Today is the last day of NaBloPoMo. While I hope to continue posting often, posting everyday is a challenge. Thanks for reading and follow me if you want to continue reading stories like the following;
Luca slept well overnight but woke up with a horrific cold - but we had to expect that since she started with that croupy cough yesterday.
I made oatmeal for breakfast and took it, along with my coffee into the toy room. Luca is clingy today so I sat on the floor and put on an Elmo dvd for her. I turned around and she was dumping spoonfuls of oatmeal into my coffee, then taking the spoon back out and licking it.
Off to make a new cup of coffee. Luckily I was mostly finished with the oatmeal.
Showing posts with label NaBloPoMo 2012. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NaBloPoMo 2012. Show all posts
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Day 29: Croup, again
My sweet girl was up a couple times overnight needing some snuggling in order to sleep. I was suspicious that maybe she was getting sick because she does not normally wake overnight. Then in the wee hours this morning I heard her coughing while sleeping.
We woke up to her cough sounding croupy...again. We made a trip to her pediatrician's office this morning to get on top of this so we do not end up in the ER again. This round of croup has not brought a fever with it like last time...but her poor voice sounds so mechanical it is pitiful.
I did not want her napping alone so I brought her into our bed to lay down. If you know Luca at all, you know she only sleeps in her bed and that all attempts to have her sleep with us have failed (we do not want her sleeping with us, but it would make sick nights a bit easier to have her in our bed). I guess she was feeling pretty crappy because after a little bit, I looked down and found this...
I gently moved her to the middle of our bed and watched her chest rise and fall. There is something about watching your child sleep that brings such joy. It is often in those quiet moments that I am overwhelmed with gratitude and my heart swells with love. It was so peaceful watching her today that I dozed off for a little bit with her.
Hopefully this round of croup passes quickly. In the meantime, I am enjoying these cuddly moments with my baby.
We woke up to her cough sounding croupy...again. We made a trip to her pediatrician's office this morning to get on top of this so we do not end up in the ER again. This round of croup has not brought a fever with it like last time...but her poor voice sounds so mechanical it is pitiful.
I did not want her napping alone so I brought her into our bed to lay down. If you know Luca at all, you know she only sleeps in her bed and that all attempts to have her sleep with us have failed (we do not want her sleeping with us, but it would make sick nights a bit easier to have her in our bed). I guess she was feeling pretty crappy because after a little bit, I looked down and found this...
I gently moved her to the middle of our bed and watched her chest rise and fall. There is something about watching your child sleep that brings such joy. It is often in those quiet moments that I am overwhelmed with gratitude and my heart swells with love. It was so peaceful watching her today that I dozed off for a little bit with her.
Hopefully this round of croup passes quickly. In the meantime, I am enjoying these cuddly moments with my baby.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Day 28: Letting go
After my crazy Monday, I felt the need to take a breather and focus on Luca for a couple days. I know this time at home with her is precious and I will long for these days together when she is older. There will be more exhausting days like Monday, but those days are all a part of parenting. After a day like that, I decided to step away from the computer and email and just appreciate my time with her.
I realized that she is acting out and is more whiny on the days that she has no outside stimulation from other people or kids. She is ready to have more toddler interaction and life outside of just mama. She desperately needs more stimulation that I can solely provide at home. I am going to make an effort to get her out and about and plan to take her somewhere each weekday. Of course, we do typical errands outside of the house, go to playgrounds, and play outside, but she needs more than that. These fussy days are clearly showing me that.
Yesterday we went to a nature center where she colored, saw snakes, turtles and an owl, and ran around exploring. (Pictures are terrible because they keep the lighting very dim for the animals.)
Today, I decided to check out a My Little Gym class. I know what you are thinking - she is over two and has not been to one of these classes yet? I am so worried about germs that I am often hesitant to take her to such classes. It is easier to do classes when I know the teacher and they know that she is immuno-suppressed. So she had never been to one of these classes. But then, I remind myself that we transplanted her to give LIFE. She is not living a quality life if I isolate her. This idea is so much easier to say than do, because we have seen her at her worst and want to keep her healthy. But we are trying to learn to let go a little bit. Baby steps. Deep breath.
So I took her to the class and she loved it. I also took a bottle of purell like always, and periodically had her purell her hands. And I purposely did not tell anyone that she has any medical complications. I do not want her always to be seen as that kid. I want her to be able to define herself outside of her medical situation. While we are still absolutely careful about what types of classes, events and places we expose her to, we are trying to give her regular toddler activities that provide her the stimulation she is so desperate for. This will just be another balancing act that we have to master - giving her the room to grow and explore while also being cautious and keeping her safe.
