Our Bubbly Toes

A Yummy Start...

2012-02-15T20:42:00.002-05:00

I rarely have time to make a traditional breakfast but when I do, look out. I had some bananas that I had to use up and the boys were asking for pancakes. Barefoot Contessa to the rescue. I googled her pancake recipe and found banana sour cream pancakes. They were just as good as they sound. I will definitely make them again but in my quest to clean up my eating I'll try whole wheat flour and fat free sour cream. I managed to limit myself to two and they were worth every delicious bite.

Banana Sour Cream Pancakes: From Barefoot Contessa Family Style

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups flour
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1/2 cup sour cream
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon milk
2 extra-large eggs
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
Unsalted butter
2 ripe bananas, diced, plus extra for serving
Pure maple syrup

Directions

Sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ones, mixing only until combined.

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat until it bubbles. Ladle the pancake batter into the pan to make 3 or 4 pancakes. Distribute a rounded tablespoon of bananas on each pancake. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until bubbles appear on top and the underside is nicely browned. Flip the pancakes and then cook for another minute until browned. Wipe out the pan with a paper towel, add more butter to the pan, and continue cooking pancakes until all the batter is used. Serve with sliced bananas, butter and maple syrup.

Week 6

2012-02-10T22:44:00.004-05:00

My kid loves food, all food. If you put it in front of him, he will eat it. As someone who is currently sitting here writing this after sweating it out to Zumba, trying to take off extra weight, this is a double edged sword. Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled he is not a picky eater. There are just so many temptations out there and I'm a realist. I know I can't keep the crap away from him forever. All I can do is try to keep the healthy stuff in the house and in his belly. I'm great at doing this for him. For me, not so much.

I will say in the battle of the bulge things like Pinterest and My Fitness Pal are invaluable tools. They are giving me motivation, inspiration and recipes galore. I think its also time to get back into our CSA. Having a box of locally grown, organic produce delivered to the doorstep every week really gives me no excuses. I love the fact that we can take the Bug directly to the farm to pick all kinds of different things and he will actually understand how the food gets from the farm to his plate.

Lately, after launching a full on attack of a clean diet and regular exercise, I'm realizing more and more how different I feel when I eat well. Cutting out processed foods, upping the fruit and vegetables and drinking lots of water has me sleeping better, with fewer migraines and actually feeling lighter. It may be all in my head but the weight loss journey, at least for me, starts there. First goal: 10lbs. I've decided after each 10lbs I will reward myself with something. Maybe a massage, maybe a mani/pedi but it will be something I really want and something just for me. It is one more thing to keep me motivated...well, that and the sweet little face above watching my every move. I want to model a healthy life for him and I don't ever want him to worry about weight and health. I think that is one of the best gifts I can give.

Week 5

2012-02-03T22:22:00.002-05:00

This weekend was a bit of a fail for us. Jack and I both had an awful cold. Why the hubs and I thought this would be the weekend to try and take him to one of the Smithsonians is beyond me. He loves airplanes so in my delusional mind I thought he'd be thrilled to walk around and see airplanes all over the place. Yeah, not so much. He really liked sitting in all the chairs around the exhibits though.

We have hit the full on tantrum stage and oh man...I had no idea what I was in for. I know I shouldn't care when other people are staring at us and giving me "the look" but jeez. I can feel my face turning red, getting hot and the embarrassment creeping up. It was especially fun when we had to carry Jack kicking and screaming out of the museum because he couldn't climb into the Space Shuttle.

I'll give him a pass on this one because of the cold. Really, I need to learn to give myself a pass as well. Tantrums are going to happen, people are going to stare. In the grand scheme of things, its all how I handle it. That part may need a little work but hey...as a wise mama friend once said "toddlers are jerks." Yes, yes they are. Good thing they are also some of the sweetest, most loveable little stinkers on the planet. At least, mine sure is.

Week 4

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

I always knew Mr. Toes would be a good father. He has an infinite amount of patience, a ironman gag reflex and is a sleep camel. I mean the man can function seamlessly on three hours of sleep for weeks at a time. He is a total freak of nature.

The thing is, he gets it. He sees that little face looking up at him all half-toothed smiles and trusting eyes and he gets it. He will always be that little boy's number one fan. I hope that one day the Bug realizes just how lucky he is.

