I was going to mop the floors, clean out the car, fold the laundry. I was going to get things done today. Then you fell asleep in my arms. My thoughts were silenced by the steady rise & fall of your chest against mine. Your soft, whispy hair tickling my cheek. A tiny hand wrapped around my finger. A perfect moment. Everything else that needed to be done? It can wait.
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
A-HA! A Tooth!
Good-bye little gummy grin...Owen's first tooth has emerged! This totally explains Mr. Grumplestiltskin's attitude lately; we have been struggling to get through the night and he just seemed uncomfortable. I had it narrowed down to teething or a mild food allergy, but found the true culprit a few days ago when he was gnawing on my finger. To be honest, I was relieved it was a tooth--a lot of info says nursing babies can have allergic reactions to certain food mom eats...especially dairy. I was coming to grips with the fact I might have to say farewell to some of my favorite foods, but life just wouldn't be the same without string cheese and ice cream. Whew...dodged a bullet on that one!
After sharing the news with Daddi-O, we both looked at eachother and said, "He's turning into a little BOY!"
This little boy also had another milestone last week, starting solids. Sure, we could have waited until the six-month mark to get started, but he has been showing a definite interest in big kid food lately. We tried out sweet potatoes first, and a few days later introduced pears. Yumm! Could not get enough of those! We will also try out rice cereal in a few days and continue to add new veggies and fruits to the menu. I've been using "The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears (thanks, Kacy!), which has some great advice about introducing solids. We are also making our own baby food, which is unbelievably easy and inexpensive. We are using the fancy schmancy Baby Bullet from Nana, but I am sure any ole' blender would do!
It's not so easy to get a picture of those chompers, but here's a few of our little pop tart...
Check out Owen chowing down here...
http://youtu.be/ICa0GDQTMoI
After sharing the news with Daddi-O, we both looked at eachother and said, "He's turning into a little BOY!"
This little boy also had another milestone last week, starting solids. Sure, we could have waited until the six-month mark to get started, but he has been showing a definite interest in big kid food lately. We tried out sweet potatoes first, and a few days later introduced pears. Yumm! Could not get enough of those! We will also try out rice cereal in a few days and continue to add new veggies and fruits to the menu. I've been using "The Baby Book" by Dr. Sears (thanks, Kacy!), which has some great advice about introducing solids. We are also making our own baby food, which is unbelievably easy and inexpensive. We are using the fancy schmancy Baby Bullet from Nana, but I am sure any ole' blender would do!
It's not so easy to get a picture of those chompers, but here's a few of our little pop tart...
Check out Owen chowing down here...
http://youtu.be/ICa0GDQTMoI
Friday, January 13, 2012
Adventures in the Kitchen
Brandon cracks me up. He comes home for break around 7:15am each morning...usually about the time I am trying to convince myself to get out of bed. Never fails, one of the first things he says is, "So...what's for lunch? How about dinner?" I haven't even started thinking about breakfast yet, and this kid is already wanting to plan a meal that's a good 10 hours away! So funny. But I guess it's a highlight in his day, since we are always cooking up something yummy in the kitchen.
Back in the day, I had issues making basic mac & cheese...out of the box. Just as my Mama Jo. Luckily, I have found the motivation and interest in perfecting a few skills in the kitchen....(Disclaimer: those skills do NOT in any way refer to baking. Just ask my husband. Cookies, breads and cakes are just not my thing, no matter how hard I try). But that's why cooking is so appealing...a pinch of this, a dollop of that...ah, sweet kitchen freedom! You are not slave to a recipe or exact measurements as with baking. So we like to experiment with flavors, herbs, spices and new ingredients. I have dubbed Brandon the "condiment king;" take a look in our fridge and cabinets and you will understand why.
Usually, our adventures in the kitchen go a little something like this: I concoct a delicious recipe through sheer imagination, or by thumbing through my favorite cookbooks & online recipe sites. I usually give it a trial run, going "by the book." If it's a keeper, Brandon likes to give it a try too, always adding his own spin on things. Secretly, I think we have a little competition going on---who can make it better? Usually I like my version best, and he prefers his creation...of course! I think we make a good team--my favorite is when we cook together, and now we have little monster sitting in the high chair, watching all the action. Fun stuff!
Last night we tried something completely new--sauteed kale, red peppers, and onion with rosemary thyme quinoa and chicken. Surprisingly good! Last week, I also gave Chicken Curry a try. I am a sucker for good Indian food, but the ingredient list seems never ending, so I am always hesitant to try out a recipe at home. Our kitchen smelled like Little India, but just a few simple ingredients later, we had a delicious and authentic-tasting dish! I have to share this recipe, because it is so stinkin' easy and it utilizes one of my favorite appliances, the slow cooker.