Deep breath. Let go. Let her live. Much easier said than done.
I realized that she is acting out and is more whiny on the days that she has no outside stimulation from other people or kids. She is ready to have more toddler interaction and life outside of just mama. She desperately needs more stimulation that I can solely provide at home. I am going to make an effort to get her out and about and plan to take her somewhere each weekday. Of course, we do typical errands outside of the house, go to playgrounds, and play outside, but she needs more than that. These fussy days are clearly showing me that.
Yesterday we went to a nature center where she colored, saw snakes, turtles and an owl, and ran around exploring. (Pictures are terrible because they keep the lighting very dim for the animals.)
Today, I decided to check out a My Little Gym class. I know what you are thinking - she is over two and has not been to one of these classes yet? I am so worried about germs that I am often hesitant to take her to such classes. It is easier to do classes when I know the teacher and they know that she is immuno-suppressed. So she had never been to one of these classes. But then, I remind myself that we transplanted her to give LIFE. She is not living a quality life if I isolate her. This idea is so much easier to say than do, because we have seen her at her worst and want to keep her healthy. But we are trying to learn to let go a little bit. Baby steps. Deep breath.
So I took her to the class and she loved it. I also took a bottle of purell like always, and periodically had her purell her hands. And I purposely did not tell anyone that she has any medical complications. I do not want her always to be seen as that kid. I want her to be able to define herself outside of her medical situation. While we are still absolutely careful about what types of classes, events and places we expose her to, we are trying to give her regular toddler activities that provide her the stimulation she is so desperate for. This will just be another balancing act that we have to master - giving her the room to grow and explore while also being cautious and keeping her safe.
Deep breath. Let go. Let her live. Much easier said than done.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Day 26: Monday, Monday
As we eat Thanksgiving with a big group, we do not always get a lot of turkey leftovers. One of my favorite for leftovers is to be able to have turkey sandwiches.
Today has been one of those Mondays. Both Luca and Tessa are craving all of my attention because they have had so much attention from family over the long weekend. One of those days where I feel like no matter how much I do, I have to back track and redo it because between Luca and Tessa, one of them destroys what I just did.
I swear this story will all tie together.
I roasted a turkey breast today to have for sandwiches and salads this week. While prepping it, Luca screamed and head-butted my legs, trying to get me to move away from the turkey and pay attention to her. I just focused on getting done what I needed to, and get that turkey in the oven so I could stop listening to the screaming.
When the turkey was done and resting on the counter, I had therapy with Luca. I heard Tessa making a noise in the kitchen and went running - she was counter surfing for turkey. I caught her just before she got to it.
After therapy, I carved the turkey to put it away so Tessa would stop being tempted by it. All done carving, and look down to see Luca has taken a roll of parchment paper and unraveled it throughout the entire house.
Seriously? Can't one of them just sit and behave? One of those Mondays. Is it 6pm yet?
Today has been one of those Mondays. Both Luca and Tessa are craving all of my attention because they have had so much attention from family over the long weekend. One of those days where I feel like no matter how much I do, I have to back track and redo it because between Luca and Tessa, one of them destroys what I just did.
I swear this story will all tie together.
I roasted a turkey breast today to have for sandwiches and salads this week. While prepping it, Luca screamed and head-butted my legs, trying to get me to move away from the turkey and pay attention to her. I just focused on getting done what I needed to, and get that turkey in the oven so I could stop listening to the screaming.
When the turkey was done and resting on the counter, I had therapy with Luca. I heard Tessa making a noise in the kitchen and went running - she was counter surfing for turkey. I caught her just before she got to it.
After therapy, I carved the turkey to put it away so Tessa would stop being tempted by it. All done carving, and look down to see Luca has taken a roll of parchment paper and unraveled it throughout the entire house.
Seriously? Can't one of them just sit and behave? One of those Mondays. Is it 6pm yet?
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Day 25: Champagne brunch at home
We decided to use up the leftover ham by making eggs benedict this morning. We also had a bottle of champagne to use that we had gotten for my birthday. Sounded like such a wonderful idea when I suggested we have mimosas with our breakfast...except that after two mimosas, we had had enough and there is still more champagne to go. My body cannot handle things like it used to - two mimosas and I feel giggly and I have to pee every 5 minutes. Is this what 30 is about? Full bellies and lots of champagne - looks like we'll be going for a long stroll this afternoon to walk all of this off...after we nap while Luca does :)
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Day 23: Thanksgiving 2012
I almost missed another day - and I really had not thought about what to write today. But our Thanksgiving this year should have a recap so here it is.
