photo therapy:: 1st B-Day

We are having an bigger b-day party for Kannon next week but in the meantime we celebrated our little dude's birthday as a family of 4.  The day couldn't have been more perfect. 

We relaxed, decided on a whim to visit the aquarium, prepared an awesome dinner, and opened presents. 

Kannon's day was made more complete with a cake smash, pumpkin carving, and his first late night. 

With all the festivity and sugar rush Kannon was up till midnight partying until the cows came home.  What a big boy!  

Before Clark was born, Kannon was my one and only baby and I still saw him as a fragile infant.  Now, I realize just how grown up my little guy has become and I am blown away by the change.

Kannon is a walking, independent, tantrum throwing little dude.  He is amazed by the world around him.  His curiosity guides him around every corner as he explores every facet of his world. 

I can't believe just how grown up my baby is!  I am so proud of the accomplishments and milestones he has achieved and I love sharing this world with him, helping him to understand and explore. 

*Sorry for the poor photo quality, it has been gray and I have been using our point and shoot which takes grainy pics.

mama confesses:: bob marley

As parents we often take any measures necessary to get our little ones to sleep.  When Kannon was born that meant rocking him, babywearing, going on walks or simply walking in circles in our house, until we found the secret: Bob Marley. 

Yes, 100% punky reggae got my little angel to sleep. 

Okay, it wasn't just the Bob Marley but rather a combination of a bouncer, his own room, and strictly following the 90-minute sleep cycle in addition to these groovy tunes.  In a matter of days, our cranky baby was sleeping peacefully and Dale and I got our sanity back. 

We followed this habit for 10 long months.  Everywhere we went "Bob" came with us.  He played non-stop, on repeat, around the clock.  We hummed "get up, stand up" wherever we went.  At 10 months, the cd which had given us its all finally died and we frantically searched for another Bob cd and had no luck.  So, we found Debussy instead.  Kannon slept through the night as usual.  So the next, we tried Mozart.  He slept again.  Over the next few months we introduced a variety of music to Kannon's ears and his sleep habits remained the same.  Clearly it was just the music that saved us and not "Bob".

Wrong.

Now every baby is different.  Clark's sleeping habits are totally different from Kannon.  For Kannon the first month, he was either asleep or he was crying trying to get to sleep.  Clark sleeps well but he is also awake in 3 hour stretches, completely calm.  Seriously, this kid is like an owl some nights.  I really don't mind my little guy's desire to bond at 10pm but when we are trying to start a routine it really is just plain annoying! 


So tonight, after rocking, nursing, walking around and bouncing all failed I turned on random music. An hour later, he was still awake.  So I finally turned on Bob, the musical genius whose songs I just got over humming.  And guess what?  The sucker fell right asleep!  

Maybe it was a coincidence?  I think not.  Bob Marley uses steady rhythm, drums, and a soothing voice to satisfy our soul.  Apparently, it has the same effect on infants....or at least mine.  I suppose I will spend the next 10 months living and breathing Bob.  Now, lets just hope my kids don't turn out to be stoners from all this 'jahmmin'. 

Dear Kannon:: 1-Year Old

Watch Video Here

To My Wild Child, Kannon

It is hard to believe that one year ago I was rocking through contractions, embracing labor, and experiencing a rush of doubt, uncertainty, fear, and love.  Will I be a good mother? What will you look like? What kind of child will you be?  But with each 'what if' I grew more and more anxious to meet your little face.  At 9:24pm on Wednesday October 28, 2009 I became a mother and my life was forever changed---by you. 

You were everything that we dreamed.  Perfect, peaceful, and content.  You were placed on my chest and I fell in love.  Your soft hair, fleshy skin, and sweet smell enveloped me.  We spent hours just gazing at you silent but proud and totally in love.

It wasn't long before you showed us your personality.  You fought the swaddle, preferred independence, and spent hours observing the world around you.  You are creature of habit, you like your routine, and let us know (quite loudly!) if we have skipped a step in your day.  Your smile is charming, your laugh contagious, and your eyes offer wisdom beyond your year. 

We were nervous about becoming parents but you encouraged us and supported us in our journey.  Together we learn , grow, and fall more in love. We watch you smile, laugh, and giggle and we know that we are doing our job.  We gave you life but you have showed us how to live. 

