One Year

A year ago, I trembled
as the doctor's withdrew you from my body.
Your fingers were miniature matchsticks
Your body no longer than my forearm
Sensors, tubes, IV's and a steamy incubator
replaced my womb.
Your body, fragile as rice paper
was too brittle for my weak arms.

But today is not that day.
Today we praise toothy grins and husky laughter.
Chunky hands smear crumbs
and frosting over face and fluffy curls.
Your round belly wobbles
as you teeth on new treasures.
Your cheeks are pillows for
the thousands of kisses you receive
before you fall asleep in my arms.  

Book Love 2015

In keeping with my tradition, I have returned for a third year to gush over a favorite book.  In breaking with tradition, I've decided to share a "new classic" rather than a piece of nostalgia.  I discovered this gem early in my career and have a high success rate with it.

Rhyming Dust Bunnies by Jan Thomas 

Four dust bunnies set out to prove their rhyming expertise, but Bob doesn't seem to understand the game.  Or is it the others who don't understand Bob's warnings?  This book has simple and humorous illustrations and dialogue.

At 11 months, Joshua seems to think the way I read is hilarious, and he is captivated by the illustrations.  At 11 years, one of my nieces truly understood the utter hilarity of simple story.  I love that many a child has giggled while I have shared it.  Read this book!  It will make your day a little happier. 

Neonatal Follow-Up

I took Joshua to Columbus yesterday, and learned that my little preemie isn't so little anymore.  At 19 lb. 2 oz., he's the size of a typical 11 month old.

First, we played with the physical therapist who thought that he was on target for a nine month old (which is where he should be).  She gave me some exercises to do to help him along.  After that the nurse practitioner said that he looks great in all other ways.  We sure love this kid.

Scrapbook Paper Bags

In preparation for Valentine's Day I needed two goodie bags.  I neither wanted to buy them or use lunch bags and colored pencil.  I have oodles of scrapbook paper and access to Youtube.  This is what I came up with.  It was quick and required no money that I haven't already spent.  I'm not as fast as her, but I have a new skill. 

Also, feel free to judge me for my cheesy Valentine's Day-ness.

Joshua's Favorite Things to Play WIth

Joshua has a fair number of toys.  Our home isn't overflowing with gizmos for him, but he has enough.  He has a beautiful rolling wood whale, a ring stacker, tons of plush animals, and balls.  Besides constantly wanting to carry around his O and 0 from his alphabet floor mat, other traditional toys don't seem to interest him.  His favorite part of the saucer toy is the tag; his favorite thing in the toy box is the toy box.  Three dozen times a day, I am pulling Joshua away from computer or lamp cords.

Keeping a close eye on him can be exhausting, but we sure love his goofy grins. 

Changing Fast

It seems that Joshua is growing and changing even more quickly than ever.  Two weeks ago, he could barely sit on his own.  Now he is doing ...

 

... this

 

 

,,, and this

 

 

...and this.

This rapid change in abilities has left me feeling 1/3 relieved that he is developing at the appropriate times, 1/3 heartbroken that he is leaving his littleness behind, and 1/3 terrified that if I turn my back my house will be torn apart.

Jerry jokingly scolded me saying, "Remember when you thought he was too small and would never grow?"

Pumpkin, Zucchini, and Walnut Pasta

I love fall foods like pumpkin, cranberry and gingerbread and wish that companies understood that some people would like to eat it year round.  When pumpkin puree went on sale after Thanksgiving I loaded my cart.

With the new year, I've been searching for recipes that are deliciously different.  I wanted pumpkin that wasn't always in the form of a bread, or pie, or cream-filled roll.  I finally found pumpkin, zucchini, and walnut pasta and it was a refreshing change from my rotation of six recipes.

I found the recipe in a book (those old fashioned things made from trees), but found a similar recipe on Food.com.  The print recipe had a few substitutions/additions that I would recommend.

• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• Sage instead of parsley (Although on the next round, I think I will try basil.)
• 1/2 teas. cayenne pepper  (This gave the pasta a nice kick without being overpowering.)

The best part is that you can cook in in less than 30 minutes.  Enjoy!