#write31days: PostPartum Depression and Eating

One of the most important things a lady can do while depressed is to watch the kind of food consumed by the body. I have the tendency to eat a lot of sugar. It's not every meal - it's just the constant snacking, and mindless eating - especially when I am feeding the toddlers, but not myself.

My new sport is meal planning. I spend time deciding what kinds of food I want for the week, and I try to balance all the food groups.

• In the morning I need coffee and protein (in some capacity, does not have to be meat). I try to add in fruit every day as well.
• For lunch, I need a non-sandwich which gets me through class + raw fruits and vegetables. I am trying out salad bags - I literally load spinach salad, walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese and anything that isn't wet into a sandwich bag. Wa-la! At lunch time, it's ready to eat. 
• For snacks, I need something un-heavy and hopefully resembling a vegetable. I like plain greek yogurt with honey and walnuts too, or smoothies with spinach leaves.
• For dinner, I want a meal which appeals to my husband and two toddlers... this is my greatest challenge. Possibly deserving of another post...
• For dessert, anything that can pretend to be healthy.

Among the many different ways that I am learning how to be the best version of myself (even when it is trying) is to watch my diet. I am definitely affected by sugar, and though I will not cut it from my diet wholly (hello, coffee creamer, you old minx) ever-ever, I think that it is important to make sure I am not filling up on gummy bears meant for potty training, or pretending that cereal is a competent dinner plan.

My favorite cookbooks:

• The Feed Zone // written for athletes, and works for people looking for fast, healthy foods
• The New Best Recipe // if you ever wanted to know the "why" behind the recipe, this is the tell all book. I've never made a bad recipe from this book.
• Mad Hungry: Feeding Men and Boys // so many ideas, especially since my husband is all about the meat + grain. The oatmeal chocolate chip cookie recipe is my favorite, though.

My favorite websites:

• The Kitchn // my favoritest website; anything you have ever wanted to know about the kitchen and cooking basics/ secrets can be found here.
• Minimalist Baker // 10 ingredients or less? Yes please.
• Budget Bytes // affordable and creative meals.
• The Lemon Bowl // delicious and nutritious eats!

What are you eating? Can you tell how your diet affects your life?

**

My "rules" for this series are short (especially before commenting): this topic is personal and I am currently living in it. This is not an abstract for a dissertation. I do not have 20/20 hindsight yet. I don't need any medical advice, as I keep in close communication with my own PA + Dr., as well as being married to one. My husband and I practice many different types of coping mechanisms as well, which I will write about too. My situation is 100 percent unique and I am writing only about myself. These posts are directed at no one, and still, I am opening myself up to share my experiences. If I can help one person, it will be worth it. Please respect this adult conversation at face value.

**

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Days 23 & 24: They See Me Rollin'...

Mimi and Grampy (I mean, my parents) took Grace and Laura out for groceries. Whole Foods will never be the same.

Sweaters: Hanna Andersson

(thanks Mimi and Grampy!)

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Day 2: Rejection

This isn't the first time, and it certainly won't be the last.

Feeding Laura baby food is like an act of betrayal. The hurt looks, the confusion, the rejection of said food - from Earth's Best, not Earth's Worst. We've filmed it, laughed over, and raised our eyebrow a few times. Everyone says "keep trying!" ... okay then. I fixed a tablespoon of rice cereal to mix with the pictured apple puree (rejected) only to see the tiny jar almost empty on the table. Laura sat in the high chair, food all over her bib.

"How exciting!!!!!" I said to Will; "So, she ate it?"
"No, Grace got to it," he replied.

Grace looks up at me, smiling. Oh well, I think. I scrape the jar, mix the last bit with the cereal, and hear Dylan Moran's voice as Laura gives me another look of despair while I try to finagle the spoonful into her mouth: Rejection.

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My View (vol. 30)

What I am reading: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo

And a couple dozen essays by students...

Love what I am eating: yogurt, carrots + hummus, Baptism cake, almond and apricot Kind bars

Meal planning: 

I need ease and comfort for this next week, plus dishes I can send to work with Will.

• Tilapia, pesto pasta & carrots
• Baked chicken, rice & green beans
• Broccoli Quiona Casserole
• Enchilada Pasta

This week in history:

Jonathan Crombie died at age 48. Crombie played the character of Gilbert Blythe (my literary crush) in the 1980s miniseries Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea, based on the the Anne of Green Gables series by L.M. Montgomery.