Chicken Curry
Photo from Better Homes & Gardens--mine didn't look quite this pretty!
Always on the look out for new recipes. What are your favorite meals? Please share!
Back in the day, I had issues making basic mac & cheese...out of the box. Just as my Mama Jo. Luckily, I have found the motivation and interest in perfecting a few skills in the kitchen....(Disclaimer: those skills do NOT in any way refer to baking. Just ask my husband. Cookies, breads and cakes are just not my thing, no matter how hard I try). But that's why cooking is so appealing...a pinch of this, a dollop of that...ah, sweet kitchen freedom! You are not slave to a recipe or exact measurements as with baking. So we like to experiment with flavors, herbs, spices and new ingredients. I have dubbed Brandon the "condiment king;" take a look in our fridge and cabinets and you will understand why.
Usually, our adventures in the kitchen go a little something like this: I concoct a delicious recipe through sheer imagination, or by thumbing through my favorite cookbooks & online recipe sites. I usually give it a trial run, going "by the book." If it's a keeper, Brandon likes to give it a try too, always adding his own spin on things. Secretly, I think we have a little competition going on---who can make it better? Usually I like my version best, and he prefers his creation...of course! I think we make a good team--my favorite is when we cook together, and now we have little monster sitting in the high chair, watching all the action. Fun stuff!
Last night we tried something completely new--sauteed kale, red peppers, and onion with rosemary thyme quinoa and chicken. Surprisingly good! Last week, I also gave Chicken Curry a try. I am a sucker for good Indian food, but the ingredient list seems never ending, so I am always hesitant to try out a recipe at home. Our kitchen smelled like Little India, but just a few simple ingredients later, we had a delicious and authentic-tasting dish! I have to share this recipe, because it is so stinkin' easy and it utilizes one of my favorite appliances, the slow cooker.
Chicken Curry
Directions
1. In a large plastic bag combine 3tbsp. flour, 3 tbsp.curry powder, 1 tsp. cumin, and salt. Add chicken (3-4 chicken breasts or thighs, cubed), a few pieces at a time; seal and shake to coat.
2. In a 3-1/2- or 4-quart slow cooker combine 2 cups chopped potatoes, 1.5 cups sliced carrots, 1 apple-coarsely chopped, 3/4 cup onion, 2 cloves of garlic, & 1 seeded & finely chopped jalapeno peppers. Top with chicken. Pour 1/2 c. water & chicken broth over chicken mixture.
3. Cover; cook on low-heat setting for 6 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting for 3 to 4 hours.
4. If using low-heat setting, turn the slow cooker to high-heat setting. Stir 1 can coconut milk into chicken mixture. Cover; cook for 30 minutes more. Serve over hot cooked rice. Sprinkle each serving with raisins and peanuts. Makes 8 servings.
Always on the look out for new recipes. What are your favorite meals? Please share!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Christmas 2011
I am glad I did not add "Stop procrastinating" to my 2012 goals, as I am just getting around to sharing all the deets of the holiday season.
Christmas was pretty awesome this year. Before we head out to "make the rounds," Brandon & I always have our own little Christmas/gift exchange at our house. We were especially excited to keep that tradition for Owen's first Christmas.
I always look forward to seeing my favorite friends and hanging out in Burlington at my parents. Everyone needs that familiar comfort of being home for a few days. I can't remember the last time the entire family spent an evening at home, watching a movie. Of course, Brandon was asleep before the previews ended, but I loved the comfort of togetherness I felt. I have really become a big sap since Owen was born, haven't I?
We also spent a few days at "Hoppy Acres Colorado," with a full house of 12! I love hanging out with the fam & the nephews, & can't wait for Owen to join in the fun in a couple of years. It was beyond awesome to have an entire week just being a mommy & wife. Now if we could only win the lottery, so I could be mommy & wife full time, life would be unbelievably perfect! Ten years ago, my feminist teenage self would have been absolutely disgusted at that statement, but I have found more contentment & satisfaction out of singing nursery rhymes and cooking a delicious dinner than being prisoner to an office all day. Besides, stay-at-home moms can still save the world, right?! Anywho, that's another story...
After returning home from Colorado, we enjoyed a few days at home, doing a whole lot of nothing...my favorite! New Year's Eve isn't quite as exciting when you have a baby, but we managed to enjoy an evening at home, complete with lobster & steak for dinner, & a bedtime of 10:30pm. The next morning, we rang in the New Year with champagne & cinammon rolls (also glad "dieting" wasn't on my list of 2012 goals, either!). Now we are full speed ahead into this new year, and I have that butterfly feeling in my stomach that this is going to be a really great year with exciting stuff ahead.
