MMM: Baby Smiles

He smiles... and my heart melts. 

To life... full of precious smiles! 

Three Months!

Ezekiel, you are 3 months old!

• You are wearing size 1 diapers and 0-3 month clothes. 
• You weigh about 12 1/2 pounds and are 24 inches tall.

• You have laughed a time or two in your bath, but I can't figure out how to make you laugh otherwise. You do give us lots of beautiful smiles though. 
•  You are still nursing about every 2 1/2 - 3 hours. 
• Typically you sleep for 5 or 6 hour stretches at night; a few nights last week you kept waking up every couple of hours, but there have also been a couple 7-8 hour stretches this past month as well as one 10 1/2 hour night -- WOW!!
• You like to talk back and forth with Mommy, especially if I'm singing the "Oooooh" sound. 
• We saw a picture of your friend Audrey in her bumbo, so we decided to try putting you in yours. I wasn't sure that you would be able to sit there, but this picture is proof of your ability. 

• You have been sleeping every night in your crib since April 1st!
• Sometimes if I'm wanting to get things done in the kitchen I'll bring you in there in your bouncy seat and you are content to sit and watch me work. 
• You kick A LOT at the toys that dangle on your bouncy seat. You really get your chair to rocking! The other night at nursery you tried kicking some more even though the toys there are for swatting with your hands. 
• You have started moving your hands a lot more too. When we were talking with Aunt Teresa on skype it looked like you were waving your hands, nearly the whole time. 
• You have a long attention span. You will stare at the toys and other objects like you're really trying to figure out what they are and how they work. One of the nice ladies at nursery says this means you will be perseverant and smart!

Interested in the camera... Mommy's blog is in the background.

• We have started reading books together. There have been a few times where I can tell you are looking at the pictures and paying attention because when I move the book to turn the page you follow it with your eyes and head. 
• Your eyes are still blue!

(Random note -- I typed everything up to this point with one hand! Because you were sleeping in my arms at the time.)

• You pooped in the bath tub for the first time a few days ago. 
• You got your two months shots earlier this month and you were a trooper! You cried and got really red in the face, but we gave you some tylenol later in the day (along with lots of cuddles!) and we made it through together. 
• You have found your hands and have been sucking on your fingers, especially your thumb!
• You've started shrugging your shoulders. You have no idea what you're doing but it's totally cute!
• When daddy comes home from work late at night and gives you a goodnight kiss you sometimes smile in your sleep.
• You move a lot in your sleep! I will put you down in the middle of your crib at night and when I come to get you many times you are against the side of the crib or your blankets are completely off and you've moved several inches higher in the crib. You've even set the alarm off on your monitor because you snuggled into the side of your crib so far that it no longer sensed your movements. 

I love your smile in this picture! 

These past three months have been wonderful! We have learned so much about taking care of a baby already and we know we have much to learn in the weeks and months ahead. You are a joy to be around and seem to be such a happy, contented baby. We are thankful God has blessed us by adding you to our lives. We look forward to learning more about you as each day passes. We love you, Ezekiel! 

To life... full of learning and developing! 

MMM: My Cheering Team

On Saturday I ran my first race since the Zoo Run 10K last year. It's been 12 weeks since Zeke was born, so I didn't think I'd have quite enough time to be ready to run 6.2 miles, so I signed up for the 5K. I'm very glad I did because when you have a baby finding time to exercise is quite difficult! Each day is different, we are still working on a schedule, but I tried to average at least two runs each week.

For the most part it happened, but it was still sometimes difficult to find time to go twice a week! I was pretty nervous when I went down to pick up my packet on Friday and even just thinking about the race on Saturday morning, but I knew once I got there I would get more excited and enjoy myself.

Friday night Zeke slept horribly! I could hardly believe how often he woke up and cried. But somehow we made it through the night and got to the race on time. These two cheering me on as I began...

Daddy carried Zeke around in the carrier and he apparently did very well. I finished the race after having to stop and walk once and one water break. I finished in 36 min. and 20 sec. Most definitely not my best time, but I finished and was glad to be back in the "racing" mode. I plan to continue trying to run at least twice a week and maybe find one or two other days to work out on my Wii, lift some weights, and also continue to take walks with Zeke. I have enjoyed starting to work out again and am looking forward to the opportunities to be active, healthy, and a good example to my little guy.

To life... full of being a healthy role model!

A Compilation of No-Bake Recipes

Yesterday I ran across a no-bake recipe that I thought looked worth trying, so I thought I'd start a post listing recipes I run across that I'd like to try; that way when I am needing ideas of no-bake recipes I (and you) can refer to this running list. If you end up trying one that I have not blogged about yet, let me know. I'd love to hear the results and your opinion!

