I have been waiting impatiently for my daughter to start holding conversations. I envisioned long serious conversations like what hairstyle should she give the cat, or what goes better in pancakes, chocolate or blueberries. The days are finally getting here but still coming very slowly. So when little Miss Mia was battling a nasty virus/ear infection this past week and had not said a single word to me in days, it didn’t phase me. What did cause me to take a long bath with a martini was what happened when The Husband walked in the door from work.

words of mia… the first conversation

Mia’s on the couch covered in blankets with a dismal look on her face like someone just told her that Elmo is not a red furry monster after all but a piece of fabric with a stick up it’s rear.

Tim walks in the door from work.

Mia: Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Hi Daddy! How are you doing Daddy? Oh Daddy!

Tim: I’m fine Mia. How are you?

Mia: I’m good too Daddy! Hi Daddy! Oh Daddy! I love you Daddy!

Tim: I love you too Mia.

Mia: Oh Daddy (gives him a hug) I’m happy to see you Daddy!

Tim: Well, thanks Mia. I love you too! (as his hart melts on the floor and mine tightens as I think about all of the diapers I’ve changed today and the numerous t-shirt changes I’ve had over the past 12 hours from children’s Tylenol spilling down my shirt…and still not one word from the gorgeous child)

Mia: Here’s Elmo. He’s red. la la la la. Ha Ha, Mia’s funny. I love you Daddy.

Seriously, this goes on for 15 min.

Tim: I’m going to make a quick run to the store to pick up some wine for dinner. Do you need anything?

Me: No…No  thank you. (grrrrrr)

Tim: Do you want to go Mia?

Mia: Yea Yea Yea Yea! Oh daddy! I love you. I go bye bye in Daddy’s truck! …… See you later, Mommy.

end.

Uh hu…. You would think I had been torturing her for days! It’s not like I gave you the ear infection! For the love of everything, child… Deep breaths. Now a couple of Days later after seven days of 104 fevers she is bright eyed and healthy again. As for me, I am telling you this as I pop a couple of Ibuprofen, sip some chicken soup and try to find the keyboard through the mountain of Kleenex.

Although her birth was fairly expected but her delivery was like a mad dog cyclone, she fell into our lives and changed everything. Everything I ever new about being me. The easy going, stubborn, carefree, thick skinned, and no-need for plans or a purse me. Our days in the NICU and PICU don’t count for what I’m about to say because that was a different world. A world where things were stagnant in the sense of structure and is now in the past. No, I’m talking about the days after. Today and tomorrow. The days of my new changed life as a mother. From the old days of design team meetings and following Tim from gig to gig to the today of spilled milk and stinky diapers.

I’m not going to go on and on about motherhood and the changes we all face because frankly I’m tired and need to take advantage of this moment of “me time” to shave my legs and drink a beer. So, I will leave you with this. A list of things I never thought I’d say. A list that if you knew me before describes the change. A list we can all probably relate to.

i never thought i’d say….

• No worries, I can multi-task.
• I need to go shopping. I need….gasp…a big mom purse.
• Where, for the love of everything holy, is that smell coming from?!
• STOP! I need to cut the crusts off!
• Watch this! It’s freakin’ hilarious!
• Get my slipper out of your mouth!
• How long has that bottle been in the car and why is it green?
• We can’t leave the house until we have a plan, a baby bag and don’t forget the economy size hand sanitizer.
• If we hurry we can still catch Peppa Pig.
• I like the paisley one.
• No, really where is it coming from?
• I wish Murray was real.
• Awe…that’s so cute!
• Don’t worry that’s just spilled food….I think?
• This is my new favorite commercial.
• I want a blog.

Now for that beer. Good night.

So, what did you never think you’d say?

If I wouldn’t have known her as the sweet loving angel that she is, I would think my daughter is an evil genius. She is only 19 months old and when you take her prematurity into account she is more like a 15 month old in development (quickly catching up mind you). But there are times that I think she has tricks up her sleeve. I’m convinced she pulls out The Art of War from underneath her teddy bear at night and studies strategy while we are all sleeping.

