Meet LaTonya Yvette, Brooklyn Mama Of Two

"We moved into this apartment almost a year ago. We fell in love with the yard, but really needed and wanted to stay in the neighborhood, and it came at the perfect time. We live on the border of Clinton Hill and Fort Greene, so affordable housing that’s kid friendly for artists seems to be more scarce these days."

"I would say a bohemian, sort-of minimalist vibe. Like, I love knick-knacks and vintage stuff, but I am a careful editor. Bordering on OCD. If I can not imagine a spot right away, I won’t bring it. And If I do have a spot for something, but it throws off 'the flow' it will drive me crazy. So, I just tend to be careful. But in my spirit, I’d love to buy everything patterned and textured, and colorful. I’m also a serious plant addict and have a green thumb, which I think I inherited from my Grandmother."

River wears a Graphic Crew Neck Tee, $6.50, Old Navy; Printed Jersey Leggings, $5, Old Navy; and Velvet High-Top Sneakers, $15.99, Old Navy.

Oak wears a Space-Dye Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Boot-Cut Jeans, $10.15, Old Navy.

"I’m not sure. I've always been drawn to color and textures, and hadn’t lived by myself much before my daughter. I had one place in the Bronx with a roommate and another here in Clinton Hill. and then I moved in with Peter and shared a house with like 10 other artists who decorated it beautifully and cared and loved me when I was pregnant. Then we moved in together and I had a ball."

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Boat-Neck Tee, $16.94, Old Navy; Lightweight Linen-Blend Scarf, $8.94, Old Navy; and High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $32, Old Navy.

"Don’t be afraid to change it up. Things change, your mindset changes, your feelings change. It's okay to up and decide that it just doesn’t work. Be open to change. Nothing has to be permanent."

Oak wears a Space-Dye Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Boot-Cut Jeans, $10.15, Old Navy.

River wears a Varsity Bomber Jacket, $20.95, Old Navy; Printed Jersey Leggings, $5, Old Navy; and Velvet High-Top Sneakers, $15.99, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Boat-Neck Tee, $16.94, Old Navy; Lightweight Linen-Blend Scarf, $8.94, Old Navy; and High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $32, Old Navy.

"I recently gave the kids a couch in their room and placed a small wooden toy basket in the living room. I am a strong believer in creating an oasis for your mind and spirit. And while I love, love my friends apartments with toys everywhere, it just doesn’t work for me. I need my house to be as clutter-free as possible. So, I believe the kids have their space to do what they please and tear apart as they wish with their friends and cousins, and then Peter and I have our space where we can do what we wish."

Oak wears a Space-Dye Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Boot-Cut Jeans, $10.15, Old Navy.

River wears a Varsity Bomber Jacket, $20.95, Old Navy; Printed Jersey Leggings, $5, Old Navy; and Velvet High-Top Sneakers, $15.99, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Boat-Neck Tee, $16.94, Old Navy; Lightweight Linen-Blend Scarf, $8.94, Old Navy; and High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $32, Old Navy.

Peace!

"I think right about now, it’s a tie between the kids’ room and the living room/dining room. I’m a big entertainer and love having people over, whether it be last-minute or an elaborate evening. I also work out of the dining room some days, so there’s sometimes 3 to 4 people shooting, editing, writing, cleaning, etc., while, the kids just ham it up in their room. It’s so fun and easy."

"I got pregnant with River by surprise at a really young age. Well, depending on who you talk to. I was much older than my mother when she had my brother, but still young as far as New Yorker standards. It’s often career, then kids. When I became a mother, I realized there was just no time to B.S. My husband and I really worked hard to cultivate our careers and roles as equal parents, and my daughter really sent us on the fast track. It's been beautiful and intense, but I’m thankful for it. We wouldn’t be where we are without her."

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Boat-Neck Tee, $16.94, Old Navy; Lightweight Linen-Blend Scarf, $8.94, Old Navy; and High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $32, Old Navy.

