Friday, June 28, 2013

Why am I happy today?

Did you know that people in China, Russia, Australia, Belgium, Spain, South Korea, and Israel have looked at this piddly little blog? I don't know how on earth anyone in these places found this blog or why it seemed interesting enough to check out. Unless they are spambots or something, which seems more likely.

What am I happy about today?

I am happy that DOMA was overturned and that Prop 8 was too.

I am happy that my house doesn't get as hot as our old one did, even when the temperatures are pushing triple-digits this week.

I am happy that friends gave us their old portable AC that we're going to install tomorrow.

I am happy that I get to meet friends at Miguel's tonight for drinks and delicious white queso.

I am happy to have an excuse to go to Target today.

I am happy that we finally seem to be making some progress with sleep training Lucas. He still needs us to be in the room, but we can sit by the crib quietly and he will fall asleep without additional soothing.

I am happy that my family is coming to visit in less than two weeks!

I am happy that my son has been napping for an entire hour. I probably should have gotten more housework done.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Weaning etc.

As of yesterday, my Biggest Boy is no longer nursing. I feel like I should write up a whole reflection about breastfeeding because it's been such a wonderful experience, but I feel weird writing a whole blog entry about my boobs so I'll probably refrain. Suffice it to say, I'm very lucky to have had the experience I did and I'm feeling very sad about deciding to stop. Lucas took to weaning very well over the past month and luckily he's still a terrible sleeper so I still get lots of snuggles before naps and bedtime.

Life is still nice and busy these days, with lots of playdates and visits to the park. I was saying to someone recently that I feel guilty as a SAHM for loving my life so much. It's like I should go back to work so I can be a little more miserable because it's unfair to everyone else for me to be this happy.  Or maybe I should just try to do a little more housework, that might even things up a bit for me. Or I could even try again to teach my child to fall asleep on his own. That would ratchet up the misery right away.

We found an amazing babysitter that we love. She runs the nursery program at our church, and is wonderful with kids. We had her over to watch Lucas last weekend while we saw Man of Steel and grabbed some lunch, and it all went swimmingly. Lucas has been having a little separation anxiety with me since then, but it could be unrelated. Poor guy also has at least one molar on its way in and he's having a rough time of it.

I'm not sure I have too much to say today, I just thought I should commemorate the End of Nursing somehow. Another reason to be sad: no more extra 500 calories a day for me. Time to return to pre-pregnancy eating habits, boo. Secret milkshakes I bought while Brandon was at work, I will miss you most of all.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Damn Casseroles: Breakfast Edition

Generally, I do not like making casseroles because they are deceitful. They PRETEND like they are easy-prep-and-serve meals for a busy SAHM. "Just throw it in the oven!" LIE. There are eleventy-billion steps prior to the "throwing in the oven" part that tends to result in an entire sink full of dishes and pans that I now have to deal with because Every. Single. Component has to be prepped and, most of the time, cooked before the Damn Casserole (D.C.) can be constructed and readied for oven-throwing.

(If you disagree with me and have a delicious casserole recipe that has ingredients that only need to be cooked one single time, now would be the time to jump down to the comments and share your recipe, please.)

Now Crockpot cooking, there is something I can get behind. Sure, everything I make turns into the a similar-tasting unattractive gelatinous goop, but did I have to do anything put throw things into a pot then flip a switch? I did not. Then again, afore-mentioned unattractive gelatinous goop -- plus the face my husband makes when he walks in the door and sees that the Crockpot is out -- means that option can't be utilized too often.

My favorite D.C. to make, when I'm feeling like I want to spend my entire afternoon prepping bits and pieces of it while listening to my son whine from the Pack'n'Play in the corner of the kitchen, is a Holiday Breakfast Casserole that I can customize based on what is in my house at the time. The recipe is based on one that my family makes for Christmas brunch, but it also works great for a weeknight meal if you're into the whole breakfast-for-dinner thing. (If you are not, jump down to the comments and explain why you are so lame.)

Holiday Breakfast Casserole

24 oz. package hash browns (Today I used freshly grated potatoes and zucchini instead)
2T butter, melted
2c. ham, diced (Today I used 1lb. crumbled sausage, sauteed until browned with about 1/2c. diced onion)
1c. grated Cheddar Cheese
1c. grated Jack cheese (Today I used all Cheddar because that's what we keep in the house)
4 eggs
1c. milk
1/2t. seasoned salt
4 (4oz.) cans diced green chiles (Today I only have one 7oz. can)

Grease a 9x13 inch pan with cooking spray. Spread hash browns in pan, brush with melted butter. Bake at 425 for 25 minutes or until slightly browned. Layer meat, chiles, and cheese over potatoes. Mix together eggs, milk, and seasoned salt; pour over casserole contents. Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes.

So, a little fussy what with the several steps and cooking potatoes first, etc., but it does turn out delicious. I like to eat mine with a little sour cream on top; Brandon prefers ketchup. It would be great with green salad or fruit on the side, and maybe some good bread or muffins.

I don't have any of these things in the house, so we'll be having ours slopped into a bowl, but I definitely recommend doing better for yourself. Especially if you've expended all this effort on a D.C., at least make it worth your while, you know? Because we all need to realize that D.C.s aren't making anyone's lives any easier.