This Week in Mommyhood

The word of the week is "Relief." We had the last music class on Saturday and Cati behaved herself. She was so good she made me wonder if taking a break from the music classes was a good idea. Then at the end of the class she went after one of the kids and quickly snapped me out of my reverie. Ahh kids.

Here are some of the other fun developments from this past week:


Jumping Jumparoo: I have been too lazy to pack up the Jumparoo and put it away. This is a good thing because Cati has taken a renewed interest in it. She's too big for it but she loves to sit and bounce around. She will actually go up to you and point to the Jumparoo so that you know she wants in. What really got me this past week was her putting one of her baby dolls in and making it bounce.

Watches are for Dada: We took a trip to Macy's and, as usual, Alex wanted to look at the watches. I don't know if it's because the first section contained G-Shocks, which Alex owns, but as soon as Cati saw the watches she pointed and yelled out "dada." Every time she saw a watch she said "dada." I thought it was hilarious.


Monkeying Around: Cati will not repeat words back to us but if you introduce her to a new animal noise she's all over it. Alex taught her how to make monkey noises and to do an arm motion and now every time she sees a monkey she does it.

School Thoughts: Cati will be starting school in the fall. Alex is actually more nervous about it than I am. I think and hope Cati will benefit from being around other kids and learning the fun social skills of sharing and patience. Alex, on the other hand, is worried about the bad stuff: not fitting in and getting picked on. To be honest, I was worried about these things too until she started hitting and I realized I might have to worry about her being a bully than someone who is picked on. But then he brought up something I hadn't really thought about: expectations. With the start of school comes certain expectations and with those expectations comes the testing of skills and knowledge. Cati will be starting on a track that has no way back. I told Alex this and I am saying it here, I'll be happy if Cati is average with average grades as long as she is a happy child. There are plenty of pressures and expectations out there and while I will have certain expectations I want to make sure she knows that there is nothing wrong with being average as long as you are trying your best.

Here's to another week of hot weather and struggling to find fun, indoor activities to do with an active toddler.

Funfetti Waffles

I have been wanting to make these waffles for the longest time because I love anything and everything funfetti. I would have made them sooner but waffles always seem to be sort of a production in our house. There's always multiple bowls involved, which means all our bowls are involved because as soon as Cati sees one bowl she wants to play with all them. Then I can only make one waffle at a time so our oven gets turned on to "warm" to keep the done waffles warm while I make more waffles. So at the end of the day, I always make pancakes and save the waffles for a special occasion or when I have the time and energy to make them.

 

These waffles were so dense that the syrup really didn't sink in but that doesn't mean they weren't good. Alex described it perfectly when he said the waffles tasted just like waffle ice cream cones so imagine that but softer and thicker. I halved recipe (the one below is the full recipe) using 3 Tbsp of melted butter and I was able to get two waffles.

Funfetti Waffles
Source: Chef Mommy


2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups warm milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sprinkles

In a large bowl, mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar; set aside. Preheat waffle iron to desired temperature.

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Stir in the milk, butter and vanilla. Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture; beat until blended.

Ladle the batter into a preheated waffle iron. Add the sprinkles on top. Cook the waffles until golden and crisp. Serve with whipped cream and additional sprinkles on top.

52 {Books} in 52: Mini Shopaholic

I've read most of Sophie Kinsella's books because her books are silly and fun to read. The latest entry in the Shopaholic series is Mini Shopaholic. The story follows Rebecca Brandon (nee Bloomwood) as she tackles motherhood, vows not to buy anymore clothes until she wears everything she owns three times, and attempts to throw her husband, Luke, a surprise birthday party. The economy has taken a hit and Luke is afraid their daughter, Minnie, is out of control. In the end, and like all the other books, there is a third party that comes in to save the financial day. Becky is always on the brink of catastrophe and it often gets annoying that she gets saved all the time, but you can't help but love the character.