"I always say, it’s the amount of love you have. My son could literally poop on my foot and then an hour later I’m crying about how much he makes me laugh and how much I love him. My husband once said 'It’s like we’re all always trippin’ on drugs.' Because it is literally that insane! How is it possible to have these little people who drive you crazy, draw on walls, poop on the carpet, make you sweat and swear, and still love them so intensely?"

"I feel like we are constantly learning and changing as we go, but in general, I like to let my kids make the right decisions based on conversations. I am naturally the more stern/not fun parent, but I think that's just because of my background."

"Our bed was in the kids’ room, but we recently switched it, so that they could have more space. It’s still a work in progress, but they absolutely love it."

The best kind of wall decor.

Oak wears a Space-Dye Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Boot-Cut Jeans, $10.15, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Boat-Neck Tee, $16.94, Old Navy; Lightweight Linen-Blend Scarf, $8.94, Old Navy; and High-Rise Wide-Leg Jeans, $32, Old Navy.

"I love the conversations! Also, just seeing them experience new things—even old things. I love seeing their faces light up, them making new friends, and seeing the world."

Oak wears a Space-Dye Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Boot-Cut Jeans, $10.15, Old Navy.

"I was bullied a lot growing up, so I am super sensitive with that. River is super sweet and kind, and I worry and am nervous about her experiences, but mostly how I’ll handle them. I always just try to give her the best advice and be as active in her schooling as I possibly can. I feel like when I develop relationships, I can be less nervous about the possibility of something toxic happening to her. I will feel more comfortable approaching it with her teachers and other parents because I’m involved. But, it’s definitely weird. I don’t think if I was bullied I would be as nervous about it. I just want to keep them safe—naturally."

"Nothing will be the same, and that’s okay. No one told me that."

LaTonya wears a Relaxed French-Terry Sweatshirt, $24, Old Navy; and Mid-Rise Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

Oak wears a Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

River wears a Scoop-Neck Sweater, $19.99, Old Navy; and Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy.

"Oh yes! I think it has something to do with my entrance in motherhood and that time in my life. Or, maybe it’s just having a group of mothers in my circle who are artists, designers, writers, poets, etc., who all need to find time for their art and for themselves. Having them and being honest with them and them being honest with me, has made it so much easier to feel good about making 'me time' a priority. Motherhood is amazing, but I need time for myself to truly give my best self. I’m a mother, but I am also a lot of other things, and all of those parts of me need love and attention."

LaTonya wears a Relaxed French-Terry Sweatshirt, $24, Old Navy; and Mid-Rise Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

Oak wears a Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

River wears a Scoop-Neck Sweater, $19.99, Old Navy; and Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy.

"I had my daughter River at a really different time in my life. Peter and I weren’t planning on being parents and I was having fun partying as a young New York girl. I really wanted a peaceful transition into this new life, and River really stuck. I hadn’t known of any children with the name, so I fell in love with its unique qualities. I also loved that you can’t tell if River is a girl or boy, black or white."

Oak wears a Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

River wears a Scoop-Neck Sweater, $19.99, Old Navy; and Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy.

"With my son Oak, I got pregnant with him after I lost a baby. It was a difficult time in my life and I knew that any baby who could make that transition with me would be strong. I started to think about oak trees and how they start off like little acorns and grow big and strong, and with roots that plant deep. This baby needed to be that. That pregnancy was tough and vigorous and Oak is still just that—strong and hilarious, and I’m so happy he’s here. They both have family names for their middle names. River’s is Mae, after my grandmother who was my style icon and passed away a few years before I got pregnant. Tulliér is Oak’s middle name and is Peter’s family’s last name. They're a huge loud and loving bunch from Louisiana who immediately loved me. It meant a lot that both of our children had family names."

River wears a Scoop-Neck Sweater, $19.99, Old Navy; and Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Relaxed French-Terry Sweatshirt, $24, Old Navy; and Mid-Rise Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

Oak wears a Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

"An ideal day is waking up early, pancakes, music, getting dressed, adventuring and exploring the East Village, Lower East Side, or West Village with friends. Then meeting my friends who don’t have kids (always a good helping hand!) for lunch and a hang. And then ending up at dinner at my friend’s house where the kids go crazy and we drink wine and relax and chat and light candles and everyone takes care of themselves. If I’m brave, my mom would come over to babysit and Peter and I would end the day with a late-night date."

River wears a Scoop-Neck Sweater, $19.99, Old Navy; and Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy.

"I love All Joy And No Fun. And, for when you have a newborn, The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer."

Oak wears a Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Relaxed French-Terry Sweatshirt, $24, Old Navy; and Mid-Rise Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

"I really like to just be me. I joke that I’m a different person everyday. I am willing to evolve with and without trends. I am most comfortable just expressing myself through clothes—it’s definitely a sense of art for me. I like to shock myself and when I’m feeling low, clothes just do it.”

LaTonya wears a Relaxed French-Terry Sweatshirt, $24, Old Navy; and Mid-Rise Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

"My body has changed entirely, and so, of course, I’ve had to change along with it. My butt is bigger, my chest is non-existent—I love my body. But, I also had to relearn how to dress it. And that took time and effort and it was nice to just take the time to do that for myself."

LaTonya wears a Relaxed French-Terry Sweatshirt, $24, Old Navy; and Mid-Rise Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy.

"A good pair of patterned pants."

"I have a lot of beauty products, but consider myself a real amateur. I stick to the same simple products like witch hazel, coconut oil, and argan oil, but I just started breaking out and have started using Clearasil, which has been amazing. I also started using Burt's Bees pimple cream to apply daily. The verdict is still out on that one. I’m soap free, and I noticed I started breaking out after using soap on my face. I’m a little bit trigger-shy on products, but definitely starting to get onboard with Glossier and others."

"I try to have a green smoothie everyday. I’ve become a vitamin junkie, since finding out I was severely deficient during pregnancy. I take liquid iron every day, B12, vitamin D, vitamin C, and probiotics. It’s easy to fall down that wormhole, but also super easy to find out why you feel so crappy, once you have had your blood work done and you realize your body is depleted. I'm currently doing 30 days of yoga and trying to un-tighten my body. I used to be super flexible, but over the summer I tore a few tendons in my knee and my entire bottom half is so tight. I’m just working on getting my body happy and even, once again."

"My mom had five children at a very young. She had a very different relationship with my father than I do with Peter. My mom had to be more strict on us because there were so many kids and her life was different. I am constantly trying to find that meeting-ground of the mother I am, want to be, and see, and the mother that raised me. It’s a journey, but it’s good."

River wears a Striped Jersey Dress, $11.95, Old Navy; Quilted Jacket, $23.95, Old Navy; Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy; and Western Booties, $17.95, Old Navy.

"I do! I have an amazing group of friends that I lean on. I also have a lot of family in New York."

River wears a Striped Jersey Dress, $11.95, Old Navy; Quilted Jacket, $23.95, Old Navy; Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy; and Western Booties, $17.95, Old Navy.

"Remember that they come from you, they are not you. It applies now and in the future, I’m sure."

Oak wears a Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

"Make time. Don’t be afraid to go to therapy, it all helps. My friends who see therapists are the healthiest and most balanced in my circle."

Oak wears a Full-Zip Fleece Hoodie, $10.15, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

River wears a Striped Jersey Dress, $11.95, Old Navy; Quilted Jacket, $23.95, Old Navy; Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy; and Western Booties, $17.95, Old Navy.

"Nope. Ha."

"Before blogging, I was a stylist and have been trying to do shoots that I truly believe in that allow me to be a present mother. My husband works a crazy amount of hours each week on a show, so whatever work I do has to be flexible. I’ve always enjoyed writing and kept a crazy amount of journals. It’s been rewarding to write for people other than myself. I’ve also fell into this group of amazing activists, so I’ve been trying to do as much activist work as possible."

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

"I don’t do anything that isn’t worthwhile. Time is too short, and my kids are my priority. I consider everything a lot, and sometimes I wish I didn’t have to, but having to put so much consideration in every move has made me a stronger person and has set me on a good creative curve."