Gilbert Blythe is the school competitor/nemesis/ friend/ spurned lover/ friend/ dearest love of Anne Shirley, protagonist of Anne of Green Gables. This series was one of the most important reads and re-reads of my girlhood, and Crombie's portrayal of Gilbert in the mini-series was perfection.

Here are a few articles/ tributes I enjoyed:

Jonathan Crombie, Anne of Green Gables actor, dead at 48, CBC News

Why We Loved Gilbert Blythe, The New Yorker

Love Lessons from ‘Anne of Green Gables’, Acculturated 

25 Times Gilbert Blythe From “Anne Of Green Gables” Melted Your Heart, Buzzfeed

12 Reasons No Man Will Ever Live Up To Gilbert Blythe From “Anne Of Green Gables”, The Frisky

“Gilbert, I’m afraid I’m scandalously in love with you.” - Anne Shirley (and every girl)

I will be in denial forever. Jonathan Crombie was Gilbert Blythe! (And the third Andrew Sullivan movie never happened!!) To the best of my knowledge, Anne and Gilbert are still living in Canada and did not age past the last book...

Otherwise, the girls and I are having a lot of time together! Here is Grace sneaking Laura's binky because time with her dino wubbanub is being severely limited. She is giving me the grumpy face?!

Laura land:

One of the sweetest things about Grace is how much she loves her family. She will crawl into your lap and hug you, she will snuggle when it's sleep time, and Heaven forbid Laura lets her binky leave her lips... Grace will stuff it securely back in her mouth.

Summer is coming:

For all you wonderful readers - yes! A surprise! Updated blog layout by college friend/ bestie's sister Margaret McCarthy Design and new header by another college chum - the very talented Anna, who is opening her own shop soon! It's clean, whimsical and lovely.

Just like me! Wink.

Prayers: All those affected by the earthquake in Nepal! So tragic.

For us - Will is sick and I am injured (pulled chest muscle, possible carpal tunnel) and we have to keep going. For Grace and Laura to stay safe and well; their energy levels are up, up, up! (Fortunately, we're never too tired for many a dance party!)

Next week, I am going to: Survive. Will has Monday off (day of rest!), but the rest of the week is non-stop, including three night shifts in a row.

Any plans next week, readers?

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The $29/ week SNAP Budget Challenge: Could You Do It Too? (Link-Up)

The news on the street 

... is that Gwyneth Paltrow failed the SNAP (formerly, Food Stamp) challenge of living on $29/week. The challenge was made by Chef Mario Batali, who is drawing attention to the fact that 1.7 million New Yorkers reply on SNAP and to donate money to food banks.

Paltrow lasted four days. In her defense, she's probably never had to be creative in saving money - this is definitely an art. She also used the word "brouhaha" in her post title (excellent word).

So, this was all she bought:

C'mon.

C'MON.

Seven limes and one onion?! Kale? Also, too much green and not enough colors... if I learned anything about nutrition. And no dairy? I'm starving looking at this assortment of groceries. She's eating tacos all week, it seems.

Now, the challenge is a little unfair because you're not allowed to use food you already have; part of good budgeting is stockpiling (i.e. I don't have to buy a box of oatmeal every week!) ... we'll let that one slide for now.

Here it is:

What is the #FoodBankNYCChallenge? 

Attempt to live on a food stamp budget for one week. That's only $1.38 per meal. 

Why now? 

Congress cut food stamps twice since 2013 , and soup kitchens and food pantries saw an immediate increase in visitors.  New Yorkers can’t afford any cuts to SNAP - learn more about the cuts here. The #FoodBankNYCChallenge raises hunger awareness and deepens your understanding about the struggle to afford food on a food stamp budget. 

How do I take the challenge? 

Use $29 per person for all your food for 7 days. Share your experience, challenge a friend, and challenge Congress to strengthen food stamps.  For more info, check out our Challenge Toolkit. 

Do: Make a budget and shopping list, use coupons
Don’t: Rely on food from others, use food you’ve already bought, give up

I think it is a good challenge. 70 million pounds of food is wasted per year in this country alone - that alone is pretty shameful, and we should be looking for ways to donate and be more innovative in shipping fresh foods, as well as healthy eating/ nutrition education. That is not always common sense, especially when a box of macaroni and cheese is easy.

