>homemade baby food (update)

>It’s been awhile since I’ve written about making baby food. But, I’ve been pureeing an making much more adventurous combinations for Hayden than I was ever brave enough to do with Hadley.

Well, let me be honest, I was much more cautious with Hadley with EVERYTHING (poor kid).

Anyway, so here are a couple of very loose recipes I blended up as of late in my (new) food processor (which, by the way, is Soooo much better than the blender):

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BROCCOLI, PEAS & PEARS:

Sounds disgusting, but a HUGE hit with Hayden and, believe it or not, Hadley.

You will need a small head of broccoli, two pears and 16 ounces (or a can) of cooked peas.

* First wash the broccoli and pears.

* Cut the tops off the broccoli, break into small pieces and place in microwave safe bowl.

* Peel the skins off the pears and slice into chunks. Place into the bowl with broccoli.

* Put water in bowl, about an inch swap.

* Cover bowl with plastic wrap, place in microwave for 7 minutes or until the contents are soft.

* When cooked, pour entire contents of bowl (including the water) into your blender or food processor. Add the peas and blend until desired consistency. You may need to add more water to achieve this.

That’s it!

GARBONZO BEANS & SWEET PEAS

This one is inspired by a recipe I read on http://www.DearBabyBlog.com . I didn’t use her recipe to a T, but what I did do Hayden was pleased with.

What you need: a can of garbonzo (chickpea) beans and a can of sweet peas. (Next round I will make from scratch), olive oil, salt, black pepper

* Drain liquid in both cans into sink.

* Put the beans and peas into blender or food processor. Add a little water, two tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt and a pinch of black pepper.

* Puree to desired consistency. Add more water, if needed.

Easy breezy!

STORAGE:

Now, I freeze baby food in covered ice cube trays. Once frozen, I place the cube in marked (kind and date) freezer bags and leave in the freezer until we need it. Then I can use the trays to freeze more food.

TO DEFROST:

* If you plan on using later in the day, put in a covered container and set out. This is great, also, if you are going somewhere with baby.

* If you plan on using immediately, gradually microwave. Start at 30 seconds, stir, add another 15 seconds. Use your judgement, taking care to not make hot – you don’t want to burn baby.

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What are some of your favorite recipes?

Happy pureeing!

Disclaimer: These techniques are what I use successfully, but I can not be held responsible for what others create. Use at own risk.

>hayden – eight months

>Dear Hayden, my love,

I can hardly believe you are eight months old. And just developing by the second. You were such a blob for such a long time. But not anymore. You reach, grab, roll, sit, (almost) crawl, bounce and so much more. You are a wiggly baby, to say the very least.

But one of the best parts about you is your personality. You are goofy and have an infectious laugh that makes all of us belly laugh. You mimic head shaking and sticking out your tongue. You enjoy watching Hadley be a silly two year old.

And among all this silliness, you have is incredibly sensitive and empathetic side. When Hadley is cries, you cry. You seem to know the moment someone needs you to nuzzle your head into their chest or lap, your way of hugging. It’s very sweet. And one of your best traits. I think you are an old soul and are already, in your very young age, very in tune to others.

Something that I find myself stopping in my tracks to pay attention to is the bond you and your sister have developed. I catch many secret giggles between the two of you. Hugging. Reaching. And holding hands. I’m in constant awe and feel so blessed to have two little girls that already love each other this way.

But I know the arguments and bickering will come as you both get older. Remember that no matter what you are sisters and will always be that way. Even when you think you hate each other.

Hayden, you are a beautiful little girl! I just can’t wait to see you develop more. I wonder what you will look like when you walk. What your little voice will sound like when you start forming words. If you will be girly, like your sister, or more of a Tom-boy. Whatever any of this is, I am so excited and blessed to have you in my life.

I love you to pieces!
Mama

— Post From My iPad (so please forgive typos)

>back in the saddle…

>Ok, so I’ve been on a bit of a hiatus. Sort of by accident. Lots going on. Sick kiddos. And a bit of writers block.

But tomorrow is Monday and I am back in the saddle!

And to kick off the end of my hiatus, I will be running a “hand-me-down” giveaway on a slightly used something that is as good as new. So be sure to check back to tomorrow!

— Post From My iPad (so please forgive typos)

>wordless wednesday: getting close

>Hayden is fast approaching the 8 month mark. And about to crawl.

Excuse the state of out living room. Tornado Hadley came through.

– Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

>the hardest thing

>One of the hardest thing I’ve found thus far in my adventures of motherhood is taking time for myself and not feeling guilty about it.  Truthfully, I rarely take time for myself because I don’t want to feel guilty. I’m really bad about it. It’s not good for me. Or my kids.

And it’s a strange thing to struggle with accomplishing. Really, who wouldn’t want a pedicure. And to see a grown up movie. Or go on an awesome shopping trip sans children.

But I struggle.

And I find myself bitter with my other half for being able to do it so easily. It’s not his fault. I shouldn’t be angry with him.