This felt like our first real Thanksgiving with Luca, because it was her first one EATING! For the first 45 minutes, every time I walked through the room with the appetizers, Luca was standing there eating. She licked the insides of the deviled eggs, and ate a ton of the stuffed gouda balls. She ate so much at first that when it came time to eat turkey and all the sides, she wanted none of it. She overdid it on the appetizers apparently. Clearly, Thanksgiving is a learning experience, and she must learn to pace herself. Picture of her eating some appetizers:
My brother, sister-in-law, and their little boy came into town for the holiday and it is always so awesome to see Luca and her cousin play together. Her cousin had his first taste of juice, and whether it was that, or that he was not used to his new surroundings, but something made him a wild man. He ended the night dancing in the kitchen with his pants off. I hope that is not a preview to his college days ;)
Today, we took the kiddos to the playground where Finn spent most of his time on the fire-truck equipment, and Luca played on the steps and then got pushed on the swings for 1/2 hr. After some lunch, they napped well and then we celebrated Finn's birthday tonight. Pizza and cupcake celebration!
We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving and are excited we only have to go a month before getting together again.
This felt like our first real Thanksgiving with Luca, because it was her first one EATING! For the first 45 minutes, every time I walked through the room with the appetizers, Luca was standing there eating. She licked the insides of the deviled eggs, and ate a ton of the stuffed gouda balls. She ate so much at first that when it came time to eat turkey and all the sides, she wanted none of it. She overdid it on the appetizers apparently. Clearly, Thanksgiving is a learning experience, and she must learn to pace herself. Picture of her eating some appetizers:
My brother, sister-in-law, and their little boy came into town for the holiday and it is always so awesome to see Luca and her cousin play together. Her cousin had his first taste of juice, and whether it was that, or that he was not used to his new surroundings, but something made him a wild man. He ended the night dancing in the kitchen with his pants off. I hope that is not a preview to his college days ;)
Today, we took the kiddos to the playground where Finn spent most of his time on the fire-truck equipment, and Luca played on the steps and then got pushed on the swings for 1/2 hr. After some lunch, they napped well and then we celebrated Finn's birthday tonight. Pizza and cupcake celebration!
We had such a wonderful Thanksgiving and are excited we only have to go a month before getting together again.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Day 22: Happy Thanksgiving
We are busy cooking some things today. On the list:
- Ciabatta, Pancetta and Chestnut Stuffing
- Gouda balls as an appetizer
- Ham
- Two-ingredient pumpkin cake
So much to be grateful for, as always. Family, friends, great food, a house to call home, health. And holidays spent at home. Simply the best.
Have a wonderful day.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Day 21: Therapy details
I have mentioned that L has therapy so many times on this little blog. (Examples: here) I do not think I have given a lot of detail about her therapy though.
L receives speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), and special instruction. We have been so fortunate to have some amazing therapists work with us. Speech therapy works on mouth exercises to help her tongue, lips, cheeks all work better together. Speech also works on some breathing exercises using back massage and some baby yoga poses. And obviously, speech works on methods to encourage communication. Occupational therapy overlaps with speech, with using activities to help her sensory issues and fine motor skills. Special instructor helps with combining all of her therapies in games and activities appropriate for her age group. Finally, we just recently started working with an interact team that is working on using alternate methods for L to communicate. Her interact team recently added in a portable device that can be activated by L to speak for her (we just started working with her using the device so she does not quite have the hang of it yet).
L takes part in a weekly community group of other kids who also receive therapy. The community group is run by therapists in the early intervention program and exposes the kids to a variety of activities that encourage speech, sensory stimulation, gross motor activities, following directions, and interacting with other kids. Each week, they pick a different location and activities to expose the kids to. For example, yesterday's meeting was at Krispy Kreme, where kids were able to play with the raw dough, watch the donuts being made, and then taste the final product. Other meetings include playdates at parks, at a preschool classroom, at a farm, at nature centers. L loves community group.
This fall, we added in another group called Dream Team. It is sponsored by Special Olympics and is a weekly class for kids in early intervention. It works on gross motor skills and general preschool skills like following directions, waiting your turn, sharing, and working with other kids. L generally loves this class and has been known to give random hugs and kisses to other kids in the class. She particularly loves going through the obstacle course and sitting on the parachute while we swing her around on it. Her true personality comes out in these classes. It is very clear that "hurry" is not in her vocabulary Everything is done at her own pace, while she stops and smells the roses, so to speak. And anything they do that involves singing or music, count L to participate and ask for more.
All of these therapies mean there is a lot of homework for us, me especially since I am home with her, and am a part of all of her therapy sessions. And a lot of scheduling for all of her therapy appointments and arranging those appointments around her doctor appointments and lab days. Oh, and around regular life activities.
