I have a new idea: I want to be writing more, and I want to cook more. So, I have decided to challenge myself to cook (like fancy cook) at least once a week. I know, it is a sad challenge. But the truth is that right now we eat with our families at least 4 days a week. It is convenient, cheap, fun - and we actually get to eat while someone else chases Lydia around! However, I miss cooking, and I miss sitting down together just the 2 or 3 of us and enjoying a good meal.
The other thing that I want to do is share the recipe with you, and modify the preparations for you mommies out there. I have learned more than once that when Barefoot Contessa or Simply Recipes tells me it will take 20 minutes to prep my meal, Lydia decides it will take closer to 45. So I have found ways to do some chopping here, use some leftovers there so that I don't have to be intimidated by making a meal for my family - even with a part time job and a toddler.
I should add the disclaimer that I don't come up with recipes on my own. I will link you to the 2 or 3 that (most of the time heavily) inspired me. But at the same time I rarely follow a recipe to the tee, unless I am baking. Sometimes it is because I don't have an ingredient, other times it is because I think something extra would be better. So the recipes that I put here are not originals, they are someone else's with a few tweeks.
The other night I made a really delicious recipe. It was a Monday and was feeling particularly motivated, and hungry. I saw that we had a bunch of mushrooms, so decided to browse Pinterest for some ideas. Chicken is our go to meat and I saw a few Chicken Marsala recipes (here and here) that piqued my interest I combined them together to make something delicious and totally do-able.
Ingredients:
1 Tbs olive oil
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup pancetta (if you have it, we surprisingly did!)
1 Tbs butter
8 ounces of sliced mushrooms
3 green onions
1-2 cloves of garlic
1/2 cup of white wine (aka marsala. I used whatever we had... and if you don't have wine use chicken broth instead)
1 cup of chicken broth or stock
1 lemon
Salt and pepper
1 Tbs butter
1 Tbs chopped parsley (I used dry)
Now for the mommy friendly preparation directions:
When I got home from work around 1 I put my frozen chicken (which was in a sealed plastic bag) into some warm water and let it thaw. By 5:00 it was soft, so I started to prep - 1 hour and 45 minutes before I wanted to have dinner on the table. It's okay - don't get scared.
I trimmed the chicken and cut it in half width wise so that I had 6 thin pieces. I got out all of my ingredients and measuring utensils, and chopped the green onion and garlic. My mushrooms were pre-sliced but if your aren't, slice them now; same with the pancetta. With a 14 month old the trimming and chopping process took about 45 minutes... I fed Lydia, we sang and danced together and I showed her how to use a bowl and spoon to stir. I also went ahead and got out 2 skillets and browsed the fridge for easy sides. We had left over mashed potatoes and some Green Giant frozen green beans. I went ahead and pulled those out to the counter.
at 6:00 - 45 minutes before I wanted dinner to be ready - I fired up one of the skillets and added the olive oil. Let the oil heat up for a bit on medium heat, then put your chicken in. Add salt and pepper, and let each side get slightly brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Make sure to season the second side of the chicken as well. Then set the chicken on a back burner and keep the heat on low.
In the second pan turn the heat on medium and add the pancetta. Cook it until it starts to get brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the first Tbs of butter and the mushrooms and saute until the mushrooms brown up too, another 7-8 minutes.
As this point you need to find something for your baby to do for 5 minutes. I recommend Sesame Street or a delicious snack in the high chair. Add your pre-chopped garlic and onion and stir everything around for a couple minutes, being sure to not burn the garlic. Stir in the wine, then add the chicken broth and cut the lemon in half and squeeze its juice into the pan. Give it a stir and bring up the heat until it is boiling. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce is reduced by about half. Once the heat is reduced you can pick baby up and go read her a story.
Once the sauce has reduced sprinkle with salt and pepper, stir in the remaining butter and add the chicken. Let the chicken simmer with it for another 3-5 minutes while you warm up the sides in the microwave and set the table (or while you change a diaper). Right before you plate it up stir in the parsley... and voila! We had the wine with our dinner and it was absolutely delicious.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Just some cute
This is the cutest picture I have taken in a while... Her cloth diaper leaked through her normal outfit, thus the jammies. And since we were going on a walk she needed a sweatshirt and hat. And those leg warmers... Well, they were five bucks at Target. I can't get over the cuteness!!!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Home
Tomorrow we are meeting with a realtor! I am so unbelievably excited to start the process of buying a home, although we aren't planning on moving until May or June. I have been perusing houses online, researching school systems, dreaming of a kitchen (with a stove and a full sized fridge!!), and maybe looking through pinterest for some decorating ideas...
