A good meal

Yesterday afternoon, Bode, Gianna and I were sitting around the kids' table coloring when Bode announced, "Mommy, I want to donate Gianna."  I laughed out loud.  But he was serious.  "I want to know what it's like on my own," he continued. "No you don't!" I protested.  "Yes, I do. I want to donate her to somebody else."  At the second mention of being given away, Gianna started wailing.  "I don't want to be donated!" she cried.  I switched seats so that I could hold her and reassure her that she was not being dumped into some roadside donation bin.  Then I addressed Bode.  "Bode, you don't mean that. You wouldn't last  5 seconds without Gianna."  "I want to know what it's like on my own.  I want to be the only one."  he insisted.

I changed the subject to dinner, and the donation of Gianna was no longer discussed.

We made Ginger Chicken with Asparagus.  I found it in one of my food magazines, and it wasn't even a featured recipe. It was an advertisement for McCormick Ground Ginger (I guess I might as well mention the brand since I tried the recipe?).  I used real ginger. And my two monkeys/sous chefs helped out.  Not only did they help me, but they demonstrated such good will to each other, sharing and talking while they chopped and stirred.  All was well, and dinner was delicious.

Step 1:

Hand the monkeys kid-friendly knives (found on amazon here) and have them chop the asparagus into bite-sized pieces. 

Step 2:
While the monkeys are on veggie detail, chop 4 chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Then mince ginger and garlic.

Step 3:

Have the monkeys pour soy sauce, oil, and broth into a measuring cup.  This teaches them pouring skills as well as how to measure ("Fill it to the 2, Gianna.").  Have one monkey add the minced ginger and garlic to the marinade. The monkeys then take a very, very long time taking turns stirring the marinade.  This goes on forever until you realize that the poor neglected chicken breasts are never going to marinate for an hour if you don't rush this bit along.  Tell the older monkey to pour the marinade over the chicken pieces.  Put the chicken in the fridge while it marinates.

Step 4:  

When the two chimps joke about eating the raw asparagus, dare them to eat one.  They will think that they are being funny and daring, eating the raw asparagus. But you know better. You just tricked them into eating a raw vegetable!  

Step 5: 

While they consume half the (raw) asparagus, ask the monkeys if they want white rice or brown rice.  When the eldest monkey states that he wants brown rice, ask him what the difference is between white and brown rice.  Be secretly pleased and think, "He's so smart," when he answers that brown rice is chewier and more grain-y than white rice, and then remember that yes, he is a smart alec when he adds, "Oh, it's also BROWN. And white rice is...WHITE!" Like, duh.  Then start water on stove to make brown rice.  

Step 6:

Realize that the baby chimp has woken up from his nap and has been crying for attention for how long (???) while you were reading recipes and the other monkeys were stirring the marinade (forever).  Run to baby chimp's room and find him like this:

Hug, kiss and pat baby chimp over & over until he ceases to cry.  Then take him out of his sleepy sack,  change his diaper and put him in pants/socks. Bring him out to the kitchen to bond with his other chimp family members.

Step 7:

While chicken continues to marinade, try to ignore the crazy monkey behavior that occurs in the "witching hour" known to all mothers.

Note: baby monkey is fine and not psychologically harmed from crib abandonment

Step 8:

Take chicken out of fridge.  Continue to ignore crazy monkey behavior but direct all monkey behavior out of the kitchen while you heat up oil in large skillet.  Once monkeys have vacated kitchen, sauté  chicken and then asparagus.  Mix asparagus into chicken mixture so that everything is coated in yummy gingery sauce. Plate chicken/asparagus/rice onto divided plastic plates for all monkeys to eat.  Once food has cooled slightly, call monkeys back into kitchen to sit at monkey table and eat dinner.  Enjoy the meal that was prepared as a family (a family that loves each other very much and would never donate one another!).

Happy Friday!

xo

Saratoga Springs Horse Show

On Sunday, after Bode's soccer practice, we went to the Saratoga Springs Horse Show.   I love horses, and getting to see them up close and personal was pretty exciting to me.   I could have stayed there all day, just looking at the horses and watching the show.  But alas, I have small children.  They enjoyed the show for about an hour. And then it was time to get home, eat lunch and take a nap.