From Two Peas & Their Pod: Biscoff Pretzel Bites with White Chocolate 
- I've been seeing many recipes pop up recently that contain Biscoff. I may have to try it soon!

Pioneer Woman posted about this quite awhile ago. I have thought about it several times since then. I believe it WILL be made this summer! Chocolate Almond Frozen Mousse  (Made it! 6/28/12)

(Added 4/26/12) No-Bake Banana Split Cake Dessert, from Brown Eyed Baker.
- My challenge for this one will be to find a way to make it dairy free! Or else I won't be sharing it with hubby.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls from Joy the Baker
- I made these yesterday (4/27) using Peanut butter as the binder. They are SO good and I didn't even dip them in the melted chocolate. I made them for the first time in September 2010. You can check out the post here --> The Joy of Baking with Friends! 

Found a new one today: Peanut Butter Crunch Eclair Bars.

To life... full of lists!

This Summer's Feature: No-Bake Recipes

During the summer (especially the hot ones here in Texas!) it seems a foolish thing to use the oven much. But alas I do not have many no-bake recipes in my repertoire. So this summer my goal is to find a variety of no-bake recipes to add to my collection. If you would like to share some of your favorite no-bake recipes as well, I would be more than happy to try them out! If, in the heat of this summer, you are wanting to find a recipe or two to try out, I hope that you can come here and find a few to choose from. My first idea is by no means original, but it is one I don't make often and really there are many varieties you could try to make it different every time.

 Rice Krispie Treats

Rice Krispies + Butter + Marshmallows = Quick, easy and delicious!

 I know, nothing mind-blowing here, but I had to start somewhere. Here are a couple of variations I have tried and enjoyed!

 Scotcheroos

 Peanut Butter Cup Rice Krispie Treats (LOVED THESE!)

 To life... full of staying cool in the kitchen!

MMM: Laughs and Giggles

Zeke has started laughing, and it's one of the best sounds I've ever heard! I was giving him a bath on Wednesday night and he started giving me a huge smile! Which turned into the cutest laugh... EVER! I asked him to laugh for me again and he did two more times :o) It was so sweet. I tried other times throughout the next couple of days, but got nothing. Then I put him in for another bath last night and I could see it coming. I think I got more excited than him! His smile just takes up his whole face and it's almost like he's so happy that a smile doesn't do justice to what he's feeling so he ends up laughing. I LOVE IT!

I imagine it's going to take awhile before we're going to be able to capture it on video or prompt him to laugh outside of bath time. But now I think I look forward to bath time almost as much as he does! And I want to give him baths every night instead of every other -- ha! I'm hoping we can give him a bath soon when Daddy's home so he can hear it too. We'll see. What a fun development!

To life... full of heart-melting giggles!

Royal Rhubarb Coffee Cake

On the Saturday before Easter I decided I would make something nice for Easter breakfast. That day I had just been tossing a few things out of the fridge and freezer and noticed a bag of frozen rhubarb in the back of the freezer. I didn't want to throw it out, so I made a mental note to try to use it before it got much older.

Later in the day I decided to start looking for a recipe. I got out my Taste of Home Cookbook and started looking through the 'Quick Breads' section. I thought maybe I'd make muffins or something, then I saw a recipe for Rhubarb Coffee Cake and I thought, "Perfect!"

The recipe was quick and easy -- which is even more important to me now that I have a little one! And the best part was that I had all the ingredients on hand, so I didn't even have to go to the store!

I added a few frozen strawberries to the mix as well because the recipe called for 3 1/2 c. of rhubarb and I didn't think I had quite enough. I thought it was a great addition!

Royal Rhubarb Coffee Cake

1/3 c. butter, softened

1 c. sugar

1 egg

1 t. vanilla

2 c. all-purpose flour

3 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1 c. milk

3 1/2 c. chopped fresh or frozen rhubarb, thawed and drained

Topping: 3/4 c. packed brown sugar

1/4 c. butter, melted

1 t. ground cinnamon

1. In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla; beat well. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk.

2. Transfer to a greased 13"x9"x2" baking dish. Spoon rhubarb over top to within 1/2" of edges. Combine topping ingredients; sprinkle over rhubarb.

3. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 min. or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack.

Yield: 15 servings

To life... full of Easter breakfasts!

MMM: Picture Time

Can you guess what's happening in this progression of pictures?

To life... full of successful elimination :o)

Lime Yogurt Cake with Blackberry Sauce

This past Tuesday was Lovebug's birthday. We didn't have a party like some years' past, but I did make him a cake! This cake is well-suited for him because it contains fruit and is not overly sweet. It also does not have frosting, so he can enjoy the entire cake without worries regarding his lactose intolerance. This cake is definitely not as sweet as I would prefer my cake to be, but I still enjoyed it.

