Nothing much to report, but Master OP did roll from belly to back on Tuesday. More soon!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
OP at 16 weeks
Nothing much to report, but Master OP did roll from belly to back on Tuesday. More soon!
Green smoothies and other uses for the Vita-Mix
I have been on a Vita-Mix kick recently! Below are the things I've made in the last few days.
Breakfast this morning: bunch of kale, 2 whole green apples, 1 banana, 2 peaches, some almond milk pulp (more on this below), OJ, and a splash of honey. I actually make a "green smoothie" every morning, but typically I go lighter on the greens and add a little more fruit...I just felt like going super-green today. A typical smoothie would include about a half-bunch of some kind of green (kale, spinach, romaine), blueberries, banana, and whatever else needs to be consumed (mango, apple, orange, strawberry, etc.). I usually add no sweetener (just wanted to offset my whole bunch of kale a little today), and usually use water as the base, not juice...but we happen to have fresh OJ taunting me from the fridge! Can I just say, it makes me SO happy to see my two-year-old (and the girls too) slurping down copious portions of these concoctions!
Almond milk: almonds, water, and a splash of vanilla. It turned out great, but a little thick, so I strained it through cheesecloth. This "pulp" is now being added to other recipes as a little nutritive boost.
Coffee freeze: almond milk, coffee, ice, vanilla and honey. Who needs Starbucks?
Strawberry ice cream: raw goat milk, whole frozen strawberries, sugar, and a splash of vanilla. It was AMAZING. So much better than anything store-bought, and it was Liam-friendly (no cow dairy)!
Peanut butter: peanuts! So flavorful!
Moroccan lentil soup: from the Vita-Mix book...this recipe. I even used home-made chicken broth D made. The only thing I didn't have was raisins, which I'm sure would add a nice sweet to the soup. I thought it was quite good, though the consistency the next day was pretty funny...
Breakfast this morning: bunch of kale, 2 whole green apples, 1 banana, 2 peaches, some almond milk pulp (more on this below), OJ, and a splash of honey. I actually make a "green smoothie" every morning, but typically I go lighter on the greens and add a little more fruit...I just felt like going super-green today. A typical smoothie would include about a half-bunch of some kind of green (kale, spinach, romaine), blueberries, banana, and whatever else needs to be consumed (mango, apple, orange, strawberry, etc.). I usually add no sweetener (just wanted to offset my whole bunch of kale a little today), and usually use water as the base, not juice...but we happen to have fresh OJ taunting me from the fridge! Can I just say, it makes me SO happy to see my two-year-old (and the girls too) slurping down copious portions of these concoctions!
Almond milk: almonds, water, and a splash of vanilla. It turned out great, but a little thick, so I strained it through cheesecloth. This "pulp" is now being added to other recipes as a little nutritive boost.
Coffee freeze: almond milk, coffee, ice, vanilla and honey. Who needs Starbucks?
Strawberry ice cream: raw goat milk, whole frozen strawberries, sugar, and a splash of vanilla. It was AMAZING. So much better than anything store-bought, and it was Liam-friendly (no cow dairy)!
Peanut butter: peanuts! So flavorful!
Moroccan lentil soup: from the Vita-Mix book...this recipe. I even used home-made chicken broth D made. The only thing I didn't have was raisins, which I'm sure would add a nice sweet to the soup. I thought it was quite good, though the consistency the next day was pretty funny...
Monday, June 15, 2009
I love the Ranch Market!
Today's purchases, for $27.50:
4 avocados
1.4 lb green beans
bunch spinach
2 bunches kale
cauliflower
2 cucumbers
1.7 lb zucchini
1.5 lb brussel sprouts
1.5 lb yams
honeydew melon (3.75 lb)
2 yellow peppers
2.4 lb peaches
5 lb bag apples
pineapple
5 kiwis
2 lb organic Fuji apples
1.6 lb nectarines
4 - 1 lb clamshells of strawberries
5 champange mangos
YUM
I was not the best advertisement for babywearing while shopping however...Master OP was on my back in the mei tai screaming, as I had neglected to feed him BEFORE shopping. Silly mama.
The girls had a busy, tiring weekend...Papa B and Aunt B and Uncle M were over on Saturday to swim and eat; they took the girls home via the rodeo. After a late night, they were up early riding horses and running around the ranch. We picked them up for pictures (coming soon!) mid-morning, then returned them after lunch. They swam and played until about 4:00, when Papa B returned them home. We all went out to dinner, and then the crowd crashed hard! I had to wake up C at 7:45 so we could get her to her art camp on time!
4 avocados
1.4 lb green beans
bunch spinach
2 bunches kale
cauliflower
2 cucumbers
1.7 lb zucchini
1.5 lb brussel sprouts
1.5 lb yams
honeydew melon (3.75 lb)
2 yellow peppers
2.4 lb peaches
5 lb bag apples
pineapple
5 kiwis
2 lb organic Fuji apples
1.6 lb nectarines
4 - 1 lb clamshells of strawberries
5 champange mangos
YUM
I was not the best advertisement for babywearing while shopping however...Master OP was on my back in the mei tai screaming, as I had neglected to feed him BEFORE shopping. Silly mama.
The girls had a busy, tiring weekend...Papa B and Aunt B and Uncle M were over on Saturday to swim and eat; they took the girls home via the rodeo. After a late night, they were up early riding horses and running around the ranch. We picked them up for pictures (coming soon!) mid-morning, then returned them after lunch. They swam and played until about 4:00, when Papa B returned them home. We all went out to dinner, and then the crowd crashed hard! I had to wake up C at 7:45 so we could get her to her art camp on time!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
June in Arizona...