We are not perfect.  We learn every day.  We sometimes skip diaper changes, let you cry just a few more minutes, or give you leftovers for dinner.  Sometimes, we tempt you and let you go for those stairs or encourage you to walk just a bit further and then watch you fall.  But still you love us and each time, you stand up and hold yourself together.

You are strong, wild, independent, free spirited and crave adventure.  

I never thought my favorite thing on Saturday would be rolling on the floor barking just to hear you laugh.  I never thought I would be eating sweet potatoes every day just because they are your favorite.  I never thought that I would be a mother to two boys, let alone one! 

With each passing day you grow and learn even more.  With each passing day we learn more about life, love, and parenthood.  You are the greatest gift the world has given me.  Not only were you born on your birth day, but I came alive and finally became a mother on your birth day.  It has only been a year but I feel that we have known each other lifetimes.  Remember always, to smile, be silly, and love on this momentous day.

Love Always,
Mama

mama cooks:: tyler florence

Dale has a bit of an obsession with Tyler Florence, chef and Food Network star.  Who am I kidding?  I also share that obsession!  We both agree that his recipes are simple, rustic, but with a modern flair and focus on seasonal food.  I surprised Dale with a Tyler Florence cookbook for his birthday on Saturday and since then we have been drooling over pages waiting for our CSA to come in so we could start cooking!

This week's box included:

Garnet Yams, Organic - 3 pounds
Acorn Squash, Organic - 1 each
Lacinato Kale, Organic - 1 bunch
Spinach, Organic - 1 bunch
Romanesco, Organic - 1 each
Scallions, Organic - 1 each
Cucumbers, Organic - 2 each
Red Bell Peppers, Organic - 3 each
Dapple Dandy Pluots, Organic - 6 each
Red Flame Grapes, Organic - 1.25 pounds
D'anjou Pears, Organic - 10 each
Avocados, Organic - 3 each

Bosc Pears, Organic - 5 each

Every week is like Christmas.  We wait for our box to mysteriously arrive and open its contents bearing grins on our faces.  Who knew I could get so excited about sweet potatoes and spinach????  Our diets have improved so much since starting the CSA as we eat so much more produce and find a way to incorporate greens into almost every meal.  Dale and I have rekindled our long passion for cooking and spend the night planning the week's menu, finding a way to use every last morsel of goodness.  Here is what our week looks like!

 Meatloaf, Spicy Sweet Potatoes and Corn....yummmmmm!

Monday:: Leftovers....and Kannon ate 2 pluots and almost all the grapes!
Tuesday:: Pan Seared Flank Steak with Spinach, Pears, and Star Anise (recipe included below!)
Wednesday:: Meatloaf with spicy sweet potatoes and corn
Thursday:: Seared Porkchops with Chantrelle Mushrooms and roasted Acorn squash and salad
Friday:: Chicken Burgers with Salad and a Pear and Gruyere Tart
Saturday:: Sweet Potato Hash with italian sausage and greens
Sunday:: Crepes with gruyere, pears, and black forest ham

Who wants to have dinner at my house???? 

Our highlight for the week includes a Pan Seared Flank Steak with Spinach and Pears.  It was a Tyler Florence recipe that we adapted and it was absolutely delicious and incorporated several of our CSA items.  The asian influence and balance with the pears were heaven in my mouth.  It was a one-pot wonder, cooked up in 20 minutes, and disappeared just as quick.

 Flank Steak with Spinach, Pears, and Star Anise

Pan Seared Flank Steak with Spinach, Pears, and Star Anise
Serves: 2

•  thin flank steak (as much as you like!)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 11/2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger, peeled
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 3 whole star anise
• 1/3 cup roasted peanuts
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• dash of siracha or sambal
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• 2 pounds baby spinach
• 1 pear or Asian pear, sliced into thin wedges

In a large skillet, heat the vegetable and sesame oils just to the smoking point. Fry the flank steak on both sides, flipping occasionally with the spatula about 8 minutes total. Remove the tofu from the pan and let rest. 