What do you struggle with in your adventures of motherhood?

>guest post: answer me this!

>

Today, Lori from A Day In Motherhood stopped by Minimal Mom to drop off her sentiments on a question I’ve been asking a lot lately: “WHYYYYYYYYY???” Lori is mama to three (3!) wee ones and is navigating her way through motherhood. Stop by her blog to read about her adventures. You can find her on Facebook and Twitter, too!

Answer Me This

Raising kids, I have discovered, comes with lots of questions.  Will she have blue or brown eyes, straight or curly hair, and will he have his father’s smile?  All good questions that eventually get answered.  

And then there are the questions that arise that I may never get an answer to.  The ones that cause me to tower over my children with my hands up, Mommy Dearest style and scream, “WHHHYYY????”

I have assembled the top 5 in my house, well aware that the top 5 in your house may vary distinctly.  

1)  Why, oh why, do you rub your eyes, tell me you are tired, curl up on my lap and fall half asleep, only to pop your head up, jump up like you had a gallon of coffee and go absolutely apes when your father walks in the door?  And then, after you have properly greeted him and taken any chance he has had to come in and unwind away, do you then fight going to bed for hours on end?  You were just tired!  GO TO BED!

2)  Why, my dear Sarah, do you insist, regardless of the fact that you have been potty trained for close to a year, on removing your clothes and peeing in the middle of my master bedroom?  On my new carpet.  You must have heard that we got a waterproof pad when we moved in and are testing the theory that it will not absorb your pee.  Note to you:  it absorbs the odor so STOP IT!

3)  Where are your ears?  I know you have them.   I counted two when each of you were born.  In fact, I think you all have my ears (yea God).  So, if you have them, why do you insist on not allowing information you clearly hear to be transmitted to your brains?  I know you speak english and can comprehend basic instructions.  At least, when other people tell you to do something, you do.  So, please, if you have not lost them at a friends house and they work, please USE THEM!

4)  Why must I help you with every single thing you do?  I bet, and I may be slightly optimistic because you are mine, but I bet that you can do that puzzle that you have done 783 times all by yourself by now.  And I am almost certain that you are perfectly capable of opening a cabinet and getting your own cup.  And I am fairly sure that you can walk across this house to your room without the luxury of my assistance.  I have faith in your abilities so please, LEAVE ME ALONE!

5)  And finally, my loves.  Why can’t you leave each other alone?  If you put a toy down 3 days ago and your sister wants to play with it, let her.  It is not still yours just because a professional finger printer can prove that you might have actually touched it at one point in your life.  If you are not happy with someone playing with something or touching something you have personally deemed as “mine”, come tell me in a civilized voice.  Do not pin your sister to the floor,  kicking and screaming in fear, causing me to run full speed ahead, trip over said toy, and land with a thud, splayed out like a blob of jelly for all to see.  It is not funny.  It isn’t.  Stop laughing.  I beg, with all of my mommy heart, please LEAVE EACH OTHER ALONE!

That is about it for now.  But if you talk to me in about a week, I bet I will have 5 more!

Lori Pace

Proud Author and Shameless Promoter of 

www.adayinmotherhood.com

>ten reasons I. LOVE. COFFEE.

>This mornings blog post is part of Mama Kat’s Writers Workshop. If you’d like to participate or check out other entries visit: http://www.mamakatslosinit.com

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Ten Reasons I. LOVE. COFFEE.
(in no particular order)

* Hayden frequently wakes before 7 a.m. Way before.

* Hadley frequently wakes before 7 a.m. Way before.

* I love flavored cream. Especially the Bavarian Chocolate Toffee flavor Jonathan brought home the other day. Soooooo not good for my waist line, but I love it.

* My Keurig.

* Hayden frequently wakes before 7 a.m. Way before.

* Hadley frequently wakes before 7 a.m. Way before.

* The ritual. Make coffee. Read email. Watch the news.

* I love sipping on coffee while spending time with friends. Especially when our kids are playing. Nicely. In a contained are.

(have I mentioned…)

* Hayden frequently wakes before 7 a.m. Way before.

* Hadley frequently wakes before 7 a.m. Way before.

(really, that’s why I love coffee)

>wordless wednesday: one of my favorite pictures

>Dear Readers,

I’ve  been a bad blogger lately and I sincerely apologize. I promise to ramp up in the coming days, including a big (business) announcement (no, I am not pregnant), a guest post and hopefully some more giveaways.

In the mean time, here is one of my favorite photos of Hadley (my mom took it) for Wordless Wednesday.

Enjoy,
Minimal Mom

>first snow

>Our first Minnesota snow. I thought we’d be edged into it, but we’ve gotten almost a foot.

Needless to say, we learned how to use our 4 wheel drive, bought a shovel, boots, gloves and hot cocoa.

– Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

>wordless wednesday: southwest airline’s happiest traveler

>

From our recent trip to Boston to visit family.