But our experience so far has been positive. We love our therapists. And we love seeing her progress, despite how exhausting and slow it sometimes is. Our hope is that she will eventually require fewer and fewer therapies. Currently, her biggest delay is in speech. She can say some words, but something just has not clicked with either pronunciation or the ability to come out with the words. We see the wheels turning, and she uses her signs so willingly. She now uses over 50 signs regularly. It really has been a blessing that I worked with her on it because we depend on those signs all day long. We have faith that the words will come in time. She is slowly closing the gap in all other areas of development (and is on target from what we can tell for cognitive and emotional development).
All in your own time, little one.
L receives speech therapy, occupational therapy (OT), and special instruction. We have been so fortunate to have some amazing therapists work with us. Speech therapy works on mouth exercises to help her tongue, lips, cheeks all work better together. Speech also works on some breathing exercises using back massage and some baby yoga poses. And obviously, speech works on methods to encourage communication. Occupational therapy overlaps with speech, with using activities to help her sensory issues and fine motor skills. Special instructor helps with combining all of her therapies in games and activities appropriate for her age group. Finally, we just recently started working with an interact team that is working on using alternate methods for L to communicate. Her interact team recently added in a portable device that can be activated by L to speak for her (we just started working with her using the device so she does not quite have the hang of it yet).
L takes part in a weekly community group of other kids who also receive therapy. The community group is run by therapists in the early intervention program and exposes the kids to a variety of activities that encourage speech, sensory stimulation, gross motor activities, following directions, and interacting with other kids. Each week, they pick a different location and activities to expose the kids to. For example, yesterday's meeting was at Krispy Kreme, where kids were able to play with the raw dough, watch the donuts being made, and then taste the final product. Other meetings include playdates at parks, at a preschool classroom, at a farm, at nature centers. L loves community group.
This fall, we added in another group called Dream Team. It is sponsored by Special Olympics and is a weekly class for kids in early intervention. It works on gross motor skills and general preschool skills like following directions, waiting your turn, sharing, and working with other kids. L generally loves this class and has been known to give random hugs and kisses to other kids in the class. She particularly loves going through the obstacle course and sitting on the parachute while we swing her around on it. Her true personality comes out in these classes. It is very clear that "hurry" is not in her vocabulary Everything is done at her own pace, while she stops and smells the roses, so to speak. And anything they do that involves singing or music, count L to participate and ask for more.
All of these therapies mean there is a lot of homework for us, me especially since I am home with her, and am a part of all of her therapy sessions. And a lot of scheduling for all of her therapy appointments and arranging those appointments around her doctor appointments and lab days. Oh, and around regular life activities.
But our experience so far has been positive. We love our therapists. And we love seeing her progress, despite how exhausting and slow it sometimes is. Our hope is that she will eventually require fewer and fewer therapies. Currently, her biggest delay is in speech. She can say some words, but something just has not clicked with either pronunciation or the ability to come out with the words. We see the wheels turning, and she uses her signs so willingly. She now uses over 50 signs regularly. It really has been a blessing that I worked with her on it because we depend on those signs all day long. We have faith that the words will come in time. She is slowly closing the gap in all other areas of development (and is on target from what we can tell for cognitive and emotional development).
All in your own time, little one.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Day 20: 30
Today, I am 30. It has been such a special birthday. Thank you for all the birthday wishes! This will truly be one I remember.
One of my friends gave me a card for my 30th that has this line and it could not be more appropriate for describing how I feel about this birthday: "You're right there with your arms wide open - waiting to take it for everything it's worth."
A lot of people dread getting older, and while I can relate in terms of dreading certain aspects of getting older (gray hair, wrinkles, all the superficial stuff), I do not dread the idea of getting older.
I will remember my 20's as being packed with changes, love, building great friendships, new life experiences, and becoming a mom. And learning - about myself, marriage, motherhood, heartache, heartbreak.
I feel more comfortable in my shoes at 30 than I did at 20. I have such love for the people in my life, and cherish those relationships now more than ever. And I have such an appreciation for life and how fragile it is, and that is all thanks to Luca. She has taught me so much in her two years of life and I owe her so much for that. We have had to fight to get her to every birthday, so there is no way I could ever dread any of my birthdays when she has taught me just how special getting to them is.
And Ian, oh Ian, how I am continually amazed out how our marriage molds around the changes our life brings, even when it is hard, it has been oh so worth it.
So a sweet farewell to my 20's, as I step into 30. I feel good things in the air for this new decade. Living, loving, laughter, (more) gray hairs and all. Here I am.
One of my friends gave me a card for my 30th that has this line and it could not be more appropriate for describing how I feel about this birthday: "You're right there with your arms wide open - waiting to take it for everything it's worth."