For a book called Mini Shopaholic I don't think it focused enough on Minnie's character. Sure, she is a toddler versed in Visa-talk and part of the reason Luke's mother, Elinor, is in the book, but still. I thought the book would focus more on their mother-daughter relationship and how Minnie became a "mini shopaholic" but instead most of the book is spent with the drama of planning and hiding the party from Luke. To be completely honest, I can't relate to Becky's character but I have enjoyed the books because they are so silly and the situations Becky finds herself in are shocking and so full of irony that you can't help but giggle. I was really hoping the addition of a mother role would help her be more relate-able to me but it didn't because there was always someone available to watch Minnie or, in a way, you kind of forgot they had a kid because they didn't act like they did.

So what a mixed review, huh? The book was fun to read but didn't have that spark the previous books because this one felt farther from reality than the last books.

Here's what I've read for my 52 {Books} in 52 challenge:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
5. Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace by Ayelet Waldman
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
8.  Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder
9.  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
10. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
12. Best Day of Someone Else's Life by Kerry Reichs
13. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
14. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
15. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
16. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
17. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
18. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
19.  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
20.  Bossypants by Tina Fey
21. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
22. Mini Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella

This Week in Mommyhood

The word of the week is mortified. Motherhood equals mortified as I saw my child hit another child in music class with wooden sticks. When we first started music class Cati was shy and would hang back as the other kids went to the bin to get their instruments. Somewhere along the line Cati got more assertive (aggressive?) and she would go up to the bin and hit whatever child was in her way. No provocation other than being in her way. She hits as if saying "get out of my way!" I dread going to music class because of the hitting and at this point we are going to stop doing them because I don't think either of us are really enjoying the classes.

So the hitting is bad. I don't know why. We instantly correct and try to show her appropriate touching behavior but the hitting continues. I know she gets that she shouldn't be hitting because I've seen her hit then kiss without me intervening but I wish she would process enough to not hit in the first place. It's a lot to ask of a 17-month old toddler to show some emotional/reactive restraint but if she could it would really help me feel better about my mothering.

The parents of the hitting victim are always very understanding but it doesn't stop me from wanting to cry when said parents say "It's ok. I'm just happy it's not my child doing the hitting!" Suddenly, what I know to be a stage goes from that to a huge parenting problem that feels like a reflection of my parenting skills. This is one of the fundamental flaws of parenthood: you love and are so invested in your children that things become internalized so it is nearly impossible to remain completely objective and separate from your children.

Aside from the further slump into the mommyhood blues, here are the other fun developments this week:

Oink Oink. Cati knows what a pig is now and she loves to snort like one!

Feeding Frenzy. Cati loves to share her food with her stuffed animals. It just about melts my heart when I see her offering her toys a drink of water or a nibble of food.

One more music class to make it through. Is it sad that it's only Monday and I'm already dreading the end of the week?

Dinner Made By Two

 First of all, I am so sorry posting has sucked. Things have been a little hectic around here. We seem to be fighting colds left and right, Alex is frustrated with work, and Cati is going through a phase. My once beautiful eater has turned into a very picky eater and it seems like most of the time all she eats during her meals is fruit. As much as I try not to stress out about it, I get really frustrated when everything I offer is rejected. It's been a rough patch in mommyhood and having Alex unhappy doesn't help with my and my mood so I end up spending my free time laying in bed or escaping into someone else's life in my books. I'm hoping things turn around soon because I'm tired of feeling so emotionally spent all the time.

On a positive note, you must make this meal now. This is the best kind of meal there is: the kind where the work is split and you get to do the easy part! Alex made the chicken and I made the potatoes. Our only complaint with this meal was the sage leaves in the chicken because it took away from the lemon and salty flavor of the chicken. The sage flavor was even more potent the next day when we ate the chicken as leftovers. So if you aren't a fan of sage, definitely leave it out. Otherwise, the meal was a hit and we can't wait to repeat (minus the sage).