Christmas was pretty awesome this year. Before we head out to "make the rounds," Brandon & I always have our own little Christmas/gift exchange at our house. We were especially excited to keep that tradition for Owen's first Christmas.
I always look forward to seeing my favorite friends and hanging out in Burlington at my parents. Everyone needs that familiar comfort of being home for a few days. I can't remember the last time the entire family spent an evening at home, watching a movie. Of course, Brandon was asleep before the previews ended, but I loved the comfort of togetherness I felt. I have really become a big sap since Owen was born, haven't I?
We also spent a few days at "Hoppy Acres Colorado," with a full house of 12! I love hanging out with the fam & the nephews, & can't wait for Owen to join in the fun in a couple of years. It was beyond awesome to have an entire week just being a mommy & wife. Now if we could only win the lottery, so I could be mommy & wife full time, life would be unbelievably perfect! Ten years ago, my feminist teenage self would have been absolutely disgusted at that statement, but I have found more contentment & satisfaction out of singing nursery rhymes and cooking a delicious dinner than being prisoner to an office all day. Besides, stay-at-home moms can still save the world, right?! Anywho, that's another story...
After returning home from Colorado, we enjoyed a few days at home, doing a whole lot of nothing...my favorite! New Year's Eve isn't quite as exciting when you have a baby, but we managed to enjoy an evening at home, complete with lobster & steak for dinner, & a bedtime of 10:30pm. The next morning, we rang in the New Year with champagne & cinammon rolls (also glad "dieting" wasn't on my list of 2012 goals, either!). Now we are full speed ahead into this new year, and I have that butterfly feeling in my stomach that this is going to be a really great year with exciting stuff ahead.
Our little Christmas
Beautiful view off the front porch of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains
Sunday, January 8, 2012
5 Whole Months!
Owen's five month "birthday" is just two days away...how did that happen?! We are blessed with a pretty happy baby. Who knew that a gummy little smile and sweet little giggle could bring so much joy and fulfillment to our lives. It's really a little pathetic how in awe we are of this little guy. I'm sure we have spent countless hours just staring at him. It might be on the verge of obsessive, but we are enjoying each moment, knowing these days are once in a lifetime.
We have really started having fun this last month. Owen loves rolling from his back to his tummy, and is really building up all those little muscles. He loves sitting up and checking everything out. You can almost see the wheels turning, as he just soaks it all in. We take full advantage of the "Bumbo" seat, but he is so close to sitting on his own. He is grasping onto everything, including my hair and Brandon's glasses, and loves giving everything a little taste. Toys are fun for a while, but I think he really prefers face to face interaction, where he likes to test out his voice. His latest thing is a Mariah Carey-esque squeal when he really wants to get his point across. Maybe we have the next Justin Beiber on our hands?! This 9lb adorably cuddly little sack of flour has quickly grown into a wiggly, giggly18 lb little person. It is wonderful watching his personality emerge. So far we have a little talker who likes to be the center of attention!
One of the coolest things about having Owen around is how much it has changed my relationship with Brandon. Even though our relationship has always been pretty solid, I feel totally honored to have him as my partner in crime. He is a pretty kick-ass daddy and that is hard not to love and respect. I am feeling blessed beyond belief and so grateful. I've never been crazy about new year resolutions, but this year I want to focus on being present and enjoying every moment. Life can change in the blink of an eye, and I don't want to take a minute of the good stuff for granted.
Happy 5 Months to my Love Bug! and Happy New Year to everyone!
oh mom! not another picture!
We have really started having fun this last month. Owen loves rolling from his back to his tummy, and is really building up all those little muscles. He loves sitting up and checking everything out. You can almost see the wheels turning, as he just soaks it all in. We take full advantage of the "Bumbo" seat, but he is so close to sitting on his own. He is grasping onto everything, including my hair and Brandon's glasses, and loves giving everything a little taste. Toys are fun for a while, but I think he really prefers face to face interaction, where he likes to test out his voice. His latest thing is a Mariah Carey-esque squeal when he really wants to get his point across. Maybe we have the next Justin Beiber on our hands?! This 9lb adorably cuddly little sack of flour has quickly grown into a wiggly, giggly18 lb little person. It is wonderful watching his personality emerge. So far we have a little talker who likes to be the center of attention!
One of the coolest things about having Owen around is how much it has changed my relationship with Brandon. Even though our relationship has always been pretty solid, I feel totally honored to have him as my partner in crime. He is a pretty kick-ass daddy and that is hard not to love and respect. I am feeling blessed beyond belief and so grateful. I've never been crazy about new year resolutions, but this year I want to focus on being present and enjoying every moment. Life can change in the blink of an eye, and I don't want to take a minute of the good stuff for granted.
Happy 5 Months to my Love Bug! and Happy New Year to everyone!
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