A lot of people dread getting older, and while I can relate in terms of dreading certain aspects of getting older (gray hair, wrinkles, all the superficial stuff), I do not dread the idea of getting older.
I will remember my 20's as being packed with changes, love, building great friendships, new life experiences, and becoming a mom. And learning - about myself, marriage, motherhood, heartache, heartbreak.
I feel more comfortable in my shoes at 30 than I did at 20. I have such love for the people in my life, and cherish those relationships now more than ever. And I have such an appreciation for life and how fragile it is, and that is all thanks to Luca. She has taught me so much in her two years of life and I owe her so much for that. We have had to fight to get her to every birthday, so there is no way I could ever dread any of my birthdays when she has taught me just how special getting to them is.
And Ian, oh Ian, how I am continually amazed out how our marriage molds around the changes our life brings, even when it is hard, it has been oh so worth it.
So a sweet farewell to my 20's, as I step into 30. I feel good things in the air for this new decade. Living, loving, laughter, (more) gray hairs and all. Here I am.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Day 19: Random thoughts on a Monday
Oops - I forgot to post yesterday. I started out November with such great intentions to post everyday - but then as the month goes on, and things get busy with holiday stuff, I inevitably miss a day or two. Oh well - more posts in the works for the remainder of the month.
A story from this weekend:
Luca brought her baby doll out to the playroom and put her on the baby's potty. We kept praising the baby for being a big girl and going on the potty. Then she would pick the doll up, hug her, pretend to flush the toilet, then put the baby back on. This little routine went on for a bit, and then I said "oh wow, what treat does baby get for peeing on the potty?" She ran to the kitchen and pointed to the spot where the bag of ranch doritos are (Luca gets one chip each time she goes on the potty). I could see where this was going, so I gave her a tiny piece of a chip to give to her baby doll. She pretended to feed the doll, then quickly popped the chip into her own mouth. Want to guess what she did next? Ran back to the playroom, put baby doll on the potty, picked her up, pretended to flush the toilet, then brought me back to the kitchen to get another treat for baby doll. Uh-huh kid, I saw where it was going. She is a total chip phene.
We have family coming into town for Thanksgiving, and Luca totally wants to help me clean things up for their arrival. Now, if only I could teach her to do the laundry.
A story from this weekend:
Luca brought her baby doll out to the playroom and put her on the baby's potty. We kept praising the baby for being a big girl and going on the potty. Then she would pick the doll up, hug her, pretend to flush the toilet, then put the baby back on. This little routine went on for a bit, and then I said "oh wow, what treat does baby get for peeing on the potty?" She ran to the kitchen and pointed to the spot where the bag of ranch doritos are (Luca gets one chip each time she goes on the potty). I could see where this was going, so I gave her a tiny piece of a chip to give to her baby doll. She pretended to feed the doll, then quickly popped the chip into her own mouth. Want to guess what she did next? Ran back to the playroom, put baby doll on the potty, picked her up, pretended to flush the toilet, then brought me back to the kitchen to get another treat for baby doll. Uh-huh kid, I saw where it was going. She is a total chip phene.
We have family coming into town for Thanksgiving, and Luca totally wants to help me clean things up for their arrival. Now, if only I could teach her to do the laundry.
Friday, November 16, 2012
Day 16: On bringing in 30
I had a post all planned for today, but then last night happened and I feel compelled to write about that.
My nearest and dearest planned a surprise birthday dinner for my 30th. I was excited to be going out for an adults only dinner but have been suspicious that something else was planned for over a week. Ian was acting weird and then the entire way to the restaurant, he was hiding his phone and texting. I ignored it, thinking that maybe I was getting ahead of myself. But then we walked in and the host was excited when I said I was there for our reservation.
I walked up the steps of the restaurant where several of my bestest friends waited for us. Can I tell you how much I love my friends? I felt so special and loved and I am so looking forward to entering a new year with these people by my side. The food was also a plus - a great restaurant.
Birthday celebrations continue this weekend into next week with family. I am going to enjoy my last few days as a 29 year old, but so look forward to what 30 brings.
And a special thank you to my loves for thinking of me, and to my mom for watching Luca. To plan a get together takes a lot of time and effort, and I so appreciate it!
My nearest and dearest planned a surprise birthday dinner for my 30th. I was excited to be going out for an adults only dinner but have been suspicious that something else was planned for over a week. Ian was acting weird and then the entire way to the restaurant, he was hiding his phone and texting. I ignored it, thinking that maybe I was getting ahead of myself. But then we walked in and the host was excited when I said I was there for our reservation.