 

Chicken Saltimbocca with Lemon Sauce
Source: Bon Appétit, March 2007
Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
4 skinless boneless chicken breast halves
8 large fresh sage leaves
8 thin prosciutto slices (about 3 ounces)
1/2 cup plus 2 teaspoons all purpose flour
1 tablespoon butter
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons dry white wine
1/2 cup low-salt chicken broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Place chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap on work surface. Using mallet, pound chicken to 1/3-inch thickness. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place 2 sage leaves atop each chicken breast half. Top each chicken breast with 2 prosciutto slices, pressing to adhere. Spread 1/2 cup flour on plate. Turn chicken in flour to lightly coat both sides.

Melt butter with oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, prosciutto side down; cook 4 minutes. Turn chicken over and cook just until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer to platter and cover to keep warm; reserve skillet.

Whisk wine with remaining 2 teaspoons flour in small bowl. Add broth and lemon juice to same skillet; bring to boil. Add wine mixture; whisk until sauce thickens slightly, about 30 seconds. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve with carrot orzo.

Roasted Parmesan Potato Wedges Recipe
Source: Taste of Home
Serves 4-6

4 potatoes (2 pounds)
2 teaspoons canola oil
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Cut each potato lengthwise in half. Cut each half into three wedges. In a large bowl, sprinkle potatoes with oil; toss to coat. Combine the remaining ingredients. Add to potatoes; toss to coat.

Arrange potatoes in a single layer on a 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pan coated with cooking spray.

Sprinkle with any remaining coating. Bake at 350° for 45-55 minutes or until golden brown and tender.

52 {Books} in 52: Dead Reckoning

I actually started reading the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris before I even saw the show True Blood. In general, the books have a more light-hearted feel to them than the show. Light-hearted isn't exactly the right word, but the books just don't seem to take themselves as seriously as the show does. With the books, you enjoy reading about all the supernatural things and it grips you in a way that only books can. The show, on the other hand, makes you all kinds of jittery. Or at least it does for me. The show kind of follows along with the books, but since it's something adapted for TV, the show takes a few detours to create something that is more drama-filled and suspenseful.

The latest entry in the Sookie Stackhouse series is Dead Reckoning. I read this book before True Blood even started so it goes to show you how behind I am on these book posts. The book was exactly what I expected from Charlaine Harris; something light and easy to read. The story picks up where Dead in the Family left off and continues to explore the world of vampire hierarchy and faery relations. For all the critique Charlaine Harris has gotten over this book, you have to give the woman credit for coming up with all the things she does and for keeping the story going and giving you enough twists to stop you from being complacent. And honestly, maybe I'm not as thorough as a reader as others, but I didn't even pick up on some of the things others have complained about. I find the books entertaining and I don't expect my brain to be sent into a tailspin after reading the books.

Here's what I've read for my 52 {Books} in 52 challenge:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
5. Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace by Ayelet Waldman
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
8.  Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder
9.  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
10. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
12. Best Day of Someone Else's Life by Kerry Reichs
13. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
14. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
15. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
16. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
17. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
18. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
19.  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
20.  Bossypants by Tina Fey
21. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

This Week in Mommyhood

What a Sunday. I am exhausted and Cati has been running a fever all day long. Other than being a tad more affectionate, she is acting normal. No one is sick so I have no clue if her fever is something viral or if it's a result of something like teething. Hopefully a good night of sleep is all she needs and she'll wake up tomorrow feeling as happy as can be.

Here are the fun developments from this week:

Little Slugger: Cati gets throwing a ball. The balls don't go far, but she knows what to do know when you ask her to throw you the ball.


Swim Class, Finished: Cati had her last swim lesson this week. I don't think she really got much from the classes other than feeling more comfortable in the water, but it was still fun and something new to do. On the last day of class she finally understood that she needed to close her mouth when she went underwater so I consider the classes a success.

New Perla: I took Perla to get a haircut on Monday and Cati has been attached to her ever since. You would think we got a new dog with the way Cati acts around Perla. Cati will literally cry and throw a fit if Perla is in a different room from us.

