Brooke is 4 months!

 It's May and that means my little girl is already FOUR months old.  We had a few trying weeks there, and I was so unsure as to what the deal was!!  I believe we found the solution, and I am so happy and thankful to say we have our happy baby back.  The issue?  Baby girl was hungry.  And no matter how much nursing I was doing {cue every 3 hours for 24 hours a day} the crying kept-a-comin.


My dear Brooke Lynn,
  I never imagined myself breaking into tears over having to decide whether or not Rice Cereal at 4 months was a good idea.  I had it in my purrdy little head that I would exclusively breastfeed you for 6 full months.  After that, I had high hopes of making my own organic baby food and do all of my 'research' behind what foods to try first {veggies of course, because fruits are sweet and I know you'll love those.}  Well, after your four month Dr's visit, talking with the nurse and the Doctor, I decided giving you a little cereal may not be a bad idea...my mom gave it to me when I was really young and said how well I did with it. I know your father was a big baby and loved his food too!

Speaking of, seriously....could you look any more alike?!?

Brooke: 4 months Daddy: 6 months

Stats:
4 months
16 lbs 3 oz 88th percentile
26 1/4 inches long 99th percentile

Dr. said you're doing a few "6 month" things such as grabbing your feet

And you bring your hands around in front, as if you're ready to pass a toy from left to right hand...

Still in 6 months clothing--onesies, pants, most dresses
9 months sleepers
Size 3 diapers
Your eyes are still really blue!!

As I talked with the doctor, she applauded my hopes and dreams of exclusively breastfeeding, but she also said as babies near the 20 pound mark, sometimes they just need a little more.  She said it was totally normal, and even though I have read and was nervous about rice cereal, I figured it would be worth a try.




Why was I so nervous?  Well for starter's, your father's Crohn's is the main concern.  Sometimes little digestive systems aren't quite ready for solids and if they begin too soon, it could potentially cause harm.  Once I read a little more on this debate, I realized that there were parents starting to give their babies solids at just a few weeks old...and that if she's going to "get Crohn's" perhaps it's already per-determined. 


Now, if it's one thing I have learned as a mother, it is do not judge.  Every baby is different, every parent is different, situations are different and you just cannot compare one thing to another.  I've also learned to rely on my intuition and lean on people who care about me and my daughter and can support us and our decisions.  There is nothing worse than being judged by someone else, when you thought they had your back.

So, after talking with your daddy, who is certainly my better half, we decided you, big girl, were ready for this next step.  And a week later?  I have a sleeping, happy, cooing, talking, babbling, bubbly baby whom I continue to fall more and more in love with every day!!

 This last month was huge for me, for us.  I feel as though I'm heading in the right direction with my health and well-being.  I think part of my tear fest over the cereal was that I was being very hard on myself about losing weight and still trying to nurse.  I thought maybe if I just ate 24/7 and stopped being so active I could continue to breastfeed; but after many talks with good friends, family and my sweet husband, everyone basically said the same thing; happy mama = happy baby...and everything else falls into play.

I am so much happier now that the pounds are starting to shed, my legs, arms, and core are becoming stronger and I just love feeling good about myself.   You also think it's quite the comedy show, watching me do my silly workouts with the dumbbells and exercise ball.

I am still nursing pretty well and we're working on a flexible routine...I still let you lead the way:

4/5:00am wakes, change, nurse--back to sleep
8/9:00 wakes, change, nurse--nap
11-2 usually play time, tummy time, walks in the stroller, or we run our errands/appointments
Some time in there we have a bottle with a little cereal
By 3 she can easily be down for a nap again...
Late afternoon we try some 'solid foods': So far she had avocado & peaches
We play, she rolls over, she loves her excersaucer...
Pending on her nap length she may take a quick snooze around 5
7-8 is bath time, tummy time, reading books, singing songs and a bottle with cereal.

You're usually asleep by 8:30 and will sleep until 4 or 5.

 During your naps, I have gotten better at being SUPER productive.  I try and get some cardio in, clean, and even write a blog post or two!  I will admit though, there are some days I still nap with you, even if it's just a short 20 minutes.

I am trying to be good about pumping; some days are easier than others.  I still love nursing and prefer it to a bottle, but like I've said, she is doing so well with the extra bit of cereal.  I had quite the freezer stash of milk, and sadly I am going through it very quickly.  I seem to be able to store one bag a day from pumping, but some days I pull two bags from the freezer.   I did buy some organic formula to have on hand as I continue on this journey; when we are away I don't want to run out of milk or have something happen.  And you know what? I'm totally okay with all of these decisions.  I'm doing my very best as a mother and I have absolutely no regrets about any choices we are making.

So baby girl, you continue to teach me to just go with the flow, not be so uptight and realize that you just can't control it all.  {Like trying to conceive you; you happened when I least expected!}  I love being your mommy and wouldn't change it for the world. I'm so happy to be able to stay home with you each and every day.  Every day we grow closer and closer and I cannot believe how much a bond can truly grow between mother and daughter.  I may or may not have cried while rocking you to sleep after taking your 4 month photos that night.  I just can't believe how quickly time goes by.

Current loves:
Raspberries on your belly or just making the noise with my lips
Itsy Bitsy Spider gets you super excited
Sitting up {assisted}
Playing in your excersaucer 
Bath time--you now smile in there!
Rolling over
Screeching and yelling "ahhhh ahhhh ahhhh ahhhh"
Stuffed animals and toys, you just adore the bear Daddy bought you for Christmas!

I think you two are already the best of friends

Great Grandma Owl embroidered that Lovie for you!

 And some more photos because I could not just stop taking them! Look at these non-blurry smiles!

Sooooo big!

 Pretty Girl

omagosh mom, enough already!!

I look forward to what next month brings baby girl; I love you!!

My First Mother's Day: As a Mom

My first mother's Day as a mother was beautiful.  I woke up to an eerily quiet house around 7:45, checked the monitor and saw that baby girl was not in her crib, I simply assumed Joe had taken her downstairs to play while I got a little more sleep....

I was wrong!! A little after 8, they both came in the bedroom and surprised me with a yummy Panera breakfast sandwich and Starbucks coffee in bed.  What more could a mama want first thing??
{no picture, but I assure you, I thoroughly enjoyed both!} They went on a small little joy ride and came back with goodies for me.  So sweet.

Brooke even picked out and gave me my first card as well as writing "Mom" {I died} one from hubby...

"Sleep" was of course the answer!

She then gave me the gift of sleeping while I got a nice, long, hot shower in, makeup, clothes ironed and hair blown-dry before she stirred!! I actually had to wake her, as we had places to go and people to see.

I also got two matching hanging planters for us to enjoy all summer long on our back deck.  I am so ready for the weather to warm back up again!

I did make sure to get a few photos of my beautiful baby girl and I.  I kept hugging and kissing her all day, thinking that she is the reason I got to celebrate Mother's Day. What a beautiful, beautiful thing.

 My little lady

Some family time after our brunch...

We headed out to my dad and step-mom's for an early afternoon brunch full of mimosas and quiche.  It was nice to gather for a little while and see everyone.  It's nice to have so many amazing women in my life to celebrate this loving day with.  And of course, we cherish the men in our lives who continue to support us in all of life's endeavors.

We also stopped by my in-laws and saw them for a bit.  My mother in law was in the middle of making Chicken French and gave us some to take home---that will be eaten tonight, for sure! Thanks Mama D!  We wished her a happy day and shared some of miss Brooke with her.   People just can't get enough of her cuteness!

I wish we could have completed the 'rounds' down to Charleston, SC to visit my mom, but within a month she will be here and we'll celebrate for that I am sure.

Totally random, but I remember that 6 years ago on Mother's Day I made a "Match account" with my sister.  If it wasn't for that fateful day, I would have never met my husband months later!! How funny.

For dinner hubs decided upon pan-seared scallops, lobster tails and a side salad.  I didn't resist.

Needless to say, the elliptical and my Shakeology "Biggest Loser" contest couldn't come at a better time.

More on that later...