I walked up the steps of the restaurant where several of my bestest friends waited for us. Can I tell you how much I love my friends? I felt so special and loved and I am so looking forward to entering a new year with these people by my side. The food was also a plus - a great restaurant.
Birthday celebrations continue this weekend into next week with family. I am going to enjoy my last few days as a 29 year old, but so look forward to what 30 brings.
And a special thank you to my loves for thinking of me, and to my mom for watching Luca. To plan a get together takes a lot of time and effort, and I so appreciate it!
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Day 15: Cheesy potato casserole with variations
I am so annoyed I missed posting yesterday. We are halfway through NaBloPoMo, and I think having missed only one day is pretty good for me. Onto today's post!
I am always looking for recipes that I can make when we have people over for dinner. If you know me, you know I love cooking, and love hosting people at our house. I love finding recipes for dishes that do not have to be made when people are here. This recipe for Cheesy Potato Casserole is perfect to make earlier in the day, then refrigerate until you are ready to throw it in the oven. It is true comfort food, and with the variations I made, it is better for you than the recipe I started with. I started with this recipe, then made a few changes to bring down the calories and fat. The finished result is absolutely delicious, and while it certainly cannot be considered healthy, it is less unhealthy than the original recipe.
My ingredients:
List of ingredients:
I am always looking for recipes that I can make when we have people over for dinner. If you know me, you know I love cooking, and love hosting people at our house. I love finding recipes for dishes that do not have to be made when people are here. This recipe for Cheesy Potato Casserole is perfect to make earlier in the day, then refrigerate until you are ready to throw it in the oven. It is true comfort food, and with the variations I made, it is better for you than the recipe I started with. I started with this recipe, then made a few changes to bring down the calories and fat. The finished result is absolutely delicious, and while it certainly cannot be considered healthy, it is less unhealthy than the original recipe.
My ingredients:
List of ingredients:
- 1 cup 2% fage plain yogurt
- 1/3 cup butter melted (I have not tried to make it with margarine, but might try it the next time)
- one small onion, diced
- 1 can of campbell's cream of mushroom or cream of chicken condensed soup 98% fat free)
- 2 lbs frozen diced potatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded 2% sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded regular sharp cheddar cheese
Set the bag of potatoes out to defrost for an hour or two. Mix all ingredients in a big bowl after potatoes have defrosted.
Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray. Pour everything into pan. If you are like Luca, you will stare at the pan, smile, and admire the deliciousness.
Cook at 350 for about 1 hour - it should be bubbly and have started to brown in some areas. Friends were here by the time this was done, so I do not have a picture of the completed dish. And it is already gone today!
With the substitutions I made, I cut the calories to almost half, and the fat content to over half of what the original recipe calls for. I also increased the protein content.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Day 13: Toddler eats*
*Can I tell you how grateful I am that I can even do a post about toddler eating? I never would have thought we could get to a point in this journey that she eats completely by mouth, without the use of her g-tube. I sometimes just stare at her while she eats, so amazed by her progress.
A post all about feeding our toddler. Some tricks and what works for us.
As we entered the toddler phase, Luca became a lot more picky about food. For example, I will offer her a choice for a meal. I will point to two different items to offer her, and her reply to both is an adamant shake of the head accompanied by some stomping of the feet. I then say, "okay, Luca, show me what you want to eat." She points to the first item I had offered, which she had just refused and had a tantrum about. Welcome to the story of our life for every.single.meal. Ohhh, Luca.
She also goes through phases where she gets obsessed with a particular food, and wants it for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. This might last a week or even a month, then she finds something new and becomes obsessed with that, and wants nothing to do with her previous obsession. The list of food obsessions have included yogurt, guacamole, hummus, laughing cow cheese, and currently she loves cream cheese. For all of these items, she would eat them on anything, but her favorite for any of these items is eating them on a bagel or crackers.
Luca hates sandwiches of any type - so it makes lunch a difficult meal sometimes.
I am constantly looking for new things for her to try and like so that when she gets sick of a current obsession, we have something to move onto. And I do not know about you, but I hate making separate meals for Luca for dinner. I try to incorporate some type of food that she can eat into our dinners. And if I am introducing a new food, then I try to pair it with something I know she likes, even just as a side. And finally, I try to offer her a side of fruit or veggies (although veggies are more difficult) at most meals.
So here's a list of foods that Luca will typically eat, and are the ones I can pair with a new food. Note that all of them are vegetarian. She does eat some meat (and loves it), but only if it is super tender or in a sauce.
A post all about feeding our toddler. Some tricks and what works for us.
