Monday, June 24, 2013

Meal planning

Chris, H and I spent a few days out of town visiting family (family reunion for me and H and moving family for C).  We got back late Saturday night so we could get ready for the next week-Monday always comes around so fast!  Mac and Lila also had an obedience lesson or shall I say Chris and I had a lesson in being better pack leaders.

Is it hot where you are?  We are supposed to see 90 every day this week!  I doubt we will be turning on the stove or oven.  I'm certainly going to miss having central air as we only have window air conditioners. They do the job but some rooms are hotter, like my office, than others.

Sunday-Greek festival!  We picked up food from the drive-thru after running errands.
Monday-spinach salad with chicken, goat cheese, strawberries and a strawberry vinaigrette
Tuesday-C is on his own
Wednesday-chicken tacos with guac
Thursday-grilled pork chops
Friday-????

Monday, June 17, 2013

Happy Hour at Home (guacamole recipe)


Chris and I rarely made it out to happy hour before we had Henry and now it never happens.  Yesterday, we did our own "happy hour at home" with some fresh guacamole and some Summer Shandy....so refreshing!

Guacamole Recipe:
4 Avocados (I used organic Haas), removed from the peal and smashed
1/2 lime, juice and zest
1 teaspoon cilantro, fresh and chopped
1 tablespoon salsa
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt

Smash avocados in a bowl, add remaining ingredients and stir.  Serve with chips, veggie slices or on top of burgers or chicken.  Store left-over guac in the fridge.  I press plastic wrap right on the surface of the guac to keep it from turning brown.




Sunday, June 16, 2013

Happy Father's Day!

For Father's Day, Henry and I treated Chris to brunch out at our favorite local restaurant, Sweet Melissa.  Here's a few photos of our outing.  Happy Father's Day to all the Daddy's out there!

Wearing his "Happy First Father's Day Daddy" shirt from
our Nanny.
Henry and Daddy.  H is enthralled with all the
noise and people.
Tired baby but he wouldn't give in and take a nap-
too much to look at.
Henry and Mommy.

Henry-4 month well check

Last week, Henry attended his 4 month well-check with CNP Allyson.  She was his practitioner at his 2 month well check too.  Due to scheduling conflicts, Chris took him to the appointment and brought back lots of notes for me since I couldn't attend.  Don't worry, it all evens out since I took H to PT later in the week :)

Here are the basic stats:
Height- 24 inches (16th percentile)
Weight- 11 lbs 13 oz (3rd percentile)
Head circumference- 39.9 cm (2nd percentile)

So we have a peanut on our hands...no surprise there if you know us.  Chris and I are both on the short side :).  Our little guy is thriving developmentally (holding head up well, rolling all ways, being very alert) but the CNP is concerned with his size and is suggesting we start to introduce rice cereal and oatmeal.  To be quite honest, I was taken by surprise by this and probably a little defensive since I'm Henry's primary supply of nutrition AND I wasn't there to discuss my concerns with starting him on cereal/food so early.  We were told that if we don't start feeding him soon, he will "fall behind even more".  I have a bit of an issue with that, especially considering his gene pool.  After all, everything I've read states that solids should wait until six months (or close to it) because the digestive system is not ready yet and it can increase food sensitivities and allergies.  We already suspect that H has some food sensitivities, that's the whole reason I'm not eating dairy or bananas or spicy foods or broccoli...you get the idea.  So I decided to do some more research before making a decision.  I first started talking to other moms: my Mom, C's Mom, my Mom's group moms, co-workers who are moms.  Basically, it came out to we need to do what we feel is best for Henry.  Next, I checked out some online resources that are well-respected (KellyMom and Science of Mom).  I still want to call the office and ask a few questions (WHO growth charts vs. CDC growth charts) but after much thought about it, we are going to wait until closer to 6 months and follow his cues.  We have been including Henry in family meals in his infant swing for a while and just recently started sitting him in his high chair at the table with us (and a tray full of toys).

Chris also asked her about sleep (and the fact that this guy gets up a lot at night).  Thanks to her advice, we are transitioning to self-soothing.  This means no more rocking H to sleep, which is sad for me, but we are working on teaching him to go to sleep on his own to encourage healthy sleep habits.




And a video in the high chair:


Please know that we do not come from a place of judgement on those who choose to give cereal at any age, this is what we've chosen for Henry right now based on what we feel is best for him.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Baby blanket-girl

Just a quick post this week as its Friday night before 8pm and I'm already in bed due to combo of early mornings for work and getting up 5+ times the past few nights with H.  I'm physically and mentally exhausted.  So so happy we've got nothing planned this weekend other than the regular gym/grocery shopping/cooking/cleaning schedule.  I'm sure we'll do a few special things for Father's Day but I know Chris is just as tired as I am (he had a few late nights due to work functions).  I wanted to share my latest creation/baby gift for a soon-to-arrive Florida baby!  No batting and a nice soft flannel backing and silky binding.  I quilted along the horizontal stripes to keep it together.  Love making gifts for our friends!


Sunday, June 9, 2013

Asian Coleslaw (Ramen Noodle Salad)

When I'm looking for a quick, summery side dish I always think of this salad.  We love the crunchy texture and the flavor combo!  I can (and do) eat it right out of the serving bowl if I'm really hungry.  I recently had a friend request the recipe so here it is:

In a large salad bowl, combine:

1 package shredded cabbage/coleslaw mix
1 package of ramen noodles, broken into small pieces (I use chicken flavored)
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1 Tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
1-2 Tablespoons green onions/chives, chopped

To make the dressing, whisk to combine:

1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 Tablespoons white vinegar
2 Tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 flavor packet from ramen noodles

Pour dressing over salad and toss to incorporate.  Salad will wilt down after 1/2 hour or so.  I try to make it an hour or two ahead of time to allow time for the flavors to meld but not too far in advance because the ramen will soften.  Enjoy!

What are some of your favorite summer dishes?
     

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Meal planning


Although I haven't been posting it here, we've still been meal planning, shopping and cooking.  Meals that come together fast are preferred and we do a lot of grilling!  I try to prep as much on the weekends as possible, it makes our weeknight s go more smoothly.


Sunday-chicken, quinoa and spinach bowls
Monday-turkey, bacon and spinach wraps with Asian coleslaw
Tuesday-I'm at a work dinner, Chris is on his own
Wednesday-grilled shrimp and asparagus
Thursday- burgers with avocado  

What's on your menu for the week?

Monday, June 3, 2013

First race after baby

A few weeks ago, Chris and I ran our first race as parents!  The training went decently...until I went back to work and then I was only running 1 day a week and going to body pump 1 day a week.  Certainly not ideal race prep but work with what you have :).  

I started running 6 weeks after Henry was born (after being cleared by my midwife).  The first few weeks were a little rough and very slow.  I could certainly still feel the looseness in my hips, lost my cardiovascular endurance and I was achy after running but things steadily improved!  Another challenge I faced were "the girls"-I have to invest in larger and more supportive sports bras and had to pump directly before the race.

Most of C's family ran the race too, which made it really fun!  I ended up the same pace as my mom and we ran together for most of the race and finishing just over an hour with a 10:30/mile pace....not my best but certainly not bad.  

Chris originally signed up for the 1/2 marathon but dropped down to the 10k because of some hip issues and pack if training.  Danielle wrote a great race recap here: (http://justanotherdayinthepark.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-family-that-runs-together.html?m=1).  

I love that health, wellness and fitness are family activities!  Can't wait until H is old enough to ride with us in the jogging stroller-only a few more months!

Race day:

Pre-training race with Henry: