Tales from the crib....

So for some reason, Little Dude B has been particularly "talkative" during his regular nap-time this week. Typically, he still takes a 2-3 hour nap each afternoon...which is FAB! This week however, he has been perfectly content to lie in his self-crafted nest and converse with...???....his toys? the wall? the closet door? Or perhaps, he has come to the conclusion that mama needs some entertainment during her hour "off" via some good ole' fashioned baby monitor fun.

Without further ado....I share with you, Tales from the Crib (a.k.a. crazy stuff I heard my two year old gabbing about this week while he was supposed to be sleeping).  I promise you, I am totally legit with all of these....couldn't make them up....I'm not that creative

1) A full out medley of Taylor Swift's greatest hits (I know....I know....). His best renditions? "Never Getting Back Together" and "Trouble". Clear as a bell on the ol' Graco monitor.

2) "Well hellooooo Diney! Helloooo Diney....." Imagine it to the tune of Hello Dollie. Yep. That went on for about 20 minutes. (Oh, and Diney is his stuffed dinosaur....again, not that creative around here...)

3) "MINE! No! MINE! My night-night!!!" Not gonna lie, this one concerned me a bit. Because either there is a mystery intruder in his room that is fighting him for his miniature quilt, or he has a split personality. I verified that there was no one in his room....hmmmm....maybe that 529 plan would be better set aside for future therapy bills.

4) "Yaaaaay! I'm pooping! Yaaaaaay!!!" Super excited to change that post-nap dipe.

5)  "I'm DONE! I'm DONE! I'm DONE!" Yeah....rethinking that whole letting him watch "Dance Moms" with me thing. Hey, don't judge.....

And now, exactly 2 minute before I am supposed to get him up for the afternoon, there is pure, serene silence. Of course there is Murphy, of course there is.

Happy Friday All!!

A letter to Little Dude B on his 2nd Birthday....

Dearest Little Dude "B",

Today at 6:27pm, I cried. You didn't know it, but as I kissed your sweet blond head, the tears welled up and rolled warm down my cheeks. Why? Because two years ago, at that exact moment, I held you in my arms for the first time and looked into those kind, honest eyes of yours and made the unspoken promise to hold your hand and your heart in mine, each and every day. But today, as you climbed your way on top of the cooler at your birthday party to get yourself a snack from the buffet table...all by yourself....I saw independence. I saw confidence. I saw growth. I saw all of the things that every parent wants for their child (even if it does make us a little sad). And, my dear, I was so very proud of you.

At two, you are still a bit oblivious to the finer points of Birthday parties. As you will learn as you get older, I get a little crazy over these events. Love it or hate it, I promise to make each birthday a day you won't forget. Today, I made the realization that throwing elaborate birthday parties is my own little way of distracting myself from the fact that no matter how hard I try to bonsai you and your sister, you just keep getting older. Sigh.... But whether or not you fully “got” how to open your gifts or master the party games today, I knew that you “knew” it was your special day. Your innocent face was simply radiating joy. You knew we were all here to celebrate you. You knew (I hope) just how very much you are loved. And that, is what birthdays are all about.

In the past year, you have grown so very much. Not just in dramatic physical changes that occur from age 1 to age 2, but in so many other ways as well. You are so very curious. There is no corner, no nook, no cranny that goes unexplored when you are around. And so smart...learning so much and so excited about your new found skills. You are speaking so well. There are no sweeter words than those you say to me as I put you to bed each night....”I love you mama....Night, Night.” Sweet simplicity. But I do believe that when I am old and gray, I will hear those words each night when I lay my head to rest and think about just how lucky I have been to have you as my son.

You received so many “boy” toys today....trucks, dinosaurs, trains, etc. And I love how much fun you have driving and banging and “rawring”...you know, the boy stuff. But I adore the way you run to me when I am caring for your sister who just got a boo-boo. You ask her if she is OK and don't leave her side until you know she is alright. You give kisses to your new stuffed dino from Nanny before you lay your own head down after a long and exhausting day. You show me once again that you have a heart of pure gold....and that will bring you many blessings in this life my love. I promise you that.

So, yes. I cried today at exactly 6:27pm as I kissed that sweet blond head of yours. And I probably will each and every year on August 3^rd. For that will always be the moment when your beautiful soul joined this little family of ours. The moment when I first met the tiny creature that will undoubtedly grow into a man strong in ability and strong in character.

But for now, you are two. Drive, crash, bang, and “rawr” all you can little man. Remember, I will be by your side, holding your hand and your heart in mine, each and every day.

I love you to the moon and back... infinity times.

XOXOXO,

Mommy

RECIPE: Apple, Beet, Cinnamon Puree

Today, I am taking it back to my roots (I crack myself up...you will see why in a minute....) and bringing you all a good ol' fashioned baby food puree recipe. Still, it is quite unlike most that you will find on the shelves at the market. This one is packed with "YUM!"

Apple, Beet, and Cinnamon Puree

(now do you see why I crack myself up?)

Mama Chef Extraordinaire: Sara at www.kidsheartrealfood.com

 

When to Introduce: Despite what your grandmother may tell you, it really is safe (and wonderful) to begin introducing basic herbs and spices to baby at an early age. Cinnamon is one of those basics! This recipe can be enjoyed by little ones as early on as 6 months! 

Always be sure to check with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.

 

Why we Love It:  This simple dish is packed full of good stuff like Potassium, Fiber, and Folate - all dietary superstars that you want you baby to enjoy! And....it is a really pretty color!

 

Ingredients: 

 1/3 cup beet puree (see here for details on pureeing your own baby food)
3 Tbsp of apple puree or applesauce
a sprinkle of cinnamon

Directions: 

1.  Mix beet puree with apple puree or applesauce.
2.  Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Servings: 

This will make one 4 ounce serving. But as you can see, it is so ridiculously easy to make that you can easily scale it up into a much larger quantity and have it on hand for future feedings!