$29 per person - we have three people plus a baby, who makes me extra hungry.
Three person budget: $87
Four person budget: $116

This is - more or less per week - our actual budget for survival.

Challenge accepted.

We shop at Wegmans, the greatest grocery store on earth (east coast chain), where the prices are very reasonable (if you're not overindulgent).

This is not my list every week, but it certainly is a typical look at our grocery shopping.

Breakfast
Quaker Oatmeal, Old Fashioned; 42 oz.: $3.99
12 c. eggs*: $1.99
French vanilla coffee*: $7.29
Bananas (0.49/lb): $1.47

14.74

Dairy
Sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)*; 2 cups: $2.49
Stonyfield organic baby yogurt; 6 cup pack: $3.49
fruit greek yogurt* (0.89/each): $5.34
2% milk*, gallon: $3.32
Whole milk*, gallon: $3.49
Colby Jack cheese sticks*: $3.79

21.92

Lunch
chicken drumsticks, family pack* (0.99/lb): $4
spaghetti, family pack: $3.49
Tyson chicken nuggets: $5.69
multi-grain bread*: $2.99
JIF peanut butter: $2.49
Smuckers strawberry jam: $2.59
Macintosh apples (1.79/lb): $5.37
Applesauce*: $2.49
baby-cut carrots* (16 oz): $0.99
seeded cucumber (0.99/each): 1.98
hummus*: $1.99
whole wheat Fig Newtons: $3.99

38.06

Dinner
boneless chicken thighs, family pack (1.99/lb): $8.74
spinach salad, family pack: $3.99
[brown or white] rice*, 16 oz: $0.99
organic chicken broth*: $2.99
Idaho potatoes, 5 lb: $2.99
frozen peas & carrots*, 16 oz.: $0.99

20.69

Total: 95.41

*Wegmans brand

Initial thoughts

This list felt restrictive - I do not include any beans, fish, quinoa or nuts because the challenge is to meal plan for one week. I picked our most basic diet and worked off that. I'm also used to buying family packs and freezing part of the meat for the next week, and that's how we keep our variety going. I'll change up the fruits and vegetables I buy based on sales and seasons.

I'll admit that I wasn't sure where spices fell; do they count towards the SNAP budget? There were a few in-between items - I decided to exclude brown sugar, for example, even we put it in our oatmeal and coffee since we're not straight-up eating it. If we had to go without it, too, we would.

Then, there are snacks. Everyone needs snacks, right?! I know I do. Almond nut-thins, popcorn, fruit bars, Kind bars, raisins; now and again, Will likes to enjoy a can of coke (especially since the hospital recently switched to Pepsi products) and I'm all about plain sparkling water.

I usually spend $100 or so on groceries; it varies every week, depending on what is stretching, what needs to be replenished, and how many boxes of diapers we need.

Recipes

For this week, I would bake the chicken. Some to eat with potatoes; others to shred for chicken fried rice - fry up with eggs, rice and the frozen peas & carrots. Maybe breakfast for dinner on Friday, and mostly left overs. I would saute the spinach as well as eat it raw as salad. The combinations with simple ingredients and a little olive oil should not be underestimated.

The problem with Gwyneth Paltrow's food creations is that they did not stretch. That is key! Making food last longer. Even making a stock soup would have been a handy meal, and a good use of beans too.

Worth it?

I think that this challenge is good for the attention it draws to a real issue in our country of families being able to afford food, but we need to go deeper.

Not being able to budget for food stretches into other areas of life - not making wise financial decisions, underestimating the power of debt, unwillingness to cut wants, unable to provide for needs. Whether we care about the details or not, economics plays a strong hand in every life.

Take Away

Will and I were lucky to be taught the value of money and earning it, but it wasn't until we were married and on a very strict budget that we really learned how to budget, sacrifice and cook.

The book that really helped me in all three of those areas was Cheap. Fast. Good! by Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross. I highly recommend it - in addition to recipes, they write about how to look at food, what kind of cuts of meat to buy, how and where to cut your budget, how to use coupons, fresh v. canned, and money-saving shortcuts.

