter!
    Love you!
    Papa

    • MamaHarris says

      July 7, 2014 at 12:53 am

      <3

  2. Mandi says

    July 3, 2014 at 7:18 pm

    This is so beautiful! Such a sweet video! I love the bat woman picture. She is fierce honey!!!! You are doing a great job. She will be an awesome woman taking your lead. Keep it up Mama Harris!!

    • MamaHarris says

      July 7, 2014 at 12:53 am

      Aww, thank you Mandi!

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[Sponsored]: Summertime is coming and will be here before we know it! You all know that I love easy meals during the warmer months, and I also love a good meal in a bowl. It’s also Vidalia Onion season 🧅 so I paired this seasonal favorite with pan-seared shrimp and veggies as a light rice bowl using your choice of grains.☺️This meal is an absolute delight!

#OnlyVidalia Get the recipe and all the Vidalia Onion details by clicking the link in my profile @mamaharriskitchen. Also make sure to grab some @vidaliaonions1 from your local grocer before they are out of season in late August/early September.☀️
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This time of year I love warm, comforting recipes that are super easy and delish. This ridiculously easy Chicken Tortilla Soup is a one pot meal, ready in under 30 minutes and uses already prepared rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor (and ease)! With a tasty blend of flavors and textures, it’s like a bowl full of comfort. 

Get the recipe by clicking the link in profile at @mamaharriskitchen or just google “Mama Harris Kitchen Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup” 🍲 Enjoy!
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(AD) There has been a lot of cooking going on this year, so I’ve tried to make life a bit easier by getting creative with my leftovers. These pulled pork totchos are a great example of leftovers with a few key ingredients to create something new to keep our meals exciting. Adding a few key ingredients like @lamorenausa adobo peppers and jalapeños and carrots definitely livens up something simple. La Morena peppers are hand selected, using only the highest quality peppers to bring you authentic home style flavors of Mexico. I purchased my La Morena items from my local Safeway, but you can find them at your favorite grocery store in the international food section. #PayItForwardwithLM #VivaLaMorena #WeCanWithLaMorena 
 
INGREDIENTS:
- 32 oz tater tots
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend + Pepper Jack)
- 2 cups prepared bbq pulled pork (check my pulled pork sliders recipe!)
- 1/2 can La Morena Adobo Peppers & Sauce
- 2 tablespoons sour cream 
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 cup pico de Gallo
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 3 chopped green onions 
- 3-4 La Morena jalapeños and carrots, sliced

INSTRUCTIONS:
Prepare tater tots as instructed, in air fryer or oven. Heat oven to 450°. 
Cover the bottom of a large cast iron skillet with the cooked tater tots. 
Top with 1 1/2 cup of cheese. 
Combine the chopped adobo peppers and sauce with the prepared bbq pulled pork. Spread the pulled pork mixture on top of the tater tots, then top with the remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 5 minutes.
Top with sour cream, ranch, pico de Gallo, guacamole, green onions, and sliced jalapeños and carrots.

Enjoy!! 😋
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✨Growth✨
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Happy December, all!! 🎄Since it’s basically Christmas now, it’s time to share ALL the holiday cookies! 

Every year I join my friend @natashanicholes as she heads up her #HousefulofCookies virtual cookie swap, where many of us share some sweet treats for the holiday season. 

This year I’ve created Cranberry Pistachio Citrus Cookies to share as my contribution. 🍪 I know that a lot of things have turned “virtual” throughout this year, but a little virtual bake-off is a fun way to connect with some of your favorite people!

For this recipe and many more, click the link in my profile at @mamaharriskitchen ❤️
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🚨This recipe is always popular after Thanksgiving! 🍗 
To find out how to make these delicious savory crêpes filled with sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese and leftover shredded Turkey click the link in profile at @mamaharriskitchen 😋
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So Thanksgiving is next week and we’re well into soup season, but I’m not willing to give up my Taco Tuesdays. 🌮 At this point we are choosing whatever makes us happy to get through the weeks, am I right? ❤️

If you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes, on taco Tuesday or any other day really, try my baked Turkey tacos with black beans plus all the toppings that your heart desires! 😘
Click the link in bio at @mamaharriskitchen for the recipe!
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Hello Instagram fam! 💖 There’s some new faces around here and it’s been a while since I showed mine!

I’m Dawn, creator of Mama Harris’ Kitchen, and I’m so glad you’re here with me! In this space I share my family-friendly recipes for all occasions, whether it be a 30-minute meal for those busy weeknight dinners or a full spread for entertaining a crowd - and everything in between.

Mama Harris’ Kitchen began back in 2012, in fact it’s 8 years this month! 🥳  What started as a way to document my newfound cooking hobby while managing my “new” life as a stay-at-home wife and mom to a 1 and 3 year along with teens and preteens, and it quickly grew into what it is now - a recipe resource for busy families like mine that enjoy flavorful and comforting home-cooking using pantry staples along with fresh and local ingredients as often as possible. 

🍿Five fun facts about me:
1. I LOVE elephants! 🐘 I collect a lot of elephant items, whether it’s trinkets or  artwork, notepads etc. I love what elephants symbolize and I truly love anything elephant related.
2. I’m a total plant lady! 🌱 I have about 35 houseplants, give or take, and there’s still more on the list of wants. Plants have become such a peaceful outlet for me, and I feel that they really center me within my space. I love the element plants bring to your space and the feel of your home with them in it, and new leaves are so exciting!
3. I have seven tattoos and I have plans for about eight more. 💉 Those that know me aren’t surprised, but those that follow me here tend to find it a bit surprising. 🙃
4. I’ve been a mother for a long time, over half my life! I’ve also been a lot of different “types” of mom - teen mom, single mom, working mom, stepmom, stay at home mom, PROUD mom, military mom, mother in law - the list goes on. No matter what, motherhood looks different for everyone and there’s unique challenges and experiences each mother faces. Please be gentle with yourself! ❤️At the end of the day we’re all just trying our best!
5. I’m a bit of an introvert, and often struggle with the “social” aspect of social media. I tend to go silent sometimes, but I’m working on it.

☀️Thank you for joining me here!
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Did you know that the third Sunday of July is considered National Ice Cream Day? 🍦Not that we need an excuse to enjoy our favorite treat! You can make any day one to celebrate with my Birthday Cake Ice Cream! Full of rich creamy flavor, colorful sprinkles and maraschino cherries. 🍒 No “official” birthday needed to treat yourself!

Get the recipe now! Click the link in my profile at @mamaharriskitchen ✨
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