As we entered the toddler phase, Luca became a lot more picky about food. For example, I will offer her a choice for a meal. I will point to two different items to offer her, and her reply to both is an adamant shake of the head accompanied by some stomping of the feet. I then say, "okay, Luca, show me what you want to eat." She points to the first item I had offered, which she had just refused and had a tantrum about. Welcome to the story of our life for every.single.meal. Ohhh, Luca.
She also goes through phases where she gets obsessed with a particular food, and wants it for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner. This might last a week or even a month, then she finds something new and becomes obsessed with that, and wants nothing to do with her previous obsession. The list of food obsessions have included yogurt, guacamole, hummus, laughing cow cheese, and currently she loves cream cheese. For all of these items, she would eat them on anything, but her favorite for any of these items is eating them on a bagel or crackers.
Luca hates sandwiches of any type - so it makes lunch a difficult meal sometimes.
I am constantly looking for new things for her to try and like so that when she gets sick of a current obsession, we have something to move onto. And I do not know about you, but I hate making separate meals for Luca for dinner. I try to incorporate some type of food that she can eat into our dinners. And if I am introducing a new food, then I try to pair it with something I know she likes, even just as a side. And finally, I try to offer her a side of fruit or veggies (although veggies are more difficult) at most meals.
So here's a list of foods that Luca will typically eat, and are the ones I can pair with a new food. Note that all of them are vegetarian. She does eat some meat (and loves it), but only if it is super tender or in a sauce.
- hummus
- guacamole (Wholly Guacamole is a huge lifesaver in our house)
- laughing cow cheeses
- cream cheese
- edamame (I keep a bag frozen and pour some into a bowl with a bit of water on it. Heat in microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then pop the edamame out of the shells.)
- mini whole wheat bagels
- english muffins (We use these for breakfast or lunch items, and even for dinner with tomato sauce and cheese to make mini pizzas.)
- pasta (She loves tomato sauce on her pasta. And if I make a bolognese sauce she loves that too.)
- fruit (kiwi, banana, strawberry, raspberry, watermelon, grapes, pear, apple)
- avocado
- ritz whole wheat crackers (her absolute fave)
- cereal
- toast
- yogurt (We buy the fage 2% for Luca. She does not want help eating her yogurt, so the thicker greek yogurts work better and create less spilling as she learns to master the art of eating with a spoon. Also, if we buy the plain yogurt, we just add a bit of strawberry preserves or apply/pumpkin butter to give it a flavor and a touch of sweetness.)
I will try to update this as she finds some new food faves. What does your toddler love to eat?
Monday, November 12, 2012
Day 12: No pants Monday...
...according to Luca.
(Totally awful camera phone picture - but I always feel it is better to take an awful picture that captures a funny moment, than to not capture it at all.)
Hope your Monday was just as carefree!
(Totally awful camera phone picture - but I always feel it is better to take an awful picture that captures a funny moment, than to not capture it at all.)
Hope your Monday was just as carefree!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Day 11: Our weekend
- Ordered me some new glasses to replace my super duper old glasses. Can't wait for them to come in. Family watched Luca while Ian went with me for my appointment and glasses selection - we took our time and goofed around.
- Had a board game night with Ian after Luca went to sleep. I love breaking up the normal routine with a night like that.
- Luca picked something up off the carpet at our friend's house. She immediately brought it to me. It was dog poop. SO gross. [Note about this - they are not gross people at all. They have a puppy who clearly has not mastered the whole house training thing yet.)
- Luca had been so good about peeing on the potty for a few weeks. Then, the past two weeks she has refused to go on the potty. Not sure what it means other than that she is not completely ready for this potty-training thing.
- Lazy weekend - much needed.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Day 10: A child's laughter
Ian hides behind the kitchen bar while Luca, wearing only her diaper, tries to find him. He jumps out and scares her, and she giggles so much she can barely take a breath. "I'm going to get you", he warns. She takes off on her tippy toes running from him as he stomps behind her. They are out of my sight now but all I can hear is the innocence in my child's laughter with the pitter patter of her feet and the stomping and laughter from Ian. Carefree, spontaneous, laughter, joy. And I think in these moments that my heart might explode into a thousand pieces.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Day 9: Driving mishaps
This week has been the week of car mishaps. Wednesday I was running errands without Luca (thank God she was not in the car) and got rear-ended at a light. It was nothing too major and the guy was apologetic and nice about it. And I was and am totally fine. My car needs to be looked at but it seems like it just has some very minor damage.
I was out for a walk yesterday when I got a call from Ian saying he had just been rear-ended in his car. Really?! Two accidents in two days? Again, so grateful Luca was not in the car. He is fine but his car will need a tiny bit of fixing. The woman that hit him was crying hysterically and could not stop apologizing.
