Girly things

I'm averaging about one post a month. My friend in Hawaii who got me to blog hasn't in a year. Patria, if you are reading this, post something - I miss you! When I'm not feeling tired and spacing out, I am excited for the days as they come. As for being tired, like most babies I think, Max goes in and out of being a solid sleeper at night. The past couple weeks I've been up a lot and even though my memory is hazy, I know I'm not getting the good sleep I want (last night was good). I'm definitely not able to watch any of the good shows I keep hearing about past their bedtime (for sure no movies) or spend much time chatting with hubby. After I put Max down, then I do my part in saying goodnight to Maggie which involves maybe a book but singing songs softly in the dark. 95% of the time I'm waking up a few hours later to move to my bed and then there are a few more wakings before morning. I'm not complaining though, just sharing, because I know this is a sweet time that is probably my last, as all of these phases will probably be my last since Max is probably our last, and I know that the phases don't last long. Days and months yes, years no.

A friend shared a great article with me on modern mommyhood. I enjoyed it.

Max has gone from walking around assisted to standing unassisted, then dropping down when his little legs get tired. He likes to push things across the floor, like their little Ikea chair. It's pretty cute to see him go. As long as you point him in the right direction, he keeps on walking. He has entered the stage where he freaks a little if I leave his side. He says "mamamama..." when he's tired and crawling after me wanting to be held and "dada!" when hubby walks into view. He likes to put his hand up to people's faces to say hi (right when you think he's going to grab your eyeballs) and he likes to pull on Maggie's curly hair. Seeing Maggie and Max together is awesome, they've already developed a special bond.

One of my ideas for this year with Maggie was to switch her from gymnastics to dance. She seems to have a love of singing/dance/performing so I thought this would be a step in that direction. Plus side for the parents and grandparents: we get to watch her through the magic window at dance class. I can't wait for the recital! The other bonus is seeing your 3-year old done up in a leotard, leggings, ballet skirt, ballet shoes or tap shoes, and hair in a bun. Never imagined it, but I'm loving this period of being the mom of such a little dancer.

Happy foggy (where is the sun?) Saturday!



Seeing clearly

I'm happy that 2013 is here. I'm feeling refreshed and I like the number 3. I turned 33 a few months ago and with our two kids in tow, we're on a roll. This year I won't be pregnant or living in the trenches of one of our baby's first year. I don't make new year's resolutions because those just seem silly but I do hope to get in some more exercise and reverse some of these wrinkles I'm seeing. I also am going to develop more quality time with hubby and just have more fun, some of that was in short supply last year.

This year I am going to take a trip (or maybe four). I'd love to go back to Hawaii, but I also want to take the kids to Monterey and I know we'll be visiting Aptos, and hopefully Oregon and Cayucos.

I also want to read more which means I need to stay up after the kids go to bed. Hmm...

Our holiday vacation was full of long days but then it was over in an instant. I got a lot of things cleaned out ("spring" cleaning), and I rarely went outside. Too cold. We spent lots of family time together. I cooked new recipes and a really yummy, moist turkey on New Year's Eve. Maggie fell asleep on my chest that night shortly after I told her she could stay up. I think she was holiday'd out and it was just really sweet to have my baby girl peacefully sleeping on my chest. We went on a NYE daytime date to see this movie. Billy Crystal had us cracking up. We saw the snow but didn't make it past the parking lot (our plan was to snowshoe with the kids and friends). It was a challenging 24 hours but I'm still glad we went. Trying times (or ones that don't live up to your expectations) seem to make the best laughable stories and memories!

{More good recipes to share}

Really awesome chocolate chip cookies - the dry ingredients were gifted to us at Christmas. I let the batter chill for 36 hours.

Comfort food one-pot pasta meal with bacon and butternut squash - I used what I had on hand, so instead of shallots I used leeks and white onion and instead of provolone I used cheddar. I didn't use rosemary because I was too lazy to go outside and clip it and I didn't think I'd miss it.

Leftover turkey pot pie - I have been making this for a long time, I think I clipped the recipe in college (the one linked is similar). This time, I used turkey of course, frozen peas and white corn, fresh carrots and onion, herbs de provence, leftover turkey gravy mixed with country gravy to give it creaminess and water to get the right consistency.