Case in point, the other day right before bath time she was insistent on playing with my phone. I tried helplessly to hide it but she kept finding it. After continuously taking it away from her I put it in my pocket not to come out until she was sleeping. And to my surprise she gave up easily and just gave me one long drawn out “look.” You know the look I’m talking about. The one that says, “I’m remembering this and it’s gonna come back to kick you in your big ol mamma butt.”

This was taken when she was around a year old, but you get the picture. She’s got it down to an art.

And sure enough it did. After a nice long bath I wrapped her up in a towel and the doorbell rings. Of course it’s a salesmen. As I’m telling him to leave it happens. The unmistakable feeling of a warm stream suddenly flowing from my left hip down my leg and creating a puddle on the floor. I turned to look at the culprit siting on my hip and there it was again, the “look.” And this time it carried a slight satisfied smile.

I love her for with every bit of my soul and she’s the most amazing thing in my life (along with my husband of course). 99.9% of the time she is happy and hardly ever throws a fit. She’s adorable even when cunning and her intensity makes you wonder when exactly she plans to take over the world. Now, at 19 months I can’t imagine she did it on purpose but there’s a hesitation in the back of my mind that she just might be an incarnation of Joan of Arc with a little bit of Attila the Hun thrown in. Watch out world.

Forgive me for not being at my bloggy best this week. I am currently trapped in the dreaded mom purgatory of the sick child. My days are full thermometers; my brand new hair cut is demolished by sticky syrupy cherry flavored baby meds; my entire wardrobe stained with Pedialite (and well you can imagine what else it’s coming from both ends); and my sanity is forever lost. Don’t get me wrong, there is no other place I’d rather be than right here beside her when she’s sick! It’s just a bit of a stressful and sticky situation. You know how it is. We drop everything for our children when they are sick. And we would do anything even sacrifice exploiting the contents of our purses to the doctor’s office waiting room just to bring five minutes of joy to our ailing children.

Mia’s had a fever for a week now. It started as a low-grade fever that lasted for days (which I thought was a teething fever) and now has progressed into a very high and dangerous level. We are off to the doctor again this morning for more testing. I hate to see her sick and it just breaks my heart. My husband is a worried mess and so am I but I think as a mom I just don’t show it. Is it just in our genes that we can handle these things better or does it come with the whole birthing process like breast milk. “By the way Mrs. Steele, once your placenta is delivered then your milk should come in and oh yeah here is your coat of armor. Have fun.”

Here’s to all of the grape or cherry flavored medicine covered mammas out there. May your children’s sick days end fast and greet you with a glass of wine and a foot rub at night. I’ll be back soon hopefully with clean hair and a fresh shirt.

This is a good viewing of what today is going to be like:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH6n-1anfxo&hl=en_US&fs=1&]

Wonder Pets Wonder Pets were on our way….

Wonder Pets Wonder Pets were on our way….

Wonder Pets Wonder Pets were on our way….

Wonder Pets Wonder Pets were on our way….

Wonder Pets Wonder Pets were on our way…

For my daughter’s one year birthday my mom, god bless her, gave my daughter a inconspicuous looking toy. Not just any inconspicuous looking toy but a Wonder Pets toy. Six months later, I have come to find that this toy is not so innocent. It is truly designed to drive parents into a manic state, hitting their heads against the wall while repeating the Wonder Pets mantra. This is what I have been doing today if you haven’t picked that up already.

I can’t take it away from her because she is teething and it is the only thing that is keeping her from chewing on every book and I’m running out of granita. So, I’m stuck here today trying not to call the state hospital requesting a voluntary stay.

This toy’s only function is to play the theme song over and over and over again. I’m convinced it’s a conspiracy put on by the Chinese so we become completely annoyed with the Wonder Pets. So much in fact that we force our kids to watch Ni Hao Kai-lan, learn the Chinese language and become a Chinese dominated world. Yes. That has to be it.