After naps, we went outside to enjoy the sunshine. And Gianna filled up on daddy love.  She missed her daddy while he was gone (though she'd never let him know it).

Tonight, while I was bathing Nico, I found this:

Yeah, a sticker stuck into the palm of his hand.  At least it wasn't in his mouth.  This time around, baby-proofing is going to be so much harder! I've got two toddlers that have all kinds of tiny crap.  And they love to spread it all around the house, too.   I'm going to be so stressed once Nico starts moving around on his own. Ai yi yi.

And in other news, Bode insisted on going to sleep with two boxes of macaroni & cheese.  Today, I went to the grocery store, and I decided to surprise Gianna (who loooooves mac & cheese) with two boxes of the toxic orangey yellow noodles. Well. For whatever reason, Bode Wm would not let these boxes out of his hot little hands this afternoon, and even insisted on taking them to bed with him tonight! He is such a funny little guy.

Note to self: If you hear some strange rattling noise in the middle of the night, don't freak out, it's just mac & cheese!

Happy eve.

xo  

Nico: First rice cereal

Friday, Nico had his 6 month well check. Yes, a little late, but we were sick when  his 6 month appointment came up and I had to reschedule.  The 6 month appointment is always a milestone because (a) it marks a half year, and (b) green light on eating solids!

Nico weighs 18 pounds and is 27 inches long.  He is healthy and developing great. Hooray!

His pediatrician gave us the OK to start solids. Hooray!

Saturday night, while the rest of his family ate burgers and french fries for dinner, Nico got a taste of yummy rice cereal.

He ate like a champ.  There was no hesitation on his part! He had no questions about what this thing called a "spoon" is for, and that the white stuff in the bowl was for eating. I approached with spoon (and cereal) in hand, and he opened his mouth, and swallowed, just like he's been eating from day one.  

Nico is the only one in our little family that had his entire family watching him eat for the first time! I have to admit that I made a big deal about it. I made everyone put down their burgers and fries and watch attentively as Nico took his first bite!  (If there had been a drummer/drum in the house, we would have had a drum roll. If there had a been a willing videographer, we would have video. Alas, RWF does not take these milestones as seriously as I do. I took photos between bites.)

And now, I must close and feed my children breakfast.  Bode and Gianna are very curious about Nico's rice cereal.  Hmm....  Just kidding!
Happy Tax Day to you. (ugh!)
xo

Diet is a four letter word

Remember Nico's rash? It's back.  Nico's face was all red and blotchy earlier this week, with these raised, scaly red patches all over his face and scalp. He looked miserable, but he wasn't acting like it. Still, we went to the pediatrician, and discussed what's been going on and what I'm eating.  I told the pediatrician that I have been eating a lot of nuts, oranges, and (drum roll) I hadn't given up my beloved mocha. When I said that I had switched from milk to soy for my mocha, his eyes lit up.  "A-ha!" he said "Soy!"  I was told that 40% of people that are allergic to dairy are also allergic to soy.  I also mentioned eggs. Yep, eggs could also be a trigger. So I'm avoiding dairy and dairy items, soy, and eggs.  The ped also made my heart break because he prescribed a cream for Nico, explaining that Nico probably feels pretty itchy.  He offered to do a blood test on Nico to pinpoint allergies, but I declined. I don't want my baby going through that. 

I'm back on the elimination diet.

I hate the word, "diet" and have always prided myself on not trying anything like a diet. This is a little different, of course. But it has made me feel bad for people with real food sensitivities and allergies (hello, Andrew!) that have to be extremely careful.  It's such a bummer.  On Friday, I was at lunch with RWF. Scanning the menu, everything contained cheese, even the salads.  I was disheartened and said, "What can I eat?!!"  I settled on a turkey sandwich with just lettuce and meat.  It was bland.  Going out to eat wasn't as fun.  And I don't even have 'real' restrictions to my diet like some people do.  