I am nervous to make the right decision. Buying a house seems like such a huge commitment!! I know - I am married and have a child, but somehow this decision just feels more intimidating, which is so silly. I guess I am nervous to regret this decision; that we will buy a house I think I love and then after a while I will find problems with it. There are so many things to consider and right now David and I are just so giddy about the possibility of a place of our own we don't care if there are granite counter tops, Jack and Jill sinks, or a finished basement.
I know we will find a great house - and that no matter where we end up we will make it our home. For sooooo many years now I have felt unsettled. During college there is always the awkward, "I am going home for the weekend", but then when you get there your room is gone and your friends are all busy. Even after David and I were married we were still in school, so our modest income could only afford the smallest of apartments. We had wonderful moments and have beautiful memories of these places, but we knew they were temporary.
This place will be forever... or at least for a while. And that is so exciting! We feel incredibly blessed to be taking this next step together and we would appreciate your prayers and positive vibes as we try to tackle all of the decisions.
I am nervous to make the right decision. Buying a house seems like such a huge commitment!! I know - I am married and have a child, but somehow this decision just feels more intimidating, which is so silly. I guess I am nervous to regret this decision; that we will buy a house I think I love and then after a while I will find problems with it. There are so many things to consider and right now David and I are just so giddy about the possibility of a place of our own we don't care if there are granite counter tops, Jack and Jill sinks, or a finished basement.
I know we will find a great house - and that no matter where we end up we will make it our home. For sooooo many years now I have felt unsettled. During college there is always the awkward, "I am going home for the weekend", but then when you get there your room is gone and your friends are all busy. Even after David and I were married we were still in school, so our modest income could only afford the smallest of apartments. We had wonderful moments and have beautiful memories of these places, but we knew they were temporary.
This place will be forever... or at least for a while. And that is so exciting! We feel incredibly blessed to be taking this next step together and we would appreciate your prayers and positive vibes as we try to tackle all of the decisions.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
My Little Imitator
The other day something happened that has been on my mind ever since.
I was getting ready for work in the morning, and as usual Lydia was following me around saying "up, up" with a look of desperation in her eyes. I picked her up, put a towel in the sink and let her sit and play with my make up as I finished my mascara. I looked down and she had my make-up brush in her hand, stroking it across her face. I smiled and responded, "Silly baby, you don't need make-up. You are too pretty for that." Then I stopped...
After that moment I started noticing like crazy all the ways that Lydia has begun to imitate. She tries to repeat whatever you say, she holds the phone up to her ear and says "hi", she brings me her toy cupcakes smacking her lips and offering me a bite, and she makes a kissing sound each time David walks in the door and we kiss. This girl is already watching and learning, which is so incredible and also kind of crazy.
For me, parenting has been one of the major ways that God has implemented change in my life. All of the sudden I have someone depending on me, and now modeling me, who I love with all of my heart. Just like any other mother, I want what is best for my daughter. I want her to be confident, kind, patient, humble, generous, loving, and so many more things. And I am really starting to realize that the best way for her to learn these qualities is to see them in me.
There was also comfort in this realization though. Sometimes I freak out about all of the things I have to teach my daughter. Don't lie! Be yourself! Be kind to other people! But, as all of us know, children (and people in general) don't learn by being told - they learn by example. So to teach Lydia I simply have to model the qualities that I hope and pray she will have.
And I need to watch what I say - I don't put on make-up because I think I am not pretty! I put it on because it is fun, and I think it enhances my natural beauty :) Why do we automatically say silly things like that?
I was getting ready for work in the morning, and as usual Lydia was following me around saying "up, up" with a look of desperation in her eyes. I picked her up, put a towel in the sink and let her sit and play with my make up as I finished my mascara. I looked down and she had my make-up brush in her hand, stroking it across her face. I smiled and responded, "Silly baby, you don't need make-up. You are too pretty for that." Then I stopped...