Using the same pan, add more oil, sauté the ginger, garlic, star anise, and peanuts—your kitchen will smell amazing! In a small bowl, mix the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, siracha, and lime juice together. Briefly toss the spinach in the pan, stirring just to wilt, no more than 30 seconds. Remove the spinach to a bowl, scraping the peanut mixture in there also. Put the pan back on the heat and heat the hoisin mixture. Combine the sauce with the spinach and divide between 2 bowls. Lay the pear slices and thinly sliced flank steak on top.  Enjoy!!!

....and of course, Kannon helped with the cleanup.

photo therapy:: love

It was a cold and rainy Seattle day.  We hunkered down, cuddled in bed, and giggled a whole lot.  Life with my boys couldn't be any better.  I am falling in love more each day and learning just how big the human heart is. 

 (PS Have seen my son's freakishly long fingers....look at those things!!!!)

worse night ever.

Somebody start the coffee and put an IV in me.  We are soooo tired today.  Dale stayed up working on his BarSmarts course last night until 2am meanwhile I was nursing Clark every 45 minutes until 6:15am.  Just when Clark finally decided to doze off, if was time to head to his circumcision and 2 week well check this morning.

We were running late.  So without my coffee, I left Dale at home with Kannon, and braved rush-hour traffic at 8am with a screaming baby to get to Mercer Island by 9.  Sometimes, I hate the city. 

But we made it.  Clark got his tip snipped without even a peep and passed out just in time for another jaunt across the city for his 2-week well check.

We just love our pediatrician who is likewise in love with both our kids.  She said that Clark is very alert and observant for his age....which explains the lost sleep :(  She suggested moving him into his own space instead of co-sleeping---it might be less distracting.  So tonight, we will shift things around and put Clark in his bassinet and see if that means more sleep for us.  At two weeks old, Clark is weighing in at 7 lbs 7 oz and just a shade over 20 inches long.  He just keeps growing!!!

We are taking a break from doctors for a while.  Kannon goes in for his 1-year well check in November and Clark won't go back until December.  This might be the first 2-week stretch that didn't involve a doctors visit for one of us since.....March????? 

Until then, I am attempting a nap before our next adventure.

...and we are off!

I can't keep Kannon still!!!!  

One minute he is crawling up the stairs, the next he is walking across the kitchen!  

 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZajv1qZvxc

He is already such a big boy!  

He eats pears....whole, with the skin on.  

 He waves bye and talks with a mouthful.

He loves pushing little brother Clark across the house.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0S4nxzEYKA

They just grow up so fast!!!!

 

and this little guy keeps growing too....

mam cooks:: csa love

Now that we seem to have our routine back it is time to get back to the kitchen!  For 2 weeks my diet consisted of oatmeal cookies, cheerios, and ice cream.  By the time I get both kids asleep, I am too tired to think about dinner let alone make it!  It is time to say goodbye to those habits and return to kitchen where produce and protein call my name. 

First, we joined a CSA (community supported agriculture) in September.  We chose to go through Full Circle Farms which simply put is an organic produce delivery organization that receives all their produce through local farms and families.  Once a week, we get a box of delicious organic and local produce delivered to our front door. 

We made the decision to join a CSA for many reasons.  We both agree that organic, local, and sustainably grown food is better for us, our bodies, and our children.  By joining a CSA we get the benefits of organic food at a reasonable cost that supports both us and the farms it comes from. 

For $44 a week, we have enough fresh vegetables and fruit to prepare meals for the entire week for 4+ people.  It saves us trips to the grocery store and when we do go shopping its a few dollars for protein or a few staples.   We used to spend about $140 a week at the grocery store and we constantly faced with the "what's for dinner" questions.  We rarely bought fruit and vegetables and those we did buy were nothing special.  Even though our fridge was full, we never felt there was anything to eat. 

Since joining the CSA, our grocery costs (including the CSA fee) has gone down to $65 a week for 4+ people.  We get to try a variety of new foods and creative about our cooking while at the same time supporting organic, local, and sustainable practices. 

Better for us, our children, and our community.  Enough said.

Now that I am back in the kitchen armed with new vegetables and fruit, its time to start sharing our weekly cooking adventures.  So, here comes another blog series.  I plan to share some of our highlights, recipes, and photos.  Bon appetit!