I am keeping a log of everything that I eat.  It is pretty funny to read, and I can tell that I am not eating as much because it is written down!  I think twice before shoveling a handful of tortilla chips into my mouth, thinking, "Well if RWF reads this, he's going to see that I ate chips..." (not that RWF cares, but it does make me think twice)

Saturday's food diary:

1 slice pear

2 cups coffee w/Coffee Mate (yes, I realize that this contains casein)

3 slices of pear

1 small slice of banana bread (yes, eggs...but I read that eggs don't pose a threat if they've been cooked in a product for a long time) (and Nico looks fine)

chili

7 tortilla chips

salad (lettuce, cukes, carrots)

hamburger w/bun

french fries

So there's a written account of Saturday. I have a feeling that my log is going to be a lot longer and more varied as the week wears on. My guard will go down, and I'll start eating freely and not care as much about who sees what I ate!  Again, I know it sounds like I'm complaining. But I would really do anything for this baby! If I had to eat only lettuce for the next 6 months to keep him happy, I would do it.  

This child has no food allergies, thank goodness. And judging by this photo, I would say that she loves herself.

Another positive to this diet is, I'm not running over to Starbuck's every 5 minutes for a mocha.  In fact, now that I know that I can't even have a drink from Starbuck's, I don't even want to leave the house!  Put that bow away, Gianna, we are not going out today!

I am losing weight and saving money. ;)

And, I'm happy to say that Nico is looking better already.

Attention all you slackers: today is the last day to enter for the giveaway!  Just leave a comment here, and I'll draw two (2) winners tonight after I get all the monkeys to bed.  It's going to be a fun little package!

Happy weekend.

xo

Banana nut muffins (and a steak)

Yesterday afternoon, my little sous chef and I made banana nut muffins.    We had four blackened bananas decomposing on the counter. I didn't want to throw them out. I hate wasting food. It is a huge pet peeve of mine. I am learning that having two toddlers equals a waste of food every day.

Back to the black bananas. The problem is, I was not feeling motivated to make a mess in the kitchen. So I asked Bode if he wanted to make muffins. Of course he said, "Yes!"  and we had to start immediately. If I ever don't want to do something, but 'have' to do it, I mention it to Bode. That is one surefire way of getting myself to do it, because once he's in, he's in. The good news is, these muffins are made in one bowl with just a wooden spoon for mixing. 

Warning: I was seriously addicted to these when I was pregnant with Gianna.  I made them a lot, and I was the only one to eat them, too. (RWF does not eat muffins, and Bode was too young for muffin eating at the time - or so I thought, at the time.) Unfortunately, I found out yesterday that I am still seriously addicted to these muffins, and I can't stop at just one (or three).

Banana Nut Muffins

3-4 very ripe bananas, smashed

1/3 c melted butter

3/4 c sugar

1 egg, beaten

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda

salt (pinch)

1 1/2 c flour

1 c chopped walnuts

Preheat oven to 350. With a wooden spoon, stir melted butter into mashed bananas in a large mixing bowl.  Mix in the sugar, egg, and vanilla. Sprinkle baking soda and salt into mixture, and mix. Add the flour, and stir until just incorporated. Fold in walnuts.  Pour mixture into muffin tins. Bake 25-30 minutes.  Twelve muffins.

So easy a three year old can do it:

And his little sister gets to enjoy the fruits of his labor:

All my pics of Bode enjoying his muffin turned out super blurry. I'll spare you (this time).

I guess I was on a roll yesterday because even dinner turned out good (so I am told).  I made steak, roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli. Again, so easy!  Bode and Gianna ate so much at dinner. It always makes me so happy when Bode eats what I make. Bode is in that "no, that's yucky" stage of life. He won't eat anything with tomatoes, or "red" in it.  Another thing is, if he eats something one night and likes it, that does not necessarily guarantee that he will love it the next time it is served, either.  It is a very challenging time for me.  I'm trying to just fix whatever I feel like and have the "here's dinner, eat it or starve" approach. Easier said than done.  Last night, Bode asked for seconds on the steak. And then thirds. 

I ate my weight in potatoes. I love roasted potatoes with garlic, olive oil and rosemary. Delicious! The broccoli was good, too. But the potatoes took the prize, in my opinion. 