For me, it helped me grow more confident in my home keeping abilities and decision-making for our family unit. Buying groceries became one of my favorite activities with GHB: as well as feeding and fueling us, our grocery budget affected whether we could "splurge" somewhere else (renting a movie, buying a treat). This is very real accountability - if we do not pay our bills on time, we hurt our credit. If we hurt our credit, we limit our financial options in life. This could affect our children! Also, if we do not practice self-control and show them the importance of making wise decisions, who will?

I do want to add that budgeting is common sense; it is common sense because there is no downside (as my husband would say). This does not mean people should automatically know how to do it - but it is easy to learn and understand. It is also prudent. The reason we budget it to be responsible citizens and adults. We do not deserve to eat out after a long week or work; we don't have to own that watch or only eat steak. Some days, we eat the same food again and again. We can jazz it up or spice it differently, but we're eating the same thing.

And that is okay!! I'm not the best budgeter, but I stay within our parameters. It's manageable, we still have squeeze room, and it keeps us accountable. If we have extra money or food in our budget, it can be moved over to our charity givings. We take care of our family first, always, and we are responsible with our money so we can help others as well through example and givings.

How do you budget readers? Does your family budget stay within the SNAP parameters? (Link-up closes on May 21, midnight)


Happy budgeting!

p.s. this article is good reminder not to make assumptions about people on food stamps/ SNAP

#5Faves: Staycations

Hello from the snow and the east coast! I am really missing New Orleans these days - Grace and I would take walks every day in the mild winter weather; could walk to mass (and then walk to donuts); live comfortably in our apartment without three layers of clothing or heat, for that matter.

Josef Pieper, in his book Leisure: The Basis Of Culture, wrote, “Leisure is only possible when we are at one with ourselves. We tend to overwork as a means of self-escape, as a way of trying to justify our existence.”

Here are ways I'm creating paradise in my world:

{one}

Skype! Facetime. Google talk. However you are able to see and talk with friends and family is my favorite indulgence. Mostly, I call family to check in and so Grace can see+hear her family (so as to better recognize and know them). I'm also trying to Skype friends more, because it's a coffee date without leaving the comforts of home. I've talked to friends in Germany, California, Michigan and Alabama in the past two weeks, all from Pennsylvania.

{two}

Citrus fruit. Grapefruit, oranges, pineapple - take me away! Tis the season, after all. If I was more motivated, I would fix pineapple upside down cake. I hear broiled grapefruit is also delicious, but I prefer the raw deal.

{three}

Explore locally. We live in a town with a lot of history. Our baby isn't old enough to care or demand, so we're able to enjoy ourselves without protest. I'm looking forward to going to a New Jersey beach this summer too! Eating out, on the other hand, is not Grace's cup of tea. We took her to Five Guys, and she doesn't like french fries. Who is this baby?!

{four}

Do whatever you want! Laundry always needs folding, the space always needs cleaning, there is always grading to catch up on... drop it. For an hour (or two) - write, read a book, catch up on a show... something to indulge. This is my new life goal: to embrace a little leisure, to loosen up the standards. Sometimes during nap time, but mostly after we put Grace to bed and clean up the kitchen - there is time for me. I like this time, and I try to use it very purposefully.

{five}

Learn something new! Get creative. I really love watercolors and ink, and I am currently getting back into drawing and keeping a daily devotion to Scripture as my inspiration - sort of an art prayer book? Plus I get to use my colored pencils and crayons more. Shazam!

Source

Joining up with Jenna and co.! 

What do you do for stay cations?

My View (Vol. 27)

What I am reading: Discipline: The Glad Surrender by Elisabeth Elliot

"God has arranged things in such a way that his own action is coupled with the actions of men. The Bible is replete with examples of a loving and powerful God choosing sinful and weak men to accomplish His purposes, allowing them the dignity to act in freedom and thus to have a willed part in what He does."

"God does not coerce us to follow Him. He invites us. He wills us that we should will--that is, He wills our freedom to decline or accept. If we want to be disciples, we place ourselves, like the football player or instrumentalist, under someone's direction."

What I am eating: french toast mini muffins. You read that correctly.

Meal planning: My family was in Bethlehem for the past week, so I did NO COOKING and it was awesome. The week before (Christmas), my bestie Vivian came down and did all the cooking - oh, professional chef. NBD. Needless to say, I am a little intimidated to jump back into the meal planning game. Vivian made it look so easy (and tasty). Dad is also an amateur chef, so I am/ was tres spoiled.

