Babyhood

Dusty and I both agreed that we are enjoying Jack's "babyness" more than we did Tyson's. Probably because we aren't first time parents now, scared out of our minds, and understand what is "normal" baby behavior. Also because Jack is ten times a better sleeper than Tyson was. Much could be attributed to that. We loved Tyson's chub and having him around and celebrating milestones. Maybe because there is such an age difference between the two boys, each of Jack's milestones seem fresh and new. Maybe because there was a slight chance that he wouldn't be here with us makes us cuddle him a little more tightly.

Whatever the reason, we love to kiss and squeeze our little one. Tyson holds his hands and talks to him in sing-song voice and asks him silly questions.



I don't seem to actually "hold" Jack as much as I did Tyson, because it seemed that for the first three months of his life Tyson would only sleep in my arms. But I do cherish his laughs and accomplishments so much.

Dusty had just slicked down Jack's crazy hair, yikes.

Because Jack is such a good napper, I find myself so excited to see him whenever he does wake up.



He is so attentive and alert. Constantly watching everything in the room around him. He tries to talk to us too. If only we spoke baby.......


Good things come to those who wait, they say. Well, Jack is a good thing. We all love him. Tyson loves having a brother and gets mad when I put him down for naps. He is a precious boy. I can't wait to find out more of what he is like as he gets older. The discovery is going to be awesome.

Question:

Should we cut Jack's hair? Everyone has set up camp and we need a deciding vote. Dusty tries to flatten it down with water, which I think makes it look atrocious. However, the "rip curl" is getting a little out of control, but I think it's part of Jack's personality.

What do you think? Let it be? Or give it a good trim?

Liberation (or going green)

I have been slightly liberated. From what you ask?

The dreaded question "what's for dinner, Mom?". You could substitute lunch in there if you would like.

See, I came up with something about two months ago. It was a genuine aha moment for me. While I'm sure that I'm not the first to do this, it has made a big difference in our family.

I decided that one meal a day would be salad. There it is. Simple. Easy.

If we have a salad for lunch, then I would make a meal for dinner. And vice versa. When I approached Dusty with the idea, he was completely onboard. We both agreed we need more raw, fresh food in our daily lives.

Some people might think that making a salad would be just as hard as making a meal. Not if you keep it simple. :)




First, I always keep the fridge stocked with ready-to-eat lettuce greens. For me it is easier to slightly splurge on the freshly bagged organic greens (as opposed to yucky bagged ice-burg lettuce), or lettuce that I would have to wash and cut first.
It's really not that much more expensive and it tastes so great. I have found that I am more willing to eat lettuce like this than if I have to work first to get it ready. Call me lazy....whatever..... it works for me.

I always have croutons on my salad. This helps satisfy my need for carbs and adds spices that smell/taste yummy. My favorite brand is Fresh Gourmet because there is no trans fat (anything partially hydrogenated) and there are so many styles to choose from. The organic version is fabulous, and has only ingredients that I know what are.

I usually open up a can or two of black beans to add to the salad. The beans last for a couple of days and add some protein.



Some days I cut up a tomato. Some days I don't. Some days I add something new. But most days it is a simple salad. And guess what? I love it. Every time. After two months I am still not sick of it, and that is saying something.

Tyson likes to eat the greens because he is a "herbivore". He loves black beans too.

When it comes to dressing, we have lots of variety. There are many good dressings that are low in fat and tasty. We have found ones that we like and stock up when they are on sale. The last time I was buying dressing, the checker asked if I was preparing a salad bar for a party. No, we just eat lots of salad. :)

I really love this because it cuts down the time I have to be preparing something in the kitchen and help my family eat better.

Don't get me wrong. I love cooking. I love new recipes and making a wholesome hearty meal. In fact, I have really been on the freezer meals band-wagon lately (another post about that on the way), making all of my favorites.

But this is a good thing for us. I think it is here to stay. For like, ever.

For our far-away family

Tickle-time with Jackie.