After that moment I started noticing like crazy all the ways that Lydia has begun to imitate. She tries to repeat whatever you say, she holds the phone up to her ear and says "hi", she brings me her toy cupcakes smacking her lips and offering me a bite, and she makes a kissing sound each time David walks in the door and we kiss. This girl is already watching and learning, which is so incredible and also kind of crazy.
For me, parenting has been one of the major ways that God has implemented change in my life. All of the sudden I have someone depending on me, and now modeling me, who I love with all of my heart. Just like any other mother, I want what is best for my daughter. I want her to be confident, kind, patient, humble, generous, loving, and so many more things. And I am really starting to realize that the best way for her to learn these qualities is to see them in me.
There was also comfort in this realization though. Sometimes I freak out about all of the things I have to teach my daughter. Don't lie! Be yourself! Be kind to other people! But, as all of us know, children (and people in general) don't learn by being told - they learn by example. So to teach Lydia I simply have to model the qualities that I hope and pray she will have.
And I need to watch what I say - I don't put on make-up because I think I am not pretty! I put it on because it is fun, and I think it enhances my natural beauty :) Why do we automatically say silly things like that?
Thursday, January 31, 2013
I've just been thinking...
I usually don't do this - but today I am just going to type what I am thinking; share the thoughts that have been going through my mind. I used to do this more on the blog, before pregnancy updates and Seven Snapshots Sunday, and sometimes I miss it. And today I just really need to write. So, here it goes.
Something happened yesterday that made me feel really guilty about working. It was a day that made me realize how much I want to be with Lydia all the time - protecting her, holding her, playing with her and teaching her. And in the midst of mixed emotions, a priority re-evaluation and tough conversations I stumbled upon this article (via facebook) about What Not To Say to a Working Mom. I read it and nodded, and it led me to two other articles: one about Stay-At-Home Moms, and another about feminism. As I read the articles it hit me that I am not the only one who struggles with whether to stay home or to work - and it also hit me how ridiculous it is that any of us would declare either choice to be wrong.
It was so strange to be able to relate to the working mom and stay-at-home mom article as I feel that I really have the best of both worlds. I am grateful for my job and free child care, and I am also so thankful that I am only away from my girl until 12:30 each day. I love that I can put Lydia down for her nap and that I have time in between laundry, dishes and dinner to read her books and tickle her tummy. It is also nice to have an excuse to shower every day, to interact with independent, intelligent adults and to have a little extra money at the end of the month for a nice date night. Both sides have their advantages, and both have their challenges. And I truly do believe that it is ultimately up to each family to decide what will work best for them at any particular time.
Reading through these articles not only made me feel less alone, but it also gave me clarity on what we really need as a gender group. The feminism article really got my blood boiling, and I did not understand how one woman could say such harsh things toward other women. Especially when she is trying to protect the respect that we receive from men. Rather than saying who is right, or what decision makes you a worthy feminist I think that if we all just supported one another it would go a long way toward helping improve the view that men have of women. I really feel that all the moms I know are doing the best they can, and whether they are working or not they have the potential to impact the world in wonderful ways.
Yesterday when I was struggling with guilt and anger I knew just who to turn to. Another mommy, a good friend, and someone that I deeply respect. She stays at home full time, but I knew that I could talk to her without any judgement. She didn't say my guilt was justified because her choice was the right one - she told me I was a wonderful mom, and it was just what I needed.
Maybe we should all sing kumbaya together now??? Just kidding... but as corny as it sounds I really feel like I needed to put all this out there. I don't know if I will work this summer, or next semester. I don't know what I will do once we have more than one child. But I am not ready to make those decisions yet, and that is okay. I do know that I have people who will support me either way, and I think that is something that every mom out there needs.
Something happened yesterday that made me feel really guilty about working. It was a day that made me realize how much I want to be with Lydia all the time - protecting her, holding her, playing with her and teaching her. And in the midst of mixed emotions, a priority re-evaluation and tough conversations I stumbled upon this article (via facebook) about What Not To Say to a Working Mom. I read it and nodded, and it led me to two other articles: one about Stay-At-Home Moms, and another about feminism. As I read the articles it hit me that I am not the only one who struggles with whether to stay home or to work - and it also hit me how ridiculous it is that any of us would declare either choice to be wrong.