But back to reality. Grace and I went to the grocery store this morning and here's the deal:

Breakfast: oatmeal, fruit, COFFEE (not black), milk 

snack 1 options: greek yogurt + chia seeds, kind bar, water 

Lunch: hardboiled egg, swiss, turkey and avocado/ tomato on ciabatta, clementines, bell pepper slices, sparkling water {some variation} 

snack 2 options: fruit twist; almond nut thins + cheese; apple + peanut butter, water 

Dinner: 

• Baked chicken thighs with quinoa + green beans

• Chicken stir fry (chicken, rice, eggs, peas + carrots, soy sauce)

• Tilapia with roasted sweet potatoes and bell peppers + fried spaghetti (Will's favorite)

snack 3 options: popcorn, raisins, juice

I was really tough with myself this week and bought no sweets (sans the french toast mini muffins, sue me). I have gained an appropriately low amount of weight during pregnancy, but I don't want it to end my pregnancy jumping higher because I ate all the Frango mint chocolates my family brought me (or the cheesecake I've been dreaming about). I almost bought a package of Julie's organic sorbet bars (my fave), but, for better or worse, I forgot to pick them up until I was in the car, driving away. I'm also trying to eat more vegetables... because they are not very appetizing to me right now, and very nutritious. My family also left a family size pack of bell peppers in my fridge so... chop chop!

What are y'all eating? Anything that might tempt me?

This week in history: Two OB appointments and two therapy sessions - I may have enjoyed the lack of therapy a little too much. It was nice to be off the hamster wheel for a bit!

Will was off work and my whole family (sans one brother + pets) was in town, so last week was the best week ever. Also, Bebe Baldwin is moving and grooving - I love feeling her so active!

Prayers: Will is in the MICU for the next month, and this is already a tough rotation (for both of us). 5 a.m. gone, home by Grace's bed time (maybe). Then, early to bed! I shocked myself by waking up with Will today, sleeping a little bit longer, and then getting up around 6 a.m. Who am I??

We find out Grace's blood panel tests results tomorrow or Tuesday...

For all those genuinely trying to reform in the new year, be it self or habit(s).

Peace abroad, at home, and in our own hearts.

Special intentions! {Like... my phone is missing. No more pictures for y'all without it! Now you know my secret. St. Anthony!!!!}

Next week I am going to: Buckle down on getting ahead for my classes - I am currently working on having half of February and all of March "done" lecture and assignment-wise so all I have to do is lecture and grade when Bebe Baldwin first arrives. Since my parents swooped in and bought me huge bookcases for my office (and more!), I'm going to start unloading all those perpetually traveling boxes finally.

Grace and I are having all-day Mommy-Daughter dates for six days, so we're kicking off today with grocery shopping, all-over cleaning, napping, and lots of playing. She is seriously the best sport - and the fact that I downloaded a painting app to my iPad for her while I clean has nothing to do with that!

I'm also returning to my Wunderlist (available on the computer and as an app!). The Type A in me likey. Does anyone else use it?

Happy January, everyone!

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Family and Food Link-Up: November Edition

Last year, we were living in New Orleans. I had the task of feeding our family while taking care of a new baby and satisfying two sets of taste buds. I often found myself trying new recipes to stretch our food budget. I like to try new recipes while Will often prefer the tried-and-true recipes.

It's not that my husband is a picky eater as much as he is a particular eater; and I knew I made a bad dish when he would only eat a small helping and declare himself full. Please. You are a human garbage disposal for carbs and chicken.

I discovered skillet meals in November of 2013 - how delightful! Throw in food; it cooks. Stir in more food. Leave it to simmer. A few more ingredients and a few more minutes later, and within 30 minutes, a warm and filling meal that would last us many days. {Fortunately, we both like leftovers!}

This is a personal favorite of us Baldwins - Skillet Chili Mac

Ingredients:

• 1 T safflower oil
• 1 onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 T chili powder
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups water
• 8 oz/ 2 cups+ dry small pasta
• 1 can black beans
• 1 cup frozen corn
• 2+ cups sharp cheddar shredded cheese

Tools:

• 12" skillet pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Can opener
• Measuring cup + spoons
• Wooden spatula
• Serving spoon

Directions:

1. Oil in pan; skillet on stove (medium-high heat to start)
2. Cut up onions. Try not to cry.
3. Cry. Onions are the worst. Mince garlic, if you can even see what you are doing. {Don't mince garlic and cry. You might cut your finger, like someone I know.} Or open up that jar of minced garlic!
4. Mm, saute away, onions. Add in ground beef. Break it up as it cooks. Stir in chili powder and salt.
5. Once cooked, drain any excess fat/ grease.
6. Back to the pan! Stir in garlic and brown sugar until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
7. Now, the real skill: opening cans. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water and small pasta (I like shells)... I often put in more pasta than 2 cups - adjust your water, if need be. Just know what your pan can handle!
8. Cover and cook, stirring often at a steady simmer (12-15 minutes).
9. Stir in rinsed beans (if canned), frozen corn, 1 cup of cheese; you can also add in 3T of flour if the sauce needs to thicken.
10. Turn off heat - sprinkle 1+ cup of cheese on top and replace lid (2-4 minutes).

This meal re-heats well, and is a very happy meal! Enjoy with avocado slices and your favorite green vegetable (we like green beans with this dish - aesthetically, and taste-wise!).

An InLinkz Link-up

Bon appetit!

#5Faves: Snack Attacks

I am a snacker. I am all about the mini-meals! If I don't eat every few hours, my low blood sugar kicks in, and either I become Sleeping Beauty or the Monster from the Black Lagoon. So what are my five go-to snacks? Glad you asked.

{one}

 For protein, I love apple slices, a colby jack cheese stick and Almond Nut-Thins (Hint of Sea Salt).

If you're looking for a new apple to try, I bought SnapDragon apples this week - new from New York, recently "bred" at Cornell University! Wonderful crunch, sweet and firm texture. Related to the Honeycrisp (delicious), and quite a worthy cousin.

{two}

For salty + sweet, I love a toasted english muffin topped with peanut butter, with a side of banana or apple slices.

{three}

For sweet, Chobaini greek yogurt - easy add ons include fruit (if not already on bottom), flax seeds, chia seeds. If you're extra decadent, I like a handful of Raisinets on the side too. The greek yogurt has protein in it too! {Plain greek yogurt is one of the few foods I can stomach during bad nausea.}

{four}

For a crunch, carrot sticks, celery sticks and hummus. Popcorn is a fun crunch too!

Source

{five}

For texture, cut up tomatoes with mini (fresh!) mozzarella balls. Olive oil + vinegar optional; sometimes, I add avocado slices as well for more color.

Source

What do you like to eat? Are you a snacker or do you only eat three squares a day?

Linking up with Jenna @ Call Her Happy!

My View (vol. 24)

What I am reading: The Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie

What I am eating: yogurt, Halloween oreos, candy corn, kiwis, colby jack cheese sticks

Meal planning: This went much better this week (I actually made a plan!) - only to be derailed by a stovetop that stopped heating, so my 30 minute meal turned into a two hour ordeal. On the positive side, this baked chicken recipe (panko crumbs + parmesan cheese, need I say more) recipe turned out well. We're eating the leftovers tonight! I even had double the chicken, and the covering outlasted it all!

TWO. HOURS. LATER. (recipe to follow because delicious)

This week, I am going to try lentil soup, some sort of beef and noodles dish (because we are eating too much chicken again), and a sweet potato side my mother-in-law passed on to me.

We are still trying to integrate adult foods into Grace's menu. She was eating really well and now - poof! She is mostly interested in what is on our plate, and then once we share (or give her a baby portion), she is over it. She does love colby jack cheese sticks, though, so I will be picking up more tomorrow! She is also drinking a lot more milk, and showing interest in our cups, which deserves a thousands claps.

Helping mama fix waffles after an extra early morning wake-up

Note: As I type this, she is eating a fish stick. Miracles happen! And yes, I like fish sticks. 

This week in history: GRACE TOOK HER FIRST STEPS. At PT on Thursday, we kept the bench we usually stand her at lower than usual to practice standing up with her right leg first, and on her own volition, she took five steps to the left. Then back to the right, then back to the left, and so on. Her therapist was beyond elated, and kept saying she had not expected Grace to be trying to walk yet. She also said earlier that she had never seen a hemi (Grace has right hemiparesis CP, aka her right side is affected) do an extended crawl before, and that is 85% of Grace's crawling now.