Little Slugger, Part Two: This hurts my mommy heart so much. We went to music class on Saturday and normally Cati would kind of hang back from all the other kids, but this class she really asserted herself: by hitting. She hit two boys and went after one repeatedly. I was mortified and kept trying to correct her behavior. I know this is a stage and I just need to keep telling and showing her what is appropriate touching behavior, but I hate that she acts out like this because it makes me feel like I'm doing something wrong. I got a pep talk from my mother-in-law and had a good cry so I'm hoping I can approach hitting more objectively in the future.

Another week come and gone. I can't believe it's almost the middle of July. Where does time go?

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie

I love all possible combinations of peanut butter and bananas. I am known to eat whole bananas slathered in peanut butter. That's how much I love the taste of that combination. So it was no surprise when I tried this smoothie recipe and loved it. I added more peanut butter because I couldn't really get the peanut butter flavoring with just one tablespoon. This is a perfect breakfast.

Banana Peanut Butter Smoothie
Source: Adapted from Mama Grubbs
Serves 1

1 banana
2 Tbsp fat-free vanilla yogurt
2 Tbsp cup milk (any kind you like)
2 Tbsp natural peanut butter
3/4 cups ice cubes

In a blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth, and serve immediately.

52 {Books} in 52: Bossypants

I have been wanting to read Bossypants by Tina Fey ever since I read her prayer for her daughter. The prayer could have been plucked right out of my thoughts for how much I agreed with what she said in the prayer. The prayer comes in at the end of the book, but that's ok because it is yet another great chapter in a book full of so many great chapters. Reading about Fey's life and the route she has taken to get to where she is today was inspiring. Not inspiring in the way that you want to follow her lead and do exactly what she did, but inspiring in the way that you can only hope to tackle life with as much passion and gusto as she did. This book isn't another celebrity memoir, it's the story of a person you can actually picture being friends with in real life.

I loved reading this book and was actually sad when I finished the book. If there is one good thing about reading and finishing this book it's that I am glad Tina Fey wrote this book because otherwise I would have been kept in the dark with how talented and insightful she is.

Here's what I've read for my 52 {Books} in 52 challenge:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
5. Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace by Ayelet Waldman
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
8.  Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder
9.  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
10. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
12. Best Day of Someone Else's Life by Kerry Reichs
13. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
14. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
15. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
16. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
17. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
18. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
19.  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
20.  Bossypants by Tina Fey

This Week in Mommyhood

First of all, Happy 4th of July! I hope you have celebrated today with some deliciously grilled food and are gearing up for some amazing fireworks later on. 

 

What a week! It started off with me not feeling too hot and ended with Cati getting sick. It's one thing for me to feel like crap but a whole different thing to see Cati with a runny nose and congestion. As much as I hate feeling sick, I would rather suffer all the sickness than see Cati uncomfortable in any way.

Here are the other fun developments this past week:

Little Swimmer: Cati started her swim classes this week. Most of the things taught are over her head but the classes are more about getting her familiar with the water. Normally weary of men, Cati actually let the instructor hold her twice! Once while she floated and another time outside of the pool.

Farting Matter: One of the lessons in swim class is learning how to do bubbles in the water. This was over Cati's head at first but she got it when I told her to do a "peito" (fart) in the water. She knew how to make a fart noise (thanks Abuela!) already so it was all about her connecting the dots. Well, the instructor thought it was hilarious and wanted to share Cati's farting/bubble skills with another lifeguard but after one good demonstration Cati actually farted. It was a loud one too and everyone heard it. Absolutely, hands down, one of the funniest moments ever. Even typing it out sends me into the same fit of giggles as if it just happened.

Hello, Dada?: I don't know when it happened but Cati associates the phone with Alex. She will grab either my phone or her toy phone, put it to her ear, and then say dada. I think she's just so used to me and the fact that when my phone rings, 95% of the time it's Alex and I put him on speakerphone so she can hear him that she thinks all phones are a direct link to Alex. Even more impressive is that this is most likely the beginnings of a phone-related pretend play.