As for yesterday, I counted my blessings and teared up many a time, as I reflected on what 'being a mother' truly means to me.  I want to be my daughter's friend, but I will always be her parent first.  I know there will be trying moments of our days, but the reward is so great in the end.  She's only four months old, and she has taught me a love that is pure and deep.  I look back and see how little I truly worried about before she was born, and how much I hope to protect her throughout her years.  I could have sat and rocked her all night, as I know all too soon she'll not be needing me as so.  It is in these quiet moments, I silently thank God for all the rights in my world and focus on nothing but peace.  Even the 3am cry for me to nurse, makes me smile as she spits out her pacifier and starts babbling about as if it were 3 in the afternoon.  It is these moments I cherish, these moments I will miss.  She won't be a baby forever, but my daughter, she will always be.

I hope your day was just as love-filled as mine.  I look forward to macaroni necklaces and homemade cards, but for now I cherish the baby moments, as I know they won't last for long.

Two Must Try Summer Recipes!!

We have made this recipe three times now, and I am an awful blogger for not sharing it sooner!! Last summer I had a craving for Thai food when I was preggars.  Hubs doesn't always love Thai, so I searched around online and found these two recipes that we are just love love love!!

I am definitely going to be making more of my own marinades this year; the flavor is unbelievable and knowing exactly what ingredients I'm putting in it, makes me feel so good!

A few things to know: 

1.) Soak wooden skewers for at least 1/2 hour before using on a grill
2.) Let the chicken thighs marinate for at least that amount of time, if not more!
3.)  Use chicken thighs vs breasts because they have an amazing flavor when grilled!!

Asian Chicken Skewers {recipe found here}

1/4 cup cilantro leaves
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 tablespoon of Sriracha (Asian hot sauce)
1 tablespoon of light brown sugar
2 teaspoons of Soy sauce
1-2 garlic cloves
one chunk of fresh ginger roughly chopped
sea salt
1 pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup prepared dipping sauce {Sweet Chili Sauce is perfect!}

*12 wooden skewers soaked in water at least 30 mins

In a food processor or blender combine the cilantro, oil, hot sauce, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, onion, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and blend until smooth.

I then pour the marinade into a ziploc bag and throw in the chicken thighs and let them marinate for however long (at least 30 mins)

After that, I cover a baking sheet with foil and thread the chicken thighs onto the skewers and cover with foil until hubby is ready to grill them up!

These are a tad spicy, so the sweet dipping sauce is the perfect combination!

I'm sure these would make an excellent appetizer at any summer cookout! I'm already planning on getting some ready for our 4th of July blowout!

Of course my real craving was a peanut sauce, so I thought this recipe would pair nicely; and pair it did!!

That my friends, is so scrumptious!

You do need a few quirky ingredients, but trust me, you'll make this again and again!!

Thai Noodles With Spicy Peanut Sauce {recipe found here}

Noodles

12 ounces linguine <------------yes, regular old pasta!!!
4 tablespoons sesame oil

Sauce

1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup finely shredded carrot
2 cups frozen stir fry vegetables (I just add frozen organic broccoli, it's great!!)
3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/2 tablespoon chili-garlic sauce

Directions:

1 Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.
2 Drain and return to pot.
3 Add 2 TBSP sesame oil and toss to coat.
4 Set aside.
5 Heat remaining 2 TBSP sesame oil in heavy pot over medium-high heat.
6 Add green onions, carrots, stir-fry veggies, garlic and ginger.
7 Saute until vegetables soften, about 4 minutes.
8 Add honey, peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar and chili-garlic sauce and mix well.
9 Simmer sauce 2 minutes.
10 Pour sauce over pasta and toss well.
11 Transfer to platter and serve warm.
12 Garnish with additional green onions, if desired.
13 Yields 8 side dish servings or 4 main dish servings.
14 **Chili-Garlicsauce can be increased or decreased depending on how spicy you like your dish.

 

Serve with a little lime and extra cilantro for more flavor.

 

 

I prep all of the ingredients and then throw it all together while my husband grills the chicken and it comes out wonderful.  I hope you try these two recipes, as they really are worth the time!!  Enjoy.

Trusting the Gush

It's Monday evening and I'm just finding the time (energy) to write...so feel free to follow along and read my randomness, (and photoless) entry, or you can just "x" out on the corner.  Nothing fancy here tonight!!