...couldn't be more perfect (so far)! We have had highs in the low 90s, lows in the 70s. Every night, we've been opening up the house, sleeping with windows and doors open and enjoying the fresh breeze. The mornings have been more of the same - until about 11:00 when it heats up enough that I have to resort to the air. Honestly, if the house had better insulation and air flow, I could probably get away without any A/C at all! Sadly though, even on a nice day, the house gets too stuffy without.
Anyway, C has been LOVING every minute of her art camp so far. She's on day three today and has been doing paper maiche, jewelry making, dance, and lots of games. Yesterday she was dressed and brushed and ready to walk out the door at 5:30. Yes, in the morning!
The other kids and I have been hanging out - spent some time with friends yesterday, went for a walk just now. E rode her bike, and the boys rode in our new Phil and Ted's double stroller...I finally broke down and got one when they went on sale through Costco for half the normal retail. I hate to admit, but it is nice to be able to walk without a baby strapped on me...just now and then!
D is in Las Vegas for the day at a work conference...he flew up this morning, and didn't have to leave until about 7:00. He dropped C at her camp for me, which was a nice break, and we got to hang out together this morning - crazy! He usually leaves by 5:30.
That's the news. Papa B arrives today, so we look forward to visiting...off to make some food while the house is still cool!
Anyway, C has been LOVING every minute of her art camp so far. She's on day three today and has been doing paper maiche, jewelry making, dance, and lots of games. Yesterday she was dressed and brushed and ready to walk out the door at 5:30. Yes, in the morning!
The other kids and I have been hanging out - spent some time with friends yesterday, went for a walk just now. E rode her bike, and the boys rode in our new Phil and Ted's double stroller...I finally broke down and got one when they went on sale through Costco for half the normal retail. I hate to admit, but it is nice to be able to walk without a baby strapped on me...just now and then!
D is in Las Vegas for the day at a work conference...he flew up this morning, and didn't have to leave until about 7:00. He dropped C at her camp for me, which was a nice break, and we got to hang out together this morning - crazy! He usually leaves by 5:30.
That's the news. Papa B arrives today, so we look forward to visiting...off to make some food while the house is still cool!
Friday, June 5, 2009
The big update
Now that I have a moment to sit and write, figured it's time to share the "big" news (no, no more babies!!). I have decided to take a break from my apprenticeship. That's right - no more office days, no more births, no more post-partum visits. It was a hard choice for me to make, but one that became more glaringly obvious the more I started doing. Thing is, our family was sacrificing a lot for me to be gone so much, and our kids are so young! I know the day will come when the crew wants nothing to do with us, so right now, while they still love, adore and cherish every moment with mom, I need to spend my time with them. The same goes for D - I felt like I was never home to spend time with my husband, as I took advantage of his being home to do afternoon "work."
So the truth is - we're thrilled! I know I will miss the midwifery work, but I also know that it is there, and will be there when our family is ready to make that choice again. The addition of Master OP just changed things more than I ever thought it would.
The first bit of family fun we're doing is a trip to San Diego at the end of June :) One of my aunts is planning on flying over on Monday (the 22nd) to make the drive with the kids and me. D will then fly over on Thursday afternoon for the weekend. Sunday we will pack up and trek on home. We are looking forward to catching up with the extended family there, and having a little break from our heat (though to be honest, it's not bad yet!). Just a few days after we return, the girls are flying up to Alaska with my mom for three weeks. I'm not going this year, as I was going to be on call and busy at work...but even with my changes, it should be exciting for the girls to go on an adventure by themselves.
So the truth is - we're thrilled! I know I will miss the midwifery work, but I also know that it is there, and will be there when our family is ready to make that choice again. The addition of Master OP just changed things more than I ever thought it would.
The first bit of family fun we're doing is a trip to San Diego at the end of June :) One of my aunts is planning on flying over on Monday (the 22nd) to make the drive with the kids and me. D will then fly over on Thursday afternoon for the weekend. Sunday we will pack up and trek on home. We are looking forward to catching up with the extended family there, and having a little break from our heat (though to be honest, it's not bad yet!). Just a few days after we return, the girls are flying up to Alaska with my mom for three weeks. I'm not going this year, as I was going to be on call and busy at work...but even with my changes, it should be exciting for the girls to go on an adventure by themselves.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
We love mei tais in this house!
Here are the boys just moments ago...OP fell asleep moments after the picture, as is his norm in any carrier. L loves going "uppie" in his MT too.
D is wearing a toddler-sized Kindercarry; I have on a Baby Hemp Tai.
Excuse the dorky pose...but I thought for once I'd post a pic with BOTH parents! Shocking :)
(and apologies to those on Facebook...I'm trying to keep my blog updated, so many posts are doubling with what I post over there!)
D is wearing a toddler-sized Kindercarry; I have on a Baby Hemp Tai.
Excuse the dorky pose...but I thought for once I'd post a pic with BOTH parents! Shocking :)
(and apologies to those on Facebook...I'm trying to keep my blog updated, so many posts are doubling with what I post over there!)
Monday, June 1, 2009
Fourteen
Master OP is fourteen weeks old today...and fourteen pounds even! He is a smiley little guy who adores being carried, and still sleeps a ton. Yes, he gets bonus points for that last bit :)
Goofy "hold the camera-self portrait" pic (he's really much cuter in real life!):
The girls have 2.5 days of school left - mostly play. This afternoon is water day, tomorrow is hand-made ice cream social day, and Wednesday is a half-day, with a puppet show. C will then start an arts camp for just one week (6/8 through 6/12), which is every day from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the city Art Center. It will be a looooooong day, but I know she'll love it - dance, drama, arts, kids...and no siblings!
July 2 the girls are going to Alaska for 3 weeks...by themselves! My mom is flying up with them, and they will fly home alone. Grandma has lots of plans for their visit, including a camping trip, which they're very excited about.
That's the latest and greatest.
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