I am a few boxes behind.  We got to try turnips, collard greens, and pluots.  I made a delicious Italian kale and sausage stew, roasted turnips and carrots with poppy seeds, napa cabbage potstickers, and braised collard greens and roasted turkey.  Kannon loved the pears, pluots, and cinnamon-braised apple slices.  Our fridge is still full of romaine, broccoli, and green onions and I am just dreaming of creations for this week's box.

This week's box included the following:

Yukon Gold Potatoes, Organic - 3 pounds
Bunched Carrots, Organic - 1 bunch
Green Chard, Organic - 1 bunch
Savoy Cabbage, Organic - 1 each
Spinach, Organic - 1 bunch
Green Bell Peppers, Organic - 3 each
Romaine Lettuce, Organic - 1 bunch
Delicata Squash, Organic - 1 each
Red Flame Grapes, Organic - 1.25 pounds
Dapple Dandy Pluots, Organic - 6 each
D'anjou Pears, Organic - 5 each
Bosc Pears, Organic - 5 each

This week, we made Stuffed Green Bell Peppers, roasted Delicata squash with lime butter, roasted chicken and pear salad, creamy spinach, potato leek soup, apple-braised cabbage and pork chops, and more to be decided! 

some updates

I have been so busy blogging about our family adjusting to life with 2 babies that I have forgotten some major updates!

First, Kannon is walking!!! He still mostly crawls, but everyday he takes brave steps that are getting longer and longer.  Today, he walked almost 15 feet before he decided to give up and crawl.  Here is a video of him in action:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkiZBP_0JwI
(Please excuse the sideways video and those adorable baby cheeks!)

Kannon is turning one next week and not a day goes by that I dont think about this momentuous occasion.  Kannon can drink out of his own cup.  He can open bottles, especially my Gatorade bottles that I thought were foolproof.  He speaks nonsense all the time.  Mostly bababa's, dada's, and mama's but they are slurred together in long sentences that we are still translating. 

Our little boy who used to eat everything seems to finally be developing his own tastes.  Whatever he doesn't like goes to Emma (the dog).  These days, it has been tomatoes, carrots, and turkey.  He still loves his blueberries and while they are messy they certainly keep his diaper habits regular!

Kannon finally understands 'no' and he pouts his lips out when he say it...but he does stop whatever it was that deserved the 'no'.  He is one rolly-polly kid and spends a lot of time rolling around on the floor from the dog bed to the couch.  No one knows why.  He has transitioned fully to whole milk and the cup.  He is becoming a toddler!  What a big boy!!!! 

Did I mention he also became a big brother?????

Which brings me to Clark who is growing bigger by the day.  His umbillical cord fell off at 8 days....Kannon held onto his for 2 weeks!  Clark got his first bath.  He was hesitant at first but finally warmed up to the notion when we started rubbing his feet.  Here is a video:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Xi3fXeCrkk

Clark is still eating like a champ.  He nurses during the day every 2 hours but sleeps in 4-5 hour stretches at night which is heavenly!  Kannon and Clark have very similar schedules already.  They both pass out hard around 8pm and wake up for good at 8am.  Clark obviously still spends most of his day sleeping, but he is most alert between 8-10am and 3-5pm.  Clark has his 2-week check up on Friday and *gulp* is also getting circumcised.  We will be sure to share his stats when the day comes.

I am adjusting well to life with the two.  We have made a lot of sacrifices that allow me to stay at home for the time being.  However, I am beginning to start the job search for something part-time starting in January.  We are very lucky that Dale goes to work at 5 or 6 most days because that means we have all day together with both kiddos.  The few hours that I have both boys without Dale are chaos but each day is getting better and better as I learn how to keep them both happy.....sometimes it means lollipops before dinner or 15 trips up and down the stairs to pop a pacifier in Clark's mouth.  Whew.  But before I know it, it is 8pm and both are asleep.  More updates to come.

mama confesses:: breaking the rules

 my kitchen helpers :)

From the second I found out I was pregnant with Kannon, I protected my belly like a Swiss guard.  I took my vitamins religiously, ate healthy, and avoided all the pregnancy no-no's.  When Kannon was born my guarding did not stop.  I am still overprotective, doting, nurturing, and sometimes suffocatingly so. 