Spontaneous Helper: Cati finally gets how to be a little helper. Not with everything, but it's progress! In the mornings when I make the bed, she grabs the decorative pillows and puts them on the bed. On a few occasions I've caught her picking up trash and throwing it away in the trash bin. Now if only she'd be so helpful when it comes to picking up her toys!

Ask and You Shall Receive: Cati is getting really good with answering questions. She understands so much more than she can speak. My favorite question is "what do you want to wear today?" (in Spanish) because she goes straight to the dresser and opens up drawers.

Walking Like a Big Person: Cati is getting more and more interested in walking up stairs. She climbs them but jumps at the chance to use our hands as support so she can walk up the stairs one foot at a time. It's so cute and funny to watch her do this.

Well, another week has come and gone. I pray we are both back to feeling completely better this week.

52 {Books} in 52: The Art of Racing in the Rain

First, I must give a huge thank you to Christina and Jey for recommending The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. This was such a beautiful and compelling story that I highly, highly recommend reading it. This story is told through the eyes of Enzo the dog and starts on the night before his death. The story does not start with him dying, however, it is simply the basis for why Enzo is going to tell you the story of his life and the life of his owner, Denny the honorable race car driver, husband, and father.

Denny experiences a series of tragic events, one of which includes the battle over his daughter (why are the grandparents so evil?!), and through it all Enzo is a faithful companion and friend. Your only regret with this story is the same as Enzo's: if he could just speak, the truth would be known! But Enzo understands his place in the world and knows how to use his gestures to get his desire across. This is not just a story of Enzo telling Denny's story though; it is a story of self-fulfillment for Enzo as he inches closer and closer to finally being ready to be a man in his next life.

The end of this story is simply beautiful and one of the most wonderful scenes I have ever imagined. From start to finish, this novel is one about love, compassion, and perseverance. This tale of pet owner and pet is one that perfectly showcases the special place pets have in our human lives and how lucky we humans are to have their loyalty.

 

Here's what I've read for my 52 {Books} in 52 challenge:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
5. Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace by Ayelet Waldman
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
8.  Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder
9.  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
10. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
12. Best Day of Someone Else's Life by Kerry Reichs
13. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
14. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
15. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
16. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
17. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
18. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler
19.  The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

52 {Books} in 52: Chelsea Chlesea Bang Bang

Here's another Chelsea Handler book, Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang. This book is funnier and more entertaining than the last book I read, Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea. This book starts off with a bang, no pun intended, with the first chapter called "The Feeling." In this chapter Handler recalls when she first learned the art of self-love (or self-pleasure depending on your preference). Other chapters in her book recount practical jokes (the fake death of Dudley) and the last chapter is even a list of lies or "storytelling" she's told. You laugh throughout the book and you constantly find yourself asking if the stories she's telling are true or if they are just more practical jokes, this time being played on the reader. Handler must know some of the stories are extremes in ridiculousness because this book has pictures in several of the chapters.

Some of Handler's views may be offensive, but you have to appreciate her honesty and her way of presenting certain views in a way that doesn't make you think she is trying to be malignant with her thoughts. She simply has a comical and warped view of the world and it's because of that view that she's even able to get into the situations one finds so entertaining when retold in the book.

Here's what I've read for my 52 {Books} in 52 challenge:

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
2. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
3. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
4. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
5. Bad Mother: A Chronicle of Maternal Crimes, Minor Calamities, and Occasional Moments of Grace by Ayelet Waldman
6. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
8.  Misery Loves Cabernet by Kim Gruenenfelder
9.  The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
10. Are You There Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler
11. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
12. Best Day of Someone Else's Life by Kerry Reichs
13. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson
14. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
15. Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
16. The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf
17. Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson
18. Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang by Chelsea Handler