She also likes to put herself at the edge of everything (and expects you not to let her fall).

Will... Will... WILL PLEASE DON'T LET HER FALL. - me

She pulls herself up on her knees, and occasionally can stand. She is babbling more and continues to love her parents the mostest. She is a rock star!!! So in love with my smiley baby.

Go Gracie go!

And this girl:

Hi bebe deux!

Will stayed home from work one day this week because he got chills, etc. and he's on his OB rotation. He was fully pathetic, and then felt better enough to go in the next day - and he got to deliver a baby! I felt sick again this week too (what is the deal?!), totally blanked on an OB appointment (whoops), and finished grading all outstanding essays by my students with the help of Sense and Sensibility (Emma Thompson, Alan Rickman, Kate Winslet). Still playing catch-up, but that felt really good. Now, prepping for class this week while Grace crawls all over me. Looooving it.

Will and I got to play tennis yesterday too and it was great fun! Grace did a great job watching us from her blanket!

{{Also... like The Corner with a View Facebook page? All the cool kids are doing it! I tried to get over 100 this week, and now I can fingers cross for 200! Thanks to all my new readers for being so awesome - and ye olde faithfuls!!!}}

Prayers: For the Middle East. For the lonely hearts. For my three siblings who have birthdays this month! For the Church and her members. For peace in our hearts, and any private intentions in yours.

Next week I am going to: Finish thank you notes, get Grace's medical/ therapy papers better organized (vs. the lovely pile I have going on), make myself feel well enough to bake snicker doodle cookies, enjoy Fall, and get ready for my mother-in-law and sister-in-law to come visit this next weekend! Also, see good friends T&B who have a wedding in the area!!

Re-living our birthday this afternoon... indulgent mama, happy baby!

Happy Sunday!

Cooking At My Speed

The best part of going home is having someone else cooking for you. Specifically, my dad or brother John or sister Megan. They love to cook, and they are truly talented.

Tonight, Grace and I arrived home very tired. I promptly threw Grace in her crib and myself onto the bed (neatly made by husband, I should add!) until a delivery man rang the doorbell and Grace began to cry.

Fine, we'll eat dinner.

Grace had Earth's Best organic sweet potatoes & chicken, and then apples & plums; plus a generous handful (or two) of Happy puffs, which make her (and thus me) very happy.

I had one Chobani yogurt, a Kind bar, and a large tomato from our neighbor's garden. Yes, after consuming, though satisfying, I felt like I had missed the Dinner Train. Even Grace's dinner seems better than mine upon description.

Will worked till 8 pm tonight, and we took him dinner around 9 pm, and he said he expected to be at work for a couple more hours. And walking home, I realized, I put more thought into fixing Will's sandwich than I did my own dinner. Truth be told - my blood sugar was higher then - but it gave me a new project (because I don't have enough of those): meal planning.

Do any of you meal plan on a regular basis? I am usually so tired around dinner, I go the path of least resistance. Sometimes that involves baking. Other times, re-heating.

So here I am, at the start of a new week, in a household that needs me to go grocery shopping. What will dinner look like this week?

Monday: grilled cheese + avocado, tomato soup, red + green peppers
Tuesday: baked chicken, baked potato, vegetable
Wednesday: tomato, feta and quinoa salad (an old favorite!)
Thursday: [leftovers]
Friday: baked tilapia, rice, vegetable
Saturday: spaghetti + grass-fed ground beef in tomato sauce, vegetable
Sunday: [leftovers]

Dessert: the entire watermelon I impulse bought last week

Our main goal is to be healthy without eating anything that is going to weigh us down to blobs for the rest of the evening. I also write [vegetable] because Will and I usually eat different ones; he loves spinach salad, while I feel like, if I eat another leaf in the next month or so, I will deny my past, positive relationship with said plant. If I write a specific one, it usually means Will is not joining us for dinner.

Meal planning was much harder than I anticipated. I blame food aversions partly, and I suppose it does not help that my indecisive stomach is saying: AHHH WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME COMMIT TO FOOD RIGHT NOW??!?

That being said, I am excited to have a plan! I also fixed six hard boiled eggs for lunch this week. I'm working' it. What's next, smoothies?

My View (vol. 20)

What I am reading: "18 Reasons Why Doctors and Lawyers Homeschool Their Children" by Kathleen Berchelmann, M.D.