Winter snapshot

2012-01-23T22:37:00.000-05:00

Yes, I love warm days in the sun playing with the Bug but a snowy day is, and will always be, my favorite. There is something so comforting to me about being warm and snuggled up inside, watching the world go quiet and blanket-y white outside. Since I am basically a hermit who hates leaving the couch, a snowstorm is the perfect excuse for me to be a sloth, guilt free. We haven't had any real snow this winter but I'm still hoping we're going to get at least one good storm. The kind that lets us snuggle under the covers, play outside making snow angels, sledding down the hill in the backyard and ends with giant bowls of beef stew and mugs of hot chocolate.

Seriously, who am I kidding? It would more likely be us outside for 10 minutes with the Bug's nose running, him whining, the Hubs bitching about cleaning off cars and spreading salt and me chasing everyone with a camera cursing under my breath with clenched teeth saying "I just want ONE good picture. Is that too much to ask?" I still have a few months to go until my snow prospects dry up for the season. Until then I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for another snowmageddon. Here's hoping.

Week 3

2012-01-22T22:17:00.001-05:00

When I think about what Jack will be like in the future I always come back to the same thing again and again. I want him to be happy. Isn't that the same cliched thing that every parent says? The thing is, I think every parent has their own definition of happy. To some it's the MD and the BMW, to others it's the wife and 3 perfect kids. I don't dream those things for him. They aren't mine to dream. I want him to pursue the things that fill his heart and feed his soul. I want him to understand that kindness, responsibility and hard work will get him almost anywhere he wants to go in this world. The other little piece, the piece we all had as kids and lose somewhere along the way, is imagination. He has it in leaps and bounds. He "cooks" with me in the kitchen and has me taste his gourmet creations. He reads stories to himself, jibber-jabbering the entire time without being able to understand a word on the page. He lines his toys up in the tub and creates an entire world for them full of bubbles and 1 year old play.

I don't know where we lose the creativity and imagination along the way. I think a lot of people spend most of their adult life trying to recapture it. I hope that my sweet little Bug never has to start that search because it is with him all along. I can't think of a bigger dream for him. That, to me, and I hope for him too, is happy.

Groceries and goodies

2012-01-20T14:21:00.001-05:00

Recently some friends and I were having a conversation about budgets and grocery shopping. See, my life is full of all kinds of excitement and razzle dazzle. Anyway, I mentioned that I try to keep my budget to $100 a week. That includes 6 dinners since we usually eat out once a week as well as breakfast and lunch each day. In the interest of full disclosure I will say that the Bug generally eats breakfast and lunch at daycare the three days a week that he is there.

I try to cook from scratch and not use the pre-packaged stuff. I also like to incorporate as many fresh fruit and veggies as I can. I'd love to go all organic but unfortunately, that is too cost prohibitive for us. Pinterest has been a fantastic resource for meal ideas. My last Pinterest recipe was enchiladas and with a few tweaks, it turned out great.

I just got back from this week's shopping trip and figured I post what I bought and what I spent. I'm still working on my meal ideas. I'll get those up soon.

I do 90% of our shopping at Wegmans. It is my favorite grocery store. It is meticulously clean, the selection is fantastic and the prices are generally lower then any other store in the area. Can you tell I love them? Their store brand is also really good and I usually buy it when it is available.

This week I spent $62.96 and I got: three types of cheese cheddar & muenster for grilled cheese sandwiches and fresh mozzarella for pasta. 1/2 gallon of organic milk, half and half, organic waffles, steamer bags, beer, butternut squash, strawberries, marshmallows (for hot cocoa), red grapes, bananas, raspberries, onions, red pears, pineapple, salmon filets and coffee filters.

Obviously I can't make meals out of what I bought but I do have a full freezer, fridge and pantry.

I'll probably make one more stop this week at Trader Joes for a few more odds and ends. I can always some find serious yumminess there. Especially with the help of my friend Rach over at In My Life I Love You More. She is a fantastic cook and has an eye for all kinds of goodies.

I'd love to be able to cut the budget even more but until the Bug is out of diapers, I don't see it happening. For now, it works, and I am very grateful that I have access to so many great places to shop. All bets are off once my little guy gets bigger and starts eating me out of house and home. Can't wait for that.

Week 2

2012-01-13T23:20:00.001-05:00

A new year

2012-01-11T23:17:00.000-05:00

Each year I make the same New Year's resolutions as everyone else. They usually involve me swearing off carbs, sugar and caffeine (stupid, stupid) and vowing to put in my Billy Blanks Tae Bo VHS tape from 1997. After day 3 of me wanting to kick Billy Blanks in the nuts while sitting on the couch and eating a fun size Milky Way, I come to my senses and flip to the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and forget all about the resolution craziness.