Kannon is my baby.  My first.  I cry thinking about how quickly he is growing up.  I am overjoyed at the little man he has become.  And I laugh when I look at Clark realizing how much parenting style has changed.  I am no supermom but I try.  My kids are happy, healthy, and sleeping soundly, as to how they got there.....whew.  After Dale goes to work and I am on my own, it is chaos.

I am breaking all the rules. 

Kannon sometimes get dessert before dinner.  

I leave the house without hats and blankets. 

We co-sleep--with Clark in between us (something I was too afraid to even try with Kannon!)

We have long overdue diaper changes.  It is hard to keep track when there are two kids in diapers!

I gave Kannon my undivided attention for 11 months.  Now I find myself having to leave both kids unsettled, crying, at one point or another, because I am trying to juggle Kannon's bedtime routine and nursing Clark at the same time. 

We refused to give Kannon pacifiers but Clark is addicted to the pacifier--something that we have given him from day one because we were busy dealing with a Kannon-tantrum.

Baby Einstein has become my best friend.  I swore I would never let Kannon watch t.v. and now I find myself plopping the kid in front of the t.v. so I can nurse Clark and keep Kannon occupied.   

When Kannon was born I stayed indoors until he was 2 weeks old.  I was afraid of germs, people, the cold, etc.  Now, Clark has been all over creation.  He toured a college campus, enjoyed a fancy restaurant, visited the park, the gym, and even a consignment store.  He is only 10-days old!  Whew! 

I used to be an over-attentive mother, answering every little cry and whimper in an instant. Now I put a pillow over my head when I hear not one but two little cries alerting me to the morning hour.  

My house used to be clean.  Everything in its place.  Dishes, laundry, and food all prepared.  Lately, those things have gone wayside...much like my shower, my breakfast, and even my hairbrush.

We may be breaking the rules.  Our parenting styles have definitely changed.  We have learned how to merge our desires and dreams with practicality.  Yes, I should change that diaper....but who is judging?

photo therapy:: two years

October 18th marked our 2-year wedding anniversary.  It is hard to believe that just 2 years ago we were jumping on a ferry with a dress purchased on Craigslist, a few friends, and an internet ordained official to get married. 

Its even harder to believe that in 2 years we have moved from Montana, Idaho, and back to Seattle.  We got a dog. We have created 2 beautiful children.  And we continue to fall more and more in love with each other. 

Life has moved quickly but we couldn't be happier. So on our wedding anniversary, we went back to the place that started it all.  We celebrated quietly at Tango, with Clark in tow, a few glasses of wine and dessert.  I couldn't imagine a better way to celebrate our love and triumphs.  I married an amazing man.

mommy moments:: two

Awhile back I complained about the second child syndrome that had been troubling me.  It seemed that we were all so busy preoccupied with Kannon, life, and other business that we forgot about the second bean in my belly.  While Clark may have gotten slightly ignored while in the womb, he is certainly not ignored now.  Rather, he has become another star in our lives, always bringing a calming air to our insanity.

We are in love.

With Kannon in the care of grandma I spent the week hibernating with my new love.  Already, I have taken note to how different Kannon and Clark are.  Kannon is exuberant, silly, and independent.  From the very beginning Kannon made it clear that he needs his own space.  While Kannon slept the first few weeks away, Clark spends hours awake each day, staring at world, alert and calm.   But really there is no comparison, each child is so different from the other and I love getting to know both of them.

It has been a challenge learning how to balance the two.  Grandma went home yesterday and for the first time I had to tackle getting two kids in and out of the car, fed, bathed, and to bed.  I found myself on the freeway with two kids crying in the back seat singing as loudly as could, if not to calm them, to calm me!  My life has begun to look a little crazy!

While it may be crazy I am in love.  Second time parenting is so beautiful.  It is full of snuggles, cuddles, and kisses without those first time parenting fears that you are doing something wrong.  We are enjoying every moment, knowing how quick it all goes by.

My quiet time with Kannon is all the more precious now.  He is walking more and more, learning how to use puzzles, and push and pull toys.  He is turning one in 11 days and growing up way too fast.

Even Clark is growing too fast!

And 8pm could not come soon enough each day, when Kannon and Clark are both asleep, and I can finally focus on me before I crash into a dreamy abyss.