To make a super tasty and tender steak, just marinate it in olive oil and vinegar for an hour before you cook it.  I took one steak (I used top sirloin, I think? but any cut will do because the marinade will tenderize it), added 2 tbs olive oil, salted it, and then threw it in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Then I added in 1 tbs of white wine vinegar. Shook it around in the bag for a minute, then stuck it in the fridge for an hour to marinade. When I was ready to cook, I took the steak out, rinsed it, dried it, then put salt & pepper on it. Added a splash of olive oil to a pan, then grilled it for 8 minutes.  Everyone loved it. RWF is very picky about meat, and how it is cooked (which really challenges my vegetarian cooking skillz) but he said last night's steak was "really good."   He asked me what cut of meat I had got and how I had cooked it. This tells me that he really enjoyed it. 

I spy a Coonhound who wants a steak:

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

xo

Hattie's

Friday night, RWF and I were in the kitchen discussing weekend plans.  RWF proposed eating breakfast out Saturday morning. Since eating breakfast out is one of my favorite things in the world, I happily agreed. I went to bed anticipating the pancakes that I would be enjoying the next morning.

Saturday morning, RWF spontaneously proposed that we drive over to West Mountain to check out the ski area.  I agreed, even though I knew that it would delay breakfast a little.  We went to West and it was just okay. Well, it was fine for Bode and RWF to ski.  The lodge was not any place where I wanted to hang out. I've been spoiled by Sundance, Deer Valley and other nice ski resorts!

We headed back into town for breakfast.  I reviewed the menu of the one rec that I had received, and I wasn't jazzed about the menu. They only had lemon ricotta pancakes on the menu. I wanted old-fashioned buttermilk!  So we drove on while I scanned my iPhone for breakfast recommendations. The restaurants I reviewed all had special brunch menus involving eggs benedict, poached eggs over polenta, etc. Nobody had a simple breakfast menu. I was so disappointed. All I wanted were pancakes.   We found one other place downtown that had a breakfast menu. It was a little cafe. There were fake flowers in the window and it had an old-fashioned look about it.  "It looks kind of "potpourri-y" RWF announced. Luckily we found a parking space across the street. After a lot of debate, it was decided I should run in and scope it out.  It was an old drug store with an old-fashioned candy counter and bench seating. It was packed, and  there were a lot of people waiting. Worst, a family of 5 had just signed up before me.  It would be forever before we were seated in a booth. Angry, I stormed out of the restaurant. I was so hungry. And all I wanted were pancakes! Downtown was busy with traffic, preventing me from getting back to the car. I yelled across the street to RWF that this restaurant wouldn't do. I was mad, and RWF knew it.  I finally crossed the street and got into the car. "Let's just go," I fumed. I slammed my door behind me.  RWF started the car up and the car was filled with tension. I was so mad because I couldn't find any place that just sells pancakes!  At that moment, I hated where we lived and I hated the day.  RWF drove around like a crazy person, just driving. "I don't want to do this. Drive me home, now!" I demanded.  

Bode tried to make peace from the back seat.  "I think we should just go to the cafe.  Mommy, it will be alright. Don't you think we should just go to the cafe?"  he reasoned in his sweet little boy voice.  

This broke my heart.  At the next stop sign, RWF stopped and stared at me. We looked at each other while Bode again suggested the cafe as a great alternative. We looked at each other and smiled softly, both thinking that Bode was our little peacemaker.  I sniffled. I felt terrible being such a brat in front of my sweet little boy. I didn't want him to feel like he needed to make the situation right for me.  "Do you  want to just go grab some lunch?" I asked RWF.  "Yes!" he groaned, pointed the car back downtown, and we headed out for lunch.  

I was still angry that I wouldn't get pancakes.  All I wanted were pancakes!  But I decided that eating lunch out was the best thing for all of us.  We parked in a lot across the street from the restaurant Bode had suggested for lunch. As we walked, we both noticed another restaurant that we had reviewed on the iPhone. Actually, RWF had suggested it earlier, and I had dismissed it as being a Southern, Louisiana-style restaurant serving fried chicken and jambalaya.  RWF stopped in front of this place, called Hattie's.  It was an old house. A chalkboard outside announced "Brunch 9-2." RWF opened the screen door, and it squeaked loudly as we stepped inside.  The tiny place was packed with little cafe tables covered in red-checked tablecloths.  It wasn't busy.  The server greeted us and told us to sit anywhere we'd like.  