This year, I'm trying something different. I actually sat down and spent some time really evaluating the things I want to change and focus on this year. I want to focus on the positive, not just flaws. It's not just about putting down the fun size Milky Way but instead trying to bring better energy into my life. I've always struggled with being a cup half empty kind of girl and frankly, it is exhausting. So, I'm going to work on things because life really isn't just about me anymore. I want to give something back and start working on a new outlook so, I'm jumping into the deep end. Here we go...

2012 Goals

1. Stop worrying so much what people think of me.
2. Take pictures every week
3. Start a blog (look at that. Already able to check one off)
4. Not be so tightly wound and actually stop to take time each day to laugh with my family
5. Say thank you everyday for the many blessings in my life
6. Work on my photography and learn all the ins and outs of my camera
7. Try to be a more patient mom
8. Do a new educational/interactive activity with Jack each week

9. Take better care of myself physically and emotionally
10. Volunteer
11. Be more frugal
13. Possibly expand our family

14. Buy a house
14. Find joy in the little things

Cheers to 2012!

Week 1

2012-01-06T10:18:00.001-05:00

It's week one of my Project 52 and I'm really excited to get started. I've thought a lot about a theme and I've decided I'm going to use a different quote each week to really try and remember what is important. I think it is way too easy, especially for me, to get caught up in the day to day and forget to stop, really stop, and enjoy the beauty in this life.

That little face is my biggest joy. He is the beauty I see each day and I hope that one day he sees this and knows just how much that sweet smile has changed me. My hope with this blog is that I can chronicle some of our adventures and take a mini-snapshot of our lives, one that can be shared and passed on.

Here's to celebrating the little things.

Dear Jack

2011-09-02T22:49:00.000-04:00

Dear Jack,

It's your birthday, your very first, and I'm thinking of the first time we met. A million things were running through my head that day. I was so ready to see this little person that I had dreamed of, stressed over and prayed for. The doctor held you up, over that blue drape all pink and angry and said "here is your son" and that moment changed me forever. The shift was palpable and I finally understood what people mean when they say "Making the decision to have a child -- it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."

The first time we met.

Me and you, well, it was love at first sight. You loved to be swaddled tight, snuggled and held. Daddy was always better at the swaddling but me, I loved the snuggling. Now you are so busy, always on the move and I have to snatch you up to stop for just a minute for a hug and kiss. There is nothing better then your drooly, open mouthed little kisses and when you decide to give one, by God you mean it. You are like your Daddy in so many ways; shy, analytical, determined, sweet, happy and wanting to please. I can see myself in you too, especially when your stubborn streak rears its ugly head. People comment all the time that you are a perfect mix of Daddy and me, in personality and looks. I love that.

Always smiling

This year has been, without a doubt, the best of my life. You have brought the most indescribable joy to my heart and I can finally say I understand what it means to love someone unconditionally. I watch you learning more and more about the world everyday and I am in awe. You have a pure heart and find joy in the small things. I pray that people appreciate how sweet and good-natured you are and that you always see the world as one big adventure. One of my biggest fears is that I won't be worthy of the love and trust that you give so freely. I am acutely aware of the enormity of motherhood and am trying desperately to not screw it up. So, my love, I promise I will always stop to read you a story. I will listen to you, really listen, when you talk. I will make a big deal over milestones, birthdays and holidays. I will be patient with messes, tantrums and difficult stages. I will take you outside and show you how to throw a perfect spiral. I will help you catch and release fireflies. I will hang your artwork on the fridge. I will tuck you in bed every night with a story, a snuggle and a kiss. I will hold your hand when you need it and try to let go when you don't. I will eat popsicles with you on the front porch while the sun goes down. I will discipline you with love and patience, not out of anger. I will take you out of school every once and a while and let you choose what we do. I will ensure you have the best education possible. I will dry your tears over skinned knees, hurt feelings and broken hearts. I will love your father completely and do my best to show you both a happy marriage. Above all, I will love you with my whole heart and try to be the best mama I can. You deserve nothing less.

I love you my sweet boy,

Mama

Look who is 1!

Birthday cake for the birthday boy

Love this smile

and so it starts....

2011-07-20T21:16:00.000-04:00

My very own piece of the internet. I've wanted to start a blog for a long time but let's face it, I'm kinda lazy. Now that Little Bug is getting ready to turn one it feels like time is moving way too fast. I want to have a spot where I can remember all the little things about our growing family, the day to day things that I'd never remember otherwise. This is my love letter to both Little Bug and Mr. Toes. My place to remember, reflect and just be.