The Littlest Patient

Our cutie pie went in for a minor surgery last week! She had a small, extra piece of skin on her ear that needed to be removed. It was a simple procedure but my heart was doing flip-flops because she had to go under general anesthesia. As my mother-in-law put it, "The procedure may be routine for the doctor's, but it's not for you."

Despite the significant worrying I did, Eleanor did fantastically. Every aspect of the surgery, and so far the recovery, has been great. She is such a trooper. All the prayers and good thoughts from family and friends definitely helped us through that tough morning. The cliché of parents saying that they wish they could do it so their child didn't have to feel the pain, is a cliche for a reason! 

We are so thankful to have a happy & healthy Ellie!

My First Mother's Day

It's a pretty incredible feeling to be a mom. Last year on Mother's Day we were moving into our new apartment and I was about 7 months pregnant. I already felt like a mom in some ways, but wondered how different I would feel this year; after having some real "mom experience" under my belt. I can honestly say that nothing could have prepared me for what it feels like to be a mother. It is so joyful, rewarding, overwhelming, scary, intense, and beautiful. It has been such a gift to love and care for my sweet girl. I'm thankful each day for her health, her joyful spirit, her smile. I'm thankful for all that she has asked of me and brought out in me. She has challenged me to be a different & better person in ways I didn't think I was quite capable of. No matter how tired or frustrated I am, her sweet face makes me fall deeper in love with her. I can only hope that as the years wear on, my love and gratitude for all that she is will always grow. I hope that I am able to change and learn and adapt to her changing world; that I'll always be able to provide comfort, guidance, and love in just the way she needs most.

It seems fitting now that Eleanor is going through a "Mommy" phase. She grips me so tightly around the neck when I hold her & she never wants me to put her down. How lucky I am to have someone who loves me so much and whom I'd give anything for.

Thanks for giving me the chance to enter the ranks of motherhood, Eleanor. I'm the luckiest lady to have you with me to take this path together.

Slow Down Time!

This little baby is getting so big, so fast. She's developed this sweet, sassy personality what feels like overnight. It is incredibly fun to play with her and see this new side of her, but it makes me acutely aware of just how fast time is going. I'm so blessed to be her Momma.

Momma's Healthy Banana Coconut Bread

These days we often seem to have 2 or 3 sad looking bananas in our fruit bowl, and I've been frequently inspired to make them into banana bread.  Unfortunately, most recipes for banana bread aren't very healthy. I've been fussing around trying to find a recipe I like, and so far this is my favorite.  I used a recipe from Bethenny Frankel as my inspiration, but I omitted the sugar and butter and added lots of nuts, seeds and coconut flavors.  If you are looking for a light, cakey banana bread, this isn't for you.  This is a hearty, solid loaf, that fills you up and is perfect with a cup of coffee.

Ingredients: Momma's Healthy Banana Coconut Bread
Liberally adapted from Bethenny Frankel. Her original recipe can be found here:
http://www.bethenny.com/2013/02/23/boo-boo-banana-bread/

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients:
1 cup mashed overripe bananas (2 or 3)
1 egg
1 teaspoon real vanilla extract
1 cup flour (I used whole wheat, but any kind will do)
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup organic coconut oil
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/8 cup flax seeds
1/4 cup millet
1/3 cup shredded coconut

*Sometimes I will add in some dark chocolate chips or I chop up a bit of a dark chocolate bar to add; it all depends on how healthy you want to be!

 
Directions:
1.  Preheat the oven to 350° F. Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Spray your loaf pan with cooking spray. Pour in the batter and cover it loosely with foil.
3. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil, then bake for another 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out almost clean (moist crumbs are fine). Cool completely, then slice and serve.

Ice cream!

Today was the first real spring day in Chicago. Sunny, mid 50's....amazing. E and I decided to make some coconut milk ice cream in the Kitchen Aid to commemorate the day. Daddy got home early and we grilled out too! It was a perfect day!

Our little Leprauchan

Sad Mac

My best friend moved to San Francisco.

And for those of you that are geographically challenged, that is exactly 2,131 miles west of Chicago, and me.  He's been gone for 11 days and I really miss him.  He moved for a job with his dream company and is really loving it.  I couldn't be happier for him, but we sure feel his absence here in snowy, grey Chicago.


Hey San Francisco: You owe me.