The sauce contains four simple ingredients: blackberries (I used frozen), water, sugar, and fresh lime juice. All you do is mix it together in a food processor and strain it through a mesh strainer to get rid of the seeds.


The cake is a one bowl cake and also quite simple to put together. Plain yogurt, vegetable oil, sugar, lime zest, lime juice, eggs, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.


I ended up using 4 limes and was still a bit short on the juice I needed because a couple of the limes weren't very juicy. For the full recipe, go to Smitten Kitchen's website.

This cake was a great alternative to my many frosting-laden cakes. So lovebug was quite pleased! I was surprised how well I liked it, and the cake, even without the sauce, is quite good. I also like her ideas for switching it up with lemon or orange flavored cake and creating a blueberry or strawberry sauce. So many options! This is a recipe I will keep around. Easy, simple, and versatile!

To life... full of birthday cakes!

MMM: A Mother's Instinct

Before I had Baby Z I had sort of decided not to worry about reading books about sleeping routines, patterns, etc. because I am the type of person who if I make a plan, I'm going to do everything I can to follow through and make it happen. I also knew babies can be unpredictable. They don't always follow a plan or routine you set for them. So instead of setting myself up for getting frustrated with a precious baby who didn't follow the plan I had created, I decided, no, I'm going to just relax and when he's tired let him sleep.

The past few weeks (as you know from last week's post), I started reading "Babywise" and now "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child." And as a result, I started *sort of* freaking out because Baby Z was and is not getting the 16+ hours both books and several people have said that babies need. So between both books I started trying to abide by the "1-2 hours of wakefulness" and tried to get Baby Z to sleep at certain increments throughout the day. Much to my frustration (and his too) we would spend an hour plus rocking, bouncing, singing, humming, etc., our strong wills colliding in a match that left both of us crying and more tired than when we started. What was I doing wrong? Why weren't things going according to the books' plans? Both books gave stories and snippets of families working on their babies' sleep habits. So I wanted to follow in their footsteps exactly. Creating even more frustration for me. I just don't feel ready to do the cry it out method. I feel like he is still too young and I want to create as much confidence and trust between us as possible. I understand that it is perfectly ok for babies to cry and sometimes they actually need the emotional release. So from time to time, if I am frustrated with his reluctance to sleep or just need to get something done, I don't feel bad about laying him safely in his crib or bassinet and letting him cry for a bit while I gather myself or complete a short task. But I feel like I would like to wait several more weeks before I let him cry it out in order to sleep at night. Should I make myself feel bad for this decision? I mean, I've read plenty of stories of parents who did this and it was successful. So does that mean I'm not giving my child a fair chance of being an independent, self-soothing sleeper?

I am finally telling myself, and believing the answer is no. So what? My baby wants me to hold him more and rock him more and cuddle. Do I really want to give that precious time up already?!? No. I want to cherish this time when I can look him in the eyes and tell him I love him. When I can feel his body relax on mine when he finally eases to sleep. When we can nap together on the couch, with his little body close to mine. When we rock and he coos at me and gives me huge smiles. Why would I want to trade that already for him crying alone in his crib while I sit on the couch and listen and cringe? I realize some people will probably not agree with me. And I know that that's ok. Parents will always have different strategies, plans, and hopes for their children. I think more than anything, what I need to do is make a decision with my husband, and then, together, go forward with our plan with consistency. Because that IS what babies, toddlers, and children need. Consistency. I believe if they know what to expect, they will be able to trust their parents. If we are consistent with Baby Z he will feel secure and our home will be happy and full of love. I know that soon enough I will be missing these moments of holding and cuddling because he will want to be his only little person. He will have a mind of his own. He will want to spend time with his friends and not always his mommy. So yes, I think I will hold my baby a little longer and rock him a little more. Maybe he won't be falling asleep in his crib as early as some babies, but he will before we know it.

It is hard for me to trust myself and think I'm good enough to make decisions for myself, much less decisions for another little human. I like to get other peoples' opinions and compare, compare, compare. On one hand, it is great to talk to other moms and get their tips and advice on what things have worked for raising their little ones, but what I tend to forget is that I can do this too. I don't have to follow a book or use the exact same methods as another mother. Sure, they provide good guidelines and help me to better understand what Z might be needing at this stage in his life. But just like all of us, he is an individual with particular needs and personality traits. So here I go, doubling my resolve and deciding here and now that I can be a good mother to Zeke. I do (usually) know what he needs and I know how to provide those things for him. Yes, I will make mistakes and not always do or say the right thing. But I will also love and care for him so much that when those mistakes are made I don't have to dwell on them and let them bring me down. I can move on knowing that everyone makes mistakes and the best thing we can do is learn from them!

To life... full of trusting my *new* motherly instincts.