This is an article, not a book. I was privately educated my entire life; Will was half-privately educated, and half-homeschooled (the ultimate private education!) from second through eighth grade. He loved it - it worked well for him. Before we got married, we discussed the possibility of homeschooling the children. I was extremely wary of it, to say the least.

I was hired last fall as a teacher for Memoria Press, for their online classical school, to teach U.S. History (6-8 grade) and AP U.S. History (9-12 grade). The school primarily caters to homeschooling families, and the more I learn about how Memoria operates, the more I think, this is way more manageable and possible! Plus, Will is an awesome teacher. He is patient, informative and always thinks of alternate ways to explain things. And us together? What a solid school!

Homeschooling is not a definite. When the time comes, I will enroll Grace in pre-school and see how she thrives. I am also in love with the Montessori school method, and would be very happy to enroll the kids in that kind of learning environment.

I did not have a bad experience in grade school or high school; but I didn't have the best experience either. I could have used more positive and personal attention from teachers, and less bullying from my classmates. I love how Dr. Berchelmann explains how their schedule works, what works for them, and how homeschooling has enriched their family life.

Besides, Grace already wants to read Will's journal articles:

Favorite eats: Kashi almond bars. Chobain yogurt. Fried chicken and rice (from The Feed Zone). Stawberries!

This week in history: Grace and I flew home yesterday to attend a funeral this morning of a very dear family member. Her death came as a complete shock. I found out via a phone call from my mother: I was sitting in the hospital cafeteria, waiting for Will to give him his dinner. Grace was in her stroller, hamming for anyone who caught her eye. I was in total shock while talking to Mom, and then began sobbing in the cafeteria after we hung up. One of Will's friends/ a fellow resident saw me and offered comfort and a chance for normal conversation to help me pull myself together before walking home. He also took Will his sandwich. I am very grateful for his kindness. Never underestimate the gratitude of comforting the sorrowful.

Also - Grace is a flying rock star. She is also a yogi and future ballerina. She didn't nap very well on the flights, but at least we arrived home in time for a short one.

I also began my online training for graduate school and teaching! Life moves pretty fast.

**

And for a laugh, this was me when my mother brought home tea cookies from Busken:


Prayers: Please keep my family in your prayers, and the soul of my mom's cousin.

Next week, I am going to: Have orientation with my students! Hire a babysitter! (Prayers for these too, please.) Grace has an evaluation for OT, and... it will be good to get home and really try to catch up on life, and all the Ignitum Today e-mails backing-up. This summer has been so, so busy, and I am glad to get some routine going. Hopefully Will and I can go play mini-golf too!

#7QT: Eating Our Way Through The Week

Back by popular demand... Grace Harriet here to dialogue about my week. It was Mom's birthday on Wednesday, so, between naps and feedings, we've been having a rawther good time.

{one}

My debut as Super Grace with my loyal sidekick (Mr. Muscle) went smashingly! The Lower Garden District is safe. Jackson Ave., I'm watching you.

Super Grace and Mr. Muscle

{two}

My people!

Mom's excited because it's her birdday

{three}

Those donuts. Dang. Mom made a good choice for breakfast. When do I start solids again?!

wedding cake & glazed

Even my not-a-sweets-person Dad duly enjoyed his:

Nom.

{four}

Then, we got a big package from Cincinnati! (What's Mom's is mine, right?)

And red velvet cupcakes!

{five}

Tulane sponsored a crawfish boil yesterday, which is Dad's favorite food. Dad said it was the best day of his life, but he clearly meant of that week... Because my arrival was the best, right? Right?!

Heaven will be a big ole crawfish boil

It was delectable. Not pictured: brass band playing. 

Hamming for the Gram.

Baldwin babes.

{six}

Mostly, though, I just like hanging out with my people. Both of them! 

Here's one before bed. While walking down memory lane, Dad showed me his cards.

Not pictured: Mom reading The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep by Dr. Harvey Karp. Not sure why, I am super well-rested. I even get up early! 

{seven} 

Tomorrow, we'll watch the St. Patrick's Day parade down the Irish Channel! That and me rolling by myself for the first time... Quite a week! Mom is hosting My View link-up again tomorrow; you should join in too!

Happy weekend! Joining in with Jen!