Five minutes after getting that phone call from him, Luca and I were looking at two deer about 50 feet away from us. She normally notices them before I do and gets super excited. The excitement ended when we saw the second one get hit by a car and die on the side of the road as we walked by it. Queue hysterics on both of our parts. She was still upset when we got home.
These things happen in life but they certainly scare you no matter how minor they are. And it is an excellent reminder to drive smart, slow down, and get off your cell phones. Before Luca, I was a bit of a speed-demon. I drive so much more cautiously since I have had her - precious cargo! As we get closer to the holiday season, people tend to have a lot more shopping and errands to do. People are more distracted and possibly more stressed. Stay safe out there!
I was out for a walk yesterday when I got a call from Ian saying he had just been rear-ended in his car. Really?! Two accidents in two days? Again, so grateful Luca was not in the car. He is fine but his car will need a tiny bit of fixing. The woman that hit him was crying hysterically and could not stop apologizing.
Five minutes after getting that phone call from him, Luca and I were looking at two deer about 50 feet away from us. She normally notices them before I do and gets super excited. The excitement ended when we saw the second one get hit by a car and die on the side of the road as we walked by it. Queue hysterics on both of our parts. She was still upset when we got home.
These things happen in life but they certainly scare you no matter how minor they are. And it is an excellent reminder to drive smart, slow down, and get off your cell phones. Before Luca, I was a bit of a speed-demon. I drive so much more cautiously since I have had her - precious cargo! As we get closer to the holiday season, people tend to have a lot more shopping and errands to do. People are more distracted and possibly more stressed. Stay safe out there!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Day 8: Cleaning recipes
Everyone in my family keeps mocking me for my recent attempts at saving money. Call me a hippie all you want - I recently started making my own laundry detergent, and dish washer detergent. Honestly, just writing that sentence makes me laugh out loud because it is so not me to do these types of things. But I get into these weird phases and I cannot be stopped. Both detergents have worked great - even on Luca's always stained clothes, and on our messy dishes. In case there are any others out there who want to give it a try, it was super easy and here are the recipes I used. And - it is so much cheaper than buying detergent.
Ingredients
The ingredients might be a bit difficult to locate at first, but I promise it is not too tough and it was super quick to make each detergent. The ingredients you will need:
Borax (I found it in my safeway, in the laundry aisle)
Super Washing Soda (not to be confused with baking soda, and I bought it online from soap.com with a free shipping coupon)
Fels-Naptha (my in-laws picked this up for me at a hardware store) (this is where your laundry will get a scent - this particular soap gives it a light citrus scent, but feel free to substitute it with a bar of soap similar like Ivory for a different fragrance)
White vinegar
I have added the ingredients into the right hand box of my blog of Amazon Recommendations. You can just click on it there and buy it.
Recipes:
Dishwashing detergent here - I just mixed this in a ziploc bag and put it under my sink with a tablespoon.
Laundry detergent here - I cut the bar of soap up into little pieces, then threw all the pieces into my food processor and processed until powdery. Then I mixed the soap in with the washing soda and borax. That's it!
Ingredients
The ingredients might be a bit difficult to locate at first, but I promise it is not too tough and it was super quick to make each detergent. The ingredients you will need:
Borax (I found it in my safeway, in the laundry aisle)
Super Washing Soda (not to be confused with baking soda, and I bought it online from soap.com with a free shipping coupon)
Fels-Naptha (my in-laws picked this up for me at a hardware store) (this is where your laundry will get a scent - this particular soap gives it a light citrus scent, but feel free to substitute it with a bar of soap similar like Ivory for a different fragrance)
White vinegar
I have added the ingredients into the right hand box of my blog of Amazon Recommendations. You can just click on it there and buy it.
Recipes:
Dishwashing detergent here - I just mixed this in a ziploc bag and put it under my sink with a tablespoon.
Laundry detergent here - I cut the bar of soap up into little pieces, then threw all the pieces into my food processor and processed until powdery. Then I mixed the soap in with the washing soda and borax. That's it!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Day 7: Fall photo day
When Luca was a wee little one (before she was on the move), I used to set her up in a cute location and take tons of pictures. I would do this at least a few times per month. Really, as life has become a bit more stable and she is on the move constantly, I am not as good about dressing her up for some pictures.
With the upcoming rainy/snowy weather predicted for the DC area, I decided to take advantage of the weather and crisp leaves yesterday. Here are a few of my faves that I managed to get in between chasing her.
With the upcoming rainy/snowy weather predicted for the DC area, I decided to take advantage of the weather and crisp leaves yesterday. Here are a few of my faves that I managed to get in between chasing her.
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