"My husband and I both took time and let each other kind of flourish, taking a backseat while the other got it together. Motherhood has taught me that there is always something so much bigger than that moment, and each puzzle piece leads to something greater than me."

River wears a Striped Jersey Dress, $11.95, Old Navy; Quilted Jacket, $23.95, Old Navy; Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy; and Western Booties, $17.95, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

"My biggest advice is: there won’t be balance! It doesn't exist, but you can come close if you have a co-partner and help."

"Other people. I love people watching and making storylines for strangers and style thoughts. Like what made them wear that or where are they going? What does he or she do for a living? I find inspiration from people, and I’m lucky to be from and live in New York where there are all these different characters every single day."

"Right now, I’m just hankering down, writing, and really focusing on that. I’m trying to hire an assistant, so I can focus more and be okay getting help and taking time to be more creative."

"My kids hardly eat meat, and I don’t eat red meat, so dinner usually consists of a carb and raw veggies or sautéed vegetable pasta, which is delicious with a little olive oil and parmesan. So many people are amazing cooks and truly enjoy it. I know what my kids eat and I’m happy they eat pretty healthy. We are a no juice (unless it's a smoothie) and candy household, except for some occasional stragglers. I take it easy on food. I always have cucumbers and hummus handy. Clementines and Annie’s Mac & Cheese for whole wheat quesadillas."

Oak wears an Astronaut-Print Shirt, $9.99, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

River wears a Striped Jersey Dress, $11.95, Old Navy; Quilted Jacket, $23.95, Old Navy; Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy; and Western Booties, $17.95, Old Navy.

"LOVE, LOVE IT! "

LaTonya wears a Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

"No. Maybe part-time, for sure. But my soul is here, always has been."

Oak wears an Astronaut-Print Shirt, $9.99, Old Navy; and Relaxed Pull-On Jeans, $11.95, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Trench Coat, $58, Old Navy; Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

"Peter is white and I’m black, and I think it is so very important for my children to see children that look like them, and that don’t. We have friends who have two dads and two moms, Muslim friends, Latino and black friends, Chinese and white friends. We are their normal and it feels good to provide that for them. "

River wears a Striped Jersey Dress, $11.95, Old Navy; Quilted Jacket, $23.95, Old Navy; Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy; and Western Booties, $17.95, Old Navy.

Oak wears a Printed Hooded Rain Coat, $16.15, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Skinny Chinos, $8.95, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Trench Coat, $58, Old Navy; Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

"Lots of running around. That’s why I got that knee injury—ha! We walk a lot, from one end to the next."

Oak wears a Printed Hooded Rain Coat, $16.15, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Skinny Chinos, $8.95, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.

"Jane’s Carousel, Speedy Romeo for pizza, McCarren Pool, Fort Greene Flea, The Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and every single little kid-friendly shop downtown."

LaTonya wears a Trench Coat, $58, Old Navy; Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

Oak wears a Printed Hooded Rain Coat, $16.15, Old Navy; Rolled-Cuff Skinny Chinos, $8.95, Old Navy; and Faux-Leather Sneakers, $13.75, Old Navy.

River wears a Striped Jersey Dress, $11.95, Old Navy; Quilted Jacket, $23.95, Old Navy; Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy; and Western Booties, $17.95, Old Navy.

"I’m super cool and chill sans kids. I just like to take it easy and be around people who love to talk and take it easy. Dancing is a plus, too."

LaTonya wears a Trench Coat, $58, Old Navy; Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

For more on LaTonya, River, and Oak, check out her Instagram feed.

For all of the clothing featured in this shoot, head to Old Navy.

River wears a Striped Jersey Dress, $11.95, Old Navy; Quilted Jacket, $23.95, Old Navy; Solid Leggings, $6, Old Navy; and Western Booties, $17.95, Old Navy.

LaTonya wears a Trench Coat, $58, Old Navy; Relaxed Slub-Knit Tee, $14.94, Old Navy; Micro-Flare Rockstar Jeans, $49.94, Old Navy; Printed Linear Scarf, $16.94, Old Navy; and Sueded Ankle Boots, $44.94, Old Navy.

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