It was so strange to be able to relate to the working mom and stay-at-home mom article as I feel that I really have the best of both worlds. I am grateful for my job and free child care, and I am also so thankful that I am only away from my girl until 12:30 each day. I love that I can put Lydia down for her nap and that I have time in between laundry, dishes and dinner to read her books and tickle her tummy. It is also nice to have an excuse to shower every day, to interact with independent, intelligent adults and to have a little extra money at the end of the month for a nice date night. Both sides have their advantages, and both have their challenges. And I truly do believe that it is ultimately up to each family to decide what will work best for them at any particular time.
Reading through these articles not only made me feel less alone, but it also gave me clarity on what we really need as a gender group. The feminism article really got my blood boiling, and I did not understand how one woman could say such harsh things toward other women. Especially when she is trying to protect the respect that we receive from men. Rather than saying who is right, or what decision makes you a worthy feminist I think that if we all just supported one another it would go a long way toward helping improve the view that men have of women. I really feel that all the moms I know are doing the best they can, and whether they are working or not they have the potential to impact the world in wonderful ways.
Yesterday when I was struggling with guilt and anger I knew just who to turn to. Another mommy, a good friend, and someone that I deeply respect. She stays at home full time, but I knew that I could talk to her without any judgement. She didn't say my guilt was justified because her choice was the right one - she told me I was a wonderful mom, and it was just what I needed.
Maybe we should all sing kumbaya together now??? Just kidding... but as corny as it sounds I really feel like I needed to put all this out there. I don't know if I will work this summer, or next semester. I don't know what I will do once we have more than one child. But I am not ready to make those decisions yet, and that is okay. I do know that I have people who will support me either way, and I think that is something that every mom out there needs.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
First Birthday Pictures
I know, I know. Lydia is over 13 months old! But, better late than never.
My wonderful friend Melissa took these pictures, and she is so amazing. The thing that I love about her (other than that she is so sweet and super talented) is that I didn't even notice her taking pictures - then a couple weeks later she handed over a CD with over 100 awesome edited photos on it. I don't know how she got all the shots! But she did :) Here are some of my most favorite pictures of our girl's big day.
I was so crafty for Lydia's party - and it was a ton of fun! Here are homemade cupcakes with crafted toppers.
We had a snowflake themed party. Even though it was 60 degrees that day, it worked out well.
I also made Lydia's hair bow and tutu, and I got her a cute shirt from the Children's Place. She was so adorable!!
We had some very special guests at the party, including Aunt Jen and Gigi.
After some mingling, it was cupcake time!! She ate the whole thing.
Oh, and I also made her a birthday hat! But, this is how she felt when we tried to put it on...
After the chocolate cupcake it was time for presents! Lydia got so many toys, and lots of fun books.
And what birthday party would be complete without a wagon ride??
My wonderful friend Melissa took these pictures, and she is so amazing. The thing that I love about her (other than that she is so sweet and super talented) is that I didn't even notice her taking pictures - then a couple weeks later she handed over a CD with over 100 awesome edited photos on it. I don't know how she got all the shots! But she did :) Here are some of my most favorite pictures of our girl's big day.
We had some very special guests at the party, including Aunt Jen and Gigi.
After some mingling, it was cupcake time!! She ate the whole thing.
Oh, and I also made her a birthday hat! But, this is how she felt when we tried to put it on...
After the chocolate cupcake it was time for presents! Lydia got so many toys, and lots of fun books.
And what birthday party would be complete without a wagon ride??
Monday, January 21, 2013
13 months
I am currently making a photo book of 2012 and therefore looking back at lots of old pictures of our girl and our family. It is so much fun to remember all of the phases that we went through in 2012 and it makes me look forward to this year as well!
Looking back also makes me want to remember what is happening with Lydia right now. These days I have been taking pictures with my new iPhone instead of my camera, and because my computer is getting realllly old and slow (it is officially a "vintage" Mac now; we hope to get a new one with our tax refund!) it is more difficult to write updates and post new pictures. But I figured I could quickly jot down a few new things that Lydia has been doing lately.
She is still moving like crazy - her walk is sometimes accelerating to a little run, and she loves to climb anything she can. She also loves to dance!!
