Kitchen Credit

Can't forget to credit my baking-buddy for helping me with the Cheesy Old Bay Biscuits!

I want to write a lot more about toddlers + baking + in general. But I'm waiting for Ada to wake from her nap so we can go back to the doctor. Again. For the third time since last Friday. This morning Ada woke -- it's day 4 of this fever -- and her temperature still is holding. Not quite as high, thank goodness, but now she has a rash. Just to be safe, we're getting checked out.

Please make this end for her soon, universe.

What I will say is that she's a trooper. Not been feeling the best on the medicines, but was much cheerier this morning, which is a good sign. We baked biscuits yesterday and I think being in the kitchen is one of her favorite things. I usually give her a few spoons or flour-caked measuring cups I'm done with and let her stand next to me on a dining room chair.

I hear a lot of "whassssthaaa?" So, I like to explain what I'm doing to her and then lower the bowl or whatever else to her level so she can see what I'm doing. It's so much fun. She loves trying to crack eggs and whisking most of all.

I think simple recipes are best (of course they are -- but REALLY with a toddler, no mixing or other equipment = less chance for mishaps).  I hope to pass on to her my love for all things food. It would be a fantastic bond we could carry with us through holiday meals and the like for years and years to come.

Do you cook or bake with your little ones?

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More Words About Nursing

Weaning was a relatively easy process for us. It was completed a little over a month ago with Ada's last feeding before bed. And we haven't looked backed since. Of course, there have been times when I've felt nostalgic and even teary about it being OVER (which feels quite dramatic because it sort of, well, WAS, omgyouguys), but I've mostly felt relieved at having slightly less responsibility + tied-down-ness.

Freedom.
Liberation.

Until Ada got sick with her sinus infection. I moaned about her scary 103.9 fever. That was nothing compared to yesterday's 104.5, which is actually a radio station around these parts, so at least there was some comic relief before I burst out in tears, frantically dousing Ada with tepid water are she screamed and shivered having been ripped from bed only seconds after waking.

*sings* One-oh-four-point-FIVE . . .

Stephen stayed home with me yesterday because the last three weeks have taken their toll, and I'm now at this point where I can't remember not being worried and stressed about something. I know it will pass, as most things tend to do, but it was nice having some company anyway. Having daddy around changes the dynamic in a good way. Plus, it's someone else to help measure out all the medicines we're giving Ada to keep her calm, cool, and getting better.

Today Ada seems on the mend + this post is about nursing, not sickness. You see, Ada climbed onto my lap yesterday on three separate occasions. She looked straight into my eyes, which isn't entirely a "normal" thing that she does because she's always so preoccupied. She then affectionately patted my chest, and hugged me. All while repeating "momma, momma" in the sweetest tone I've ever heard.

It didn't take me any time at all to know exactly what she was asking for. Comfort. She wanted to nurse. For the first time in over a month, but she was remembering that nursing was always her happy, safe, warm place. And I honestly wasn't prepared for how I'd feel knowing I can not longer give her that fundamental feeling of security.

So, I hugged her, rubbed her tiny back, and cuddled as long as she needed. Which wasn't really very long at all because despite being sick + terrifying me with her fever acrobatics, she's pretty much acting like her happy self. Despite some horrible bouts of whiney-ness, that is. I told her that mommy loves her and she seemed satisfied with that response to her pleading. 

But then she did it twice more later in the day, so it was actually quite heartbreaking and got my mind off on all these different roads: Did we wean too soon? Is it even physically possible for me to breastfeed right now? Why would I even be entertaining that idea? Would Ada get better faster if she was still nursing?

So, yeah. I don't know what my point is. I just wasn't expecting it. It threw me for a loop. I felt a nice punch in the gut of mommy-guilt and promptly got over it. I suppose I'm wondering if any of you other moms ever experienced anything like this.

What did you do? How did it make you feel?

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Lately

This is the sort of post that happens when your day is turned upside down because your toddler's temperature is suddenly 103.9 F. (We've been to the doctor and it's a sinus infection + the healing process has begun, thank goodness.) I swear I couldn't make up the chain of events in the last several weeks if I tried.

Here are some good things that have been happening.
(Complete with obnoxious and inconsistent Instagram filters.)

My brother came up to help while my dad was in the hospital. It was nice to see him because he lives all the way in DC. My dad is finally out of the hospital and will continue his recovery at home. Thank you for all your kind words and prayers.


My MIL and FIL gave me plants for Mother's Day. We planted the succulent garden together (also I found a steal on succulent plants via Amazon!) and the herb garden will be a nice addition to our patio.

Also, those leopard Crocs I told you about? I love them. Call Stacy + Clinton!


Stephen and I went out to dinner together last weekend. Got dressed up and everything! Well, I didn't wear any makeup, but there's nothing new there. Anyway, we need more dates. It was a fantastic time.

As much as we like going out on the town with Ada, adults-only time is really important when we can get it. Thanks to the grandparents for babysitting!


Ada + the outdoors = mad love affair. We caved and bought a few things we think she (and her someday-siblings) will enjoy for years to come. The Little Tikes basketball hoop (which is cool because it can grow with your child) because Stephen likes to play with it more than Ada.

And after hunting around for a nice + gently used playhouse, we found a deal on this Step 2 Neat & Tidy Playhouse. Of anything we've ever tried her on, this playhouse is totally keeping her attention like crazy. Which I'm thankful for because otherwise she's running out into the front yard and street.


Yesterday Stephen and I ran 6 miles with the jogging stroller. Ada's shoe-less because she kept throwing them out and at one point I tripped and imagined it was a squirrel or something. Bad news. Also: We hit up the opening of our town's new local running shop smack in the middle of our route. Which is next to a yogurt place. Oh, the joy I can't even describe.

We traded off who pushed and, despite her increased weight since last year, I'm finding stroller running much easier. We maintained 8:20/mile pace and I could see myself doing some longer jaunts with Ada in the near future.

So, you can see it isn't ALL bad over here. But I'm off to make dinner and get caught up on things that have to go by the wayside when you're rushing around to fit yet another doctor appointment into the schedule.

Ada's a trooper and she's already looking much better. I just can't take those numbers on the thermometer. Terrifying!

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