By the way, Mom I know you don’t hate me.

an easy, no fuss, no oil green chicken curry

The little one is crawling all around the house today and if she was able to run there would definitely be scissors in her hand. It’s that kind of day and of course it’s raining. So, there is no relief in the form of a wide open range today full of dirt, leaves and worms for her to discover. That was yesterday and thankfully she did not get into too much trouble while I planted this season’s herb garden. {quick side brag: Mia stood on her own for a full ten seconds while discovering what a piece of bark tasted like. She didn’t know that I was watching. I think that’s why she did it because I sure can’t get her to stand while I’m in the room!}

*Food snob alert!* I’m not much of a crock pot kind of person, although I find myself using them more often since the baby came around. I like to get my hands in the food and really experience creating a dish from start to end. It’s like painting, which is something I’ve practically given up becuase of time restraints. Every stroke of the brush is different and takes it’s own technique and has it’s own purpose but in the end all of the strokes create one vission. This is why I love cooking and rarely use a crock pot, or slow cooker. I do agree that it saves time but it just takes all of the fun and excitement out of it. Just my opinion. Please don’t send angry crock pot mail!

Today is different and like most of you parents out there understand the days when you are needed every second. So, what’s going to be thrown in the crock pot tonight? Green Chicken Curry. Fast, simple, throw it in the pot and your off to go play in the dirt or if your at our house today play endless games of hide-and-go seek.

Green Chicken Curry serves 4

• 3 chicken breasts, cubed (today I used frozen and before I served I cubed the meat and returned it back to the pot)
• 1 can (14 oz) good quality coconut milk**
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• zest of 1 lime
• 2 tsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tsp of fish sauce, found in the international asile at the grocery store
• 1 small onion, chopped in large cubes
• 2 Tbs Green Curry Paste, found in the international asile at the grocery store
• 3 carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 1/4 cup cilantro, diced
• fresh basil for garnish, preferably Thai
• 4 lime wedges

Place first 8 ingredients in crock pot on high for 4 hours or on low for eight hours. 30 minutes before finish time, add the carrots. When finished, add cilantro and stir. Serve on top of 1/2 cup of cooked jasmine rice (brown or white works well too). Add a basil leaf or two and a lime wedge.

I’m not a curry expert but I think this is a great meal for a crock pot and all…

**Currently watching those love handles like me? Use coconut water in place of coconut milk. If coconut water is used, add 1 Tablespoon of cornstartch mixed with 1/4 cup of 2% milk when you add the carrots (30 minutes before finish time) and stir.

It’s oatmeal time again. We were out for a while. It was tough, real tough but I got a chance to make a couple weeks worth and now we have a happy baby. Here’s an updated take on the first stage 1 oatmeal recipe post: oatmeal is everywhere.

This recipe makes 2 large adult servings or 1 ice-cube tray (for storing) and a little left over for baby. We’re making it this morning to get Tim fueled up for his upcoming race this weekend in Ft.Woth.

Note: pears, apples, cherries, and raisins are all on the “dirty dozen” list of produce to by organic. If possible try to get these items organically. Also, as with any new baby food recipe make sure baby is used to all ingredients before serving.

Pear Apple and Cherry Oatmeal {for baby stage 2 + and everyone}

• 2 cups water
• 2/3 cup oatmeal, not instant
• 1 pear, organic if possible, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1 apple, organic if possible, peeled, cored and cubed
• 1/3 cup dried cherries, chopped, organic if possible
• 1/4 cup golden raisins, choped, organic if possible
• 2 Tbs brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon* some babies are known to have a sensitivity towards cinnamon, read this WholesomeBabyFood.com “Spices and Herbs” article for more information

In a pot bring the water to a boil and add the rest of the ingredients listed. Simmer on medium low for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pears and apples are tender.

You can either serve now or puree in a food processor or blender. Add more water if needed.

If making this strictly for baby you will have plenty of left over. Pour into an ice-cube tray. Cover with plastic wrap or ice-cube tray cover. Place in freezer and when frozen remove from trays. Store in freezer bags. Each cube is 1 ounce. Will store in freezer for 3 months or in the refrigerator for 3 days.

Mia is now 15 months and still loves this recipe! If you are like us and the doctor’s orders are to add a little more chub to those baby cheeks (b/c of Mia’s prematurity), this is a great vehicle for a little extra whole milk or butter!

Now I must get off the computer and in the car. It’s time for another marathon weekend. It’s funny how when my husband and I first were together and in the early days of our marriage, weekends were full of music gigs and musicians. Now it’s full of races and sweaty runners! This time we’re off to The Cowtown Marathon and in the spirit of things I will leave you with a couple of photos of races from the past. If your interested (I know it’s peeking your curiosity, right?) I’ll tweet with updates. So, follow along on twitter or check the side bar on here. Have a good weekend everyone!