Her 5th tooth has shot through and another one may be on its way. Her hair is finally starting to get a little longer in the back and it is a dark blonde/auburn color. Her proportions look more toddler-like everyday, and although she hasn't grown out of 12 month clothes yet, she is still getting bigger.
This month Lydia's communication skills have developed like crazy. She now signs "more, please" and "thank you" without us asking her. She is trying to imitate words and sounds constantly - today she "moo"-ed with one of her books when a cow came up, and she has added the word "light" to her vocabulary. It is insane how much she understands. I can ask her to share a toy with a cousin, bring something to an aunt, put away a toy or throw something in the garbage and she understands it all (and listens!). She is very, very rarely grumpy and usually only cries if she is sleepy, or if she hurts herself.
Another huge development for Lydia has been her ability to play on her own. She enjoys sitting by herself and flipping through books, sorting shapes, or playing with her toy kitchen. At home she can entertain herself for up to an hour and it is so neat to see her develop intentionality, interest and an imagination.
Since I have gone back to work she has adjusted perfectly with babysitters. She loves spending time with her Nana, Gigi, and her Aunt Katie and she eats well for everyone and takes an hour nap no problem. She and I spend our afternoons together playing, taking walks, and resting (she takes another hour and half nap each afternoon). I think that Lydia misses her daddy during the day, but each evening they get to play and do bathtime together and I think she looks forward to it.
I am loving this phase of Lydia. She is so much easier than she was as an infant because I understand her needs and wants - and she is able to communicate better with me. Although certain aspects are more exhausting, in general she is just more content now that she is capable of more. It is incredible to me to watch her learn, and I am excited that we are entering a stage when I can morph a little more into teacher rather than solely caregiver.
In short, our baby girl is awesome - and so, so big! Our lives are pretty busy, but we are doing well. And honestly, anytime I get overwhelmed I think back to this time last year - when we were both finishing grad school with a newborn - and I quickly realize how good we have it now.
Looking back also makes me want to remember what is happening with Lydia right now. These days I have been taking pictures with my new iPhone instead of my camera, and because my computer is getting realllly old and slow (it is officially a "vintage" Mac now; we hope to get a new one with our tax refund!) it is more difficult to write updates and post new pictures. But I figured I could quickly jot down a few new things that Lydia has been doing lately.
She is still moving like crazy - her walk is sometimes accelerating to a little run, and she loves to climb anything she can. She also loves to dance!!
Her 5th tooth has shot through and another one may be on its way. Her hair is finally starting to get a little longer in the back and it is a dark blonde/auburn color. Her proportions look more toddler-like everyday, and although she hasn't grown out of 12 month clothes yet, she is still getting bigger.
This month Lydia's communication skills have developed like crazy. She now signs "more, please" and "thank you" without us asking her. She is trying to imitate words and sounds constantly - today she "moo"-ed with one of her books when a cow came up, and she has added the word "light" to her vocabulary. It is insane how much she understands. I can ask her to share a toy with a cousin, bring something to an aunt, put away a toy or throw something in the garbage and she understands it all (and listens!). She is very, very rarely grumpy and usually only cries if she is sleepy, or if she hurts herself.
Another huge development for Lydia has been her ability to play on her own. She enjoys sitting by herself and flipping through books, sorting shapes, or playing with her toy kitchen. At home she can entertain herself for up to an hour and it is so neat to see her develop intentionality, interest and an imagination.
Since I have gone back to work she has adjusted perfectly with babysitters. She loves spending time with her Nana, Gigi, and her Aunt Katie and she eats well for everyone and takes an hour nap no problem. She and I spend our afternoons together playing, taking walks, and resting (she takes another hour and half nap each afternoon). I think that Lydia misses her daddy during the day, but each evening they get to play and do bathtime together and I think she looks forward to it.
I am loving this phase of Lydia. She is so much easier than she was as an infant because I understand her needs and wants - and she is able to communicate better with me. Although certain aspects are more exhausting, in general she is just more content now that she is capable of more. It is incredible to me to watch her learn, and I am excited that we are entering a stage when I can morph a little more into teacher rather than solely caregiver.
In short, our baby girl is awesome - and so, so big! Our lives are pretty busy, but we are doing well. And honestly, anytime I get overwhelmed I think back to this time last year - when we were both finishing grad school with a newborn - and I quickly realize how good we have it now.
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