We sat down as she passed out menus.  The first thing I noticed was that they had buttermilk pancakes on the menu.  We were staying.  The menu looked delicious: buttermilk pancakes (did I mention the buttermilk pancakes?), beignets, biscuits and gravy,  and French toast.  I wanted one of everything.  We decided on a full stack of buttermilk pancakes and the "back porch breakfast" which consisted of 2 eggs, toast, and bacon.   I really, really wanted the biscuits and gravy.  I can't explain it. I've had this a few times in high school. My best friend Amy and I would go to a diner and that is what she would order.  Amy was a true Southern girl.  And right then, biscuits and gravy sounded perfect. But I decided to wait on the biscuits and gravy. Another time. I was here for pancakes. Bring on the pancakes!

Our breakfast was delicious. The coffee (served with cream) was hot and strong, but not too powerful. The pancakes were thick, but fluffy with a delicious warm, buttermilk flavor.  The back porch breakfast had soft  mounds of scrambled eggs that were coated in butter.  Speaking of butter, even the butter was delicious: rich and creamy, with a little hint of salt. It was one of those dining experiences where we just keep shoving the food in our mouths, not wanting to interrupt our very important eating with small talk.   RWF and I would just look up at each other while chewing our food, and kind of give a nod to each other, like, "Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout..." We now have a new breakfast place.  Hattie's is delicious! 

I feel terrible for being such a brat about my pancakes. But I'm so glad that it worked out like it did. I want to go back  to Hattie's right now.

On Sunday, RWF and Bode went skiing at West.  RWF drove off with Gianna's car seat still in the car. So when I decided that we needed to go to Target, Gianna rode shotgun.

I'm just kidding!

Gianna did ride forward-facing in the big car seat for the first time ever.  The QEII has the one big car seat set up, along with the  holder for Gianna's car seat. I am a firm believer in keeping children rear-facing in car seats for as long as possible. Luckily, Gianna is small enough that she can still ride rear-facing for awhile.  But Sunday, because of our car situation, Gianna got to experience riding in the car like her brother.  She really liked looking out the window like a big girl. 

She looks like a big girl!

Saturday and Sunday afternoons were spent outside enjoying the sunshine.  RWF took the babies out and helped them ride bikes, pulled them in the wagon, and pushed them around in their cars.  Afterward, they'd all come inside before dinner.  RWF would check out a basketball or lacrosse game to relax, and the babies would pile into his lap and watch the game with him. Poor P, she would have loved to cuddle in the green chair with everyone. But there just wasn't enough room for a big Coonhound.

Sorry, P!

I shopped for Easter decorations this weekend. I have a few ideas for the house. I am definitely doing some crafts with the children, at some point.  I think Bode and I will make banana nut bread today.

Happy Monday.

xo

Worth the price of tuition

Big preschooler's second day

Today was Bode's second day of preschool.  When we got there, he immediately ran off to the playground equipment. I "lost" him in a wooden fort.  I kept asking him to come out and put on his "suit" but he wouldn't budge. Luckily, he was well layered.  It was 21 degrees.  His teacher took the snowsuit and mittens from me and promised to get his suit on him at the first opportunity. "Maybe when he goes to the slide," she suggested.

Gianna thinks she goes to this school, too.

Gianna and I spent two hours running to the mall for a return, and to the grocery store. I was exhausted by 10:45!  But we drove on to Bode's preschool and then waited by the front door for him.  The first child came out and there was a collective, "awwwh!" because the little boy was clutching a paper heart that he had made.  One mother excitedly whispered, "They made something!"  

I have to admit that I got completely teary-eyed thinking about Bode and his first real piece of school artwork.  It did not disappoint.  He walked out, led by his teacher, his eyes never leaving his artwork. The teacher led him over to me, and  I grabbed him in a big hug. Bode said, "Rook at dis, rook at dis heart, mommy!"  

I think the white paper heart with his handprints on it completely took the sting out of tuition.  I'm sure RWF would not agree. But for me, a big "AWWWH!"  and so worth it.

Baby doll

I am so in love with Gianna's hands right now. I love the chunky, chubby little arms and hands of babies and toddlers. But Gianna's hands are not chubby. They are so delicate and fine.