Left: honestly, I can’t remember what race this is from but I love how he’s always smiling before a run. Right:White Rock Marathon in Dallas, TX

Left: Jingle Bell Run. He ran it injured, in a tux and still placed 3rd in age division! Like I said crazy. Right: Hills and Heels 1/2 marathon.

The title says it all. There’s no need for explanation. It’s every kids dream meal. Cheesy goodness with a little something green snuck in. Made in small portions, this is an easy bite size meal or snack.

Mac’n Cheese {for baby, toddler, oh who am I kidding? For everyone.}

• 3 Tbs butter
• 3 Tbs flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cup white cheddar, grated
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated (1/4 c will be used in sauce and 1/4 c for the topping)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp white pepper
• 4 cups cooked elbow pasta
• 3 heads or close to half a pound of broccoli, cooked, chopped and stems discarded (I steam mine in the microwave in a bowl with a little water for 5 min. You can also put it in with the pasta when it is cooking.)
• 1/3 cup bread crumbs

Pre heat oven to 400°.

In a medium to large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until flour is cooked about 2 minutes.

Add milk and whisk. If you have a second warm the milk in the microwave for a minute before adding it to the flour/butter mixture. This will help with any lumps but if the kids are running around, the phone is ringing and the dog is chewing on the baby toy then don’t worry about it and do a little extra whisking. Bring to a slight boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and add the cheddar, 1/4 cup of parmesan, salt, and pepper. Once melted and smooth, turn off heat.

Add pasta and broccoli. Stir until combined. Taste and add any extra salt or pepper if needed.

Add small spoonfuls into greased mini-muffin pans.

Combine the breadcrumbs and remaining parmesan cheese in a bowl and stir. Sprinkle a small amount over each cup in the pan. Place in oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are golden. Allow to cool and then remove carefully. Makes 2 mini muffin pans, or 48 mini-muffin size portions. Of course, you can do what I did and make 1 pan of 24 and eat the rest for dinner. Totally cancelling out this mornings workout. Adding in the glass of wine I’m drinking now and well, I’m hopeless.

This is a quick re-heat meal or snack. Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for a month. To reheat, place a damp paper towel over the mac n’ cheese an place in microwave.

Tip: Add 1/3 cup of shredded cooked chicken or use peas instead of broccoli.

I think she likes it.

As the name suggests, this is a quick and healthy breakfast for baby. Mia of course loves it and devours it every time. Why else would I make it so much? This recipe is one for the older baby who is ready for more texture and finger food. For a smoother veggie and egg breakfast for the younger baby check out “Butternut Squash and Egg Breakfast.” Hopefully, you can use this as a starting point for your own egg recipes. Add different veggies, cheeses and whatever you can come up with that your baby can handle! Enjoy!

Eggs are an excellent source of protein,  vitamin A, D, E, B12, choline, and folic acid!

Please note that it is suggested that babies should be given only egg yolks starting at the age of 8 months, if not allergic, and the entire egg, including the whites, at 12 months. As always make sure that baby has been previously introduced to all ingredients in this recipe to rule out any allergies.

Quick Veggie and Egg Scramble {for baby stage 3+}

• 1 whole egg (baby age: 12 months) or egg yolk (baby age: 8 months)
• 1 Tbs whole milk, or formula / breast milk if baby is not ready for milk
• 1/2 Tbs butter or 1 tsp of olive oil
• 1 Tbs diced onion
• 1 Tbs diced or shredded zucchini
• 1 Tbs shredded carrot
• 1 Tbs diced tomato
• 2 Tbs marina or tomato sauce, low sodium if possible

Crack egg or egg yolk in a bowl. Discard shell. Add milk and beat with a fork until scrambled. Set aside.

Over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onion, zucchini, and carrot. Saute until soft. About 5 minutes. Add tomato and sauté one minute more.

Next, add egg and saute until soft and cooked. Turn heat off and add tomato sauce.

Allow to cool before serving. Leftovers can be refrigerated in an air tight container for up to 3 days.

Yummmmmmm!