 The last week has been a bit on the trying side with baby Brooke, as she's just been a tad fussier than usual.  Ever since she learned to roll, our nights have been a bit rocky!  Last night I fell asleep at 9:30... and amidst a feeding where we both fell asleep after her nursing just the left side, put her back in the crib, have her wake up a few hours later to nurse the right,  I feel somewhat human today! Amazing what sleep does for your body.

Our 4 month Dr visit is tomorrow and I'm looking forward to hearing her stats.  She is one big baby, that much I know!!  {Hello, size 3 diapers at 4 months...whaaaaaaat?!}

I'm not sure if it's her teeth or something else, but she is just not a happy camper and it makes for a sad mama!   I'm working on  trying to create more of a "Schedule" for us, but I really just try to go by her....or obviously if we have appointments whatnot, the day revolves around those. 

I read on some blog or watched some vlog that leaving the house just once a day, {as a SAHM} seems to help make the day go better. I couldn't agree more!! Today I had all intention and motivation to really clean the house and clear the clutter...but with a super fussy one, it wasn't as easy as I had anticipated.  However, I did get in a little cardio workout, cleared both tables of "junk" and have brand new tablecloths covering them. 

Most importantly, I have a sleeping and currently swinging baby. 

Her diapers are stuffed and multiple loads of laundry are washed, a few folded, and one basked got put away. 

I have a feeling I'll be reaching for the wine the frozen raviolis and jarred Bertoli Sauce for dinner for hubs and a huge salad for me. 

I'm learning to let go, and not be so hard on myself.  The floors are not sparkling and there is not a Giada meal simmering on the stove; but that's okay.

I just wanted to write something, maybe not the most exciting thing in the world, but I truly do love to write. 

Bright Sides:

This upcoming Mother's Day weekend, my husband has off.  There's a Lilac Festival here in the city, and I am hoping perhaps I can convince him to take us...only if the weather is nice.

I'll be celebrating my first Mother's Day as a "mom"!!

I'm looking forward to our first family vacation--- Lake George for a week.  I won't have to cook, clean, or take care of doggies for a week so that will be a fantastic little break!  I hope to unwind, recharge my batteries and really soak up some solid family time.  I want to take videos and photos and simply 'be' in the moment.  Our little baby is growing so fast, it's hard to believe this is the first of many family vacations for us. My MIL bet me that we won't be able to stay off our phones...I don't know, but I am ready to unplug and be one with the mountains!!  I can already see myself sipping coffee on the balcony, which overlooks the mountains/lakes. 

We now have an elliptical!! The silly thing is in the garage, as I don't think it will fit in our basement, but that's ok.  I'll make adjustments and I was able to sneak 24 minutes in today that maybe I wouldn't have been able to do otherwise.

My mom is coming to visit in a month from today!! She will be here during the busiest part of my husband's job, so it will be so nice to see her and have an extra pair of helping (loving) hands.  I am sure there will be so many fun things we'll do.

I just received my "Shakeology" for a 'Biggest Loser' contest-- I ordered through Jen--who helped my sister get started as a Beach Body Coach.  The goal is to lose as much weight in one week; I obviously know I can't lose too much weight in a week because of breastfeeding, but more than anything I wanted some motivation and to try this stuff out at a decent cost.  The winner gets one of those fancy Polar calorie watches, which would be awesome if I did win, but I worry about my supply so I'll be smart about dropping these stupid LBs.

I am currently working on a an inspiration board to hang near my elliptical; I'm filling it with positive words of encouragement, training tips, and of course bikini clad girls with perfect bods.  {Aim high, or don't aim at all?}

I also started up a journal again; more of a healthy/weight loss journal, but still a journal.  I have written in one ever since my Hello Kitty Diary in Second grade, up until I met Joe...then I stopped. I of course write here, but it's nice to just jot down personal thoughts that you just don't always want to share with the world.  I find it's helping me stay focused as well.

I'm taking 'local honey' for my allergies and so far I am doing okay!  They are worse if I am outside, but I really don't want to take any medicine {while bf} and I am so proud that I am doing this well. I was seriously addicted to Zyrtec; I finally quit taking it about a year ago (because I was preggars) and I could NOT stop the itch!! I don't ever want to deal with that again...so I'll take the sneezing, coughing, stuffy, runny, crazy red eyes.  It'll be over soon and Summer will be here!