Enjoying the fresh air after a nap

Weekend plans:  big date night tonight! I am so excited. RWF and I have not had a date in ????....a long time.  I have been scouring the internet looking at restaurant reviews and menus. I love good food! And it will be lovely to have some quiet time with Mr. RWF.  We have reservations at two different restaurants, because right now, I can not decide which one I'd rather eat at. I have two dresses laid out on my bed. I have no idea if they fit, or what I will wear if they don't! Other plans are not so exciting. In fact, I am dreading them. I need to unpack my suitcase from the hospital. The suitcase has just been sitting in the corner of our bedroom like a bag of garbage. I do not want to do this. I am absolutely dreading "revisiting" the clothes I wore in the hospital. I'd rather just torch the whole bag and not think about it.  But I think maybe my pearls and some good boots are in there.  I also need to clean the house, which has been neglected since my return from Dallas. Last night, I ate some cookies while three cookie sheets of veggies roasted in the oven. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) I am the only one in the family that loves roasted vegetables. So I should probably cook something this weekend so we can all eat. Hopefully the rest of the weekend will be relaxing and quiet. I love doing "nothing" with my family. 

xo

Christmas cruising

Yesterday started out good.

I took a shower  (Gianna pressing her face against the shower door, shouting "Mama! Mama!" the entire time).  I stepped out of the shower and Bode shouted from the playroom, "I want to go to Starbucks!"  I shouted back, "You read my mind! Let's go!"

The afternoon was long and dark. Gianna napped until 3:45. She would have slept longer had I let her. By the time I got her up and ready, it was dark outside. Too dark to go outside to play.  

So I packed the babies in the car with milk, and we set out to find Christmas lights.  It was a nice drive around the new neighborhood, with our radio playing Christmas tunes ("Feed the World/Do they know it's Christmas?" came on, and when Boy George crooned, "And in our world of plenty..." I was already in tears).  I'm happy to report that I didn't find any tacky decorations in our 'hood.  Bode kept saying, "Christmas lights!" (or, "Christmas rights!" as he tends to use an "r" for an "l" these days).  We both had fun checking out the light displays and listening to Christmas music.  

After we cruised around for a bit, we stopped at our new neighborhood pizza place and got yummy pizza.  Check this bad boy out:

My sisters-in-law introduced me to eggplant pizza. They had it waiting for us on our first night in our new house. It is now my new favorite. Yum!  Can you believe that I have this entire pizza to myself? It is huge. I am a lucky girl to have so many leftovers.

Earlier in the day, we made a Christmas wreath.  I don't know why I am making so many wreaths.  I am trolling the web, looking for Christmas crafts all the time.  I just seem to gravitate to the wreaths.  Again, this was beyond Bode's ability.  He was able to do part of it, and then I ended up completing the project.

Materials

paper plate (ours was waxed-covered so the paint didn't cover it that well)

acrylic paint

construction paper - red, green, etc.

glue

scissors

1 eager toddler

First, cover your table with something because you are going to paint. I didn't have newspaper so I used a paper bag. Cut a hole in the center of the plate to make a wreath. It does not have to be perfect because it won't show when you are finished.  Paint the paper plate green and let dry.  While the paint is drying,  draw and cut out holly leaves to cover the plate.  You can also cut out decorations for your wreath (ornaments, holly berries, a bow, etc.).

Bode painted the wreath form. But I really needed to do the rest.  I will admit that making the holly leaves took me a long time.  It took me so long that Bode lost interest. He started playing with my construction paper scraps while I finished the leaves.  I ended up gluing the leaves to the form, and we set it aside to dry.   

Later, I asked Bode where he would like to hang his new wreath. I suggested his bedroom. He said that he wanted it on the wall in the living room. 

Obviously I have this need to do crafty things! I can't explain it.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I don't have a crafty bone in my body.  I can picture RWF pulling into the driveway at night after a long day at work, bracing himself for the latest and greatest craft to grace our new home.  It's time to find some new friends and new outlets!

Speaking of needs, sister likes to bust a move:

She loves to dance (no music required).  She will imitate my moves, which is kind of scary (and unfortunate, if she remembers any as an adult, and tries it out in front of someone else).  Have you seen that Seinfeld episode when Elaine dances at the party ("the little kicks" watch it here)?  Yeah. That's kind of like me trying to dance, too.
Hugs to Jeanne, Greg, Mary, Keara and Maggie. You're in my thoughts.
xo