Speaking of, I cannot wait for 4th of July weekend!! We'll be staying at my family's cottage on a lake and hubs has off a little bit of time; yayyy! 

So, no, there are no photos.  I don't want to upload any and most of them are probably on my instagram anyway [MrsDelleFave]  Just wanted to "trust the gush" and let my thoughts out...as jumbled as they've been, for each one of the above bright spots was a blog idea of itself.  But as you mamas, know, you just can't do it all. So do what you can and be happy with that. 

Wish us luck at lil B's appointment tomorrow!!

Mexican Feast::Girls' Night

Hello lovies!

I am so happy to see the sun shining again today!  We don't always tend to get this much sun, this many days in a row!! Last night was my monthly girls' nights.  Like always, it was full of fabulous food, good conversations and loving friends. 

My sweet angel was so fussy; I am very thankful for my dear friends who all took turns trying to console her.  She was just not having a good time!  She's sleeping soundly in her swing, so I am grateful to be able to re-cap our fun night while she's peaceful.

Last night's theme was "Mexican" with Cinco de Mayo near, and the fact that Alison made an amazing Mexican meal last year, it sure did not disappoint!

Upon arrival, she had her homemade Margaritas ready to go!  I enjoyed a small one.  I seriously told her I want to go all day and drink them and have the hubs come get me later in the evening.  {Mama's day out?!}

It was as good as it looked.  I could go for another. Yes it's only 10:30 in the morning.

I loved Alison's table decor; so festive!

And I also love going to her house, as it's always a preview for me as to what's to come with toddlers!

It looks much worse!  Do you remember GAK??  Well she made her own non-toxic version for her twins to play with and her daughter calls is "Schlop."  It peels right up and cleans just fine, but I just had to giggle.  Life with tots!!

Kristin was on the appetizer detail and I will say that I will definitely be making these for Joe & I!

It was a Zucchini Bruschetta dish and it was deeeeeeeeelish!  I believe the recipe is similar to this.

 {Fresh Zucchini Bruschetta Recipe}

It was so tasty and light; perfect for a warm summer evening.  Good job Kris!

Alison went above and beyond for her Mexican meal...holy moly guacamole!! [and salsa verde, arepas, yum yum yum!!]

 Matty brought that yummy corn/black bean salad.

I had never heard of nor tried said "Arepas" but I am sure glad she made them!! It's a corn cake stuffed with veggies or pulled pork and cheese.  I was in Mexican heaven!! It's my all time favorite food. 

I found a similar recipe for the Arepas found here South American Corn Cakes

I am not great at frying things in oil, but it may be worth the try sometime because these were little bites of heavenly Mexican goodness.

I was on dessert detail, and I asked my other pro-cooking friend Ann for an easy idea and she said, "Tres Leches Cake."

HOLY COW.  If you need a simple yet decadent dessert, this is for you!

It didn't look like anything special...just you're typical yellow cake.

Don't be fooled!! It is so moist and super filling.

I baked a box of yellow cake mix, following the Tres Leches directions.

However, the trick to this cake?!  It contains three types of milk. Yes, 3.  After the cake was done baking, I poked holes in it with a fork and then poured the milks all over the cake, then you put it in the refrigerator, frost it, then refrigerate until serving.

When I served it, Matty sliced into his piece with a fork and saw the milk ooze out...Yum!!

Tres Leches Cake  Recipe here

It's bittersweet because Matty is moving to Florida in July.  I'm so excited for him, but I will miss our treasured girls' nights.  He is such a fabulous "Guncle" to Brooke! [We'll just have to visit him down south!]

On a positive, he started his own blog!! He is so witty, semi-inappropriate and up to date on all the latest pop culture trends.  His latest blog post is titled,

Move Over Tyra Banks, It’s Time For America’s Next Top Hooker

 Seriously.  He's a hoot and his blog is sure to be a big hit!!

 Check it out::
The Swarley:  A Twisted Take on Pop Culture 

3 cheers for Girls' Nights.  And now I must get my fitness on and work all that crazy good food (plus the baby weight) off my booty!! Happy Thursday dolls.