Sunday Dinner

Rocco had fish for his third time tonight. He had wild red snapper with steamed carrots, asparagus and kale. He loved it. I think the kale helped with the strong asparagus taste. No pictures to share, just full bellies. For dessert, cottage cheese and kiwi.

What a great eater I have. I thank Daddy for that.

The Power of Touch

The power of touch is beyond words. It touches the body and soul all the way to the core and then some. I have always understood the power of touch, but after having Rocco, and it's your child sending this energy to you, it's beyond what I knew before.

My Grandma Shelley sent our family years ago a clipping about twin babies. The story fit the Shelley's since my older sisters are twins. One was born healthy and the other was struggling with health. The mother insistent that they sleep in the same crib. The picture was of the healthier twin holding and touching the one that need the energy. It was beautiful and I remember it to this day. It was on our fridge for some time.

Rocco has the special touch with his fingers every time you feed him. No matter if it is in the dark of night or a sun lit room, his finger tips always demands that your finger tips touch his. It amazes me that he can find your finger, any finger, in the dark with direct connection. Then he likes to move them back and forth. It soothes and comforts him. If he doesn't find your's right away, he will touch his own fingers together.

It can be the lightest touch of Rocco's and I feel the power of energy, heeling, love and strength even it only last a few seconds. I cherish these moments as I know when he gets older they will not always be there. I love every moment that Rocco pinches me, wraps his arms around my neck, sticks his finger in my mouth, pulls my hair, digs his finger nails into my collar bone, pokes my eye, or just simply touches my finger tips. As I say many times a day, "Rocco I love you. xoxox"

My Pumpkin Love

Found this great recipe the other day and knew I wanted to make it. As I was getting ready to leave Jill's house, I was talking about what I should make for dinner. Jill said, breakfast. Well that is not uncommon in the Shelley house, so breakfast it was for tonight. I remember the pumpkin waffles and that I had all but one ingredient for. So, Rocco and I did a quick stop for cream cheese and breakfast was about to be severed.

Again, this recipe was simple, easy to prepare and yummy. It got my attention because the author of this blog talked about "The 11 Best Foods You Probably Aren't Eating" and canned pumpkin was on the list (A low-calorie vegetable that is high in fiber and immune-stimulating vitamin A) and a link to the waffle recipe. Of course half of mine ended up with peanut butter on it, but boy was it yummy. Rocco enjoyed it as well and ended the waffle dinner with peaches.

I had left over mix and made more to save in the freezer for the mornings where I just might need something on hand, Sunday sounds good.

Recipe:
Pumpkin Waffles (Makes 12 4 inch Waffles)

2 1/2 Cups Flour

1/3 Cup Light Brown Sugar

2 1/2 Tsp Baking Powder

1 Tsp Baking Soda

1/2 Tsp Salt

2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon

1 Tsp Ground Ginger

4 Eggs

1 Milk

1 Cup Buttermilk

1 Cup Pumpkin Puree

6 Tbsp Butter, melted

1. Preheat waffle iron.

2. Sift first 7 ingredients into a bowl.

3. In a separate bowl whisk the remaining ingredients.

4. Whisk the dry ingredients into the liquid mixture and whisk until smooth.

5. Pour about 1/2 cup of the pumpkin batter into a waffle iron that’s been buttered or greased and cook according to manufacturer’s directions.

6. Serve with maple syrup or make into sandwiches filling with cream cheese and whatever other fillings you desire.

Recipe from Weelicious.com

Wait, I just read this recipe again, and I did not use buttermilk. Just one cup milk. Wow, must of been focused on Rocco and what he is getting into in the kitchen and not the recipe. Also did not use ginger because I didn't have any.

Mom, I Need A Nap or Not

Rocco has always taken short naps, 30 minutes to be exact. But when he is at Barrett Farms, he takes 2 naps around 2 hours each. Rocco was home with me today since his daycare was closed. He has been fighting the home naps lately. Two naps under 30 mins and asleep for the night at 6:15. Boy is he ready for bed when 6:00 rolls around. No fussing at bedtime, just lay him down and he is out.

Even with short naps, Rocco is always in a pleasant mood. I am grateful for that.

I'm With The Band

Rocco received some musical instruments for Christmas from Mimi and Pop. Today he finally figured out the Kazoo. He has been making this OOO sound for a couple of weeks now and today when we were playing music I showed him the Kazoo and made the OOO sound. What happens next...

Wow - Is This My Baby

Wow is right. My baby is growing healthy, strong and beautiful. I love you Rocco.

Number 35 - You're Up

I turned 35 on Wednesday. So far the 30's have been great. I enjoy this experience called life. I like to keep life simple and be in the moments as much as possible. There is so much to life sometimes it is hard to comprehend, but for that same reason, is why I keep it simple. It is easier to take it all in when you are in the moment and ready to take on what comes your way.

Here is to many more wonderful years of growing, learning, experiencing, loving, enjoying, sharing and being the best Sheryl Elaine Milazzo I can be.

I received a wonderful and thoughtful gift from Mariana with the special talent support of Jennifer Ahn. I have wanted to get the White Moose and Evil Cat painted for a while. Mariana took note of these words and worked with Jennifer to make it happen. Thanks Lady Birds.

Jared and I made up these nicknames when we were around 17 years old. We were walking Riley to the park (Mimi and Pop's dog) and we made up a comic like story line. Riley was the sweet boy and not quite sure how we came up with our names but they stuck. When Jared and I exchanged rings in our wedding, we used these nicknames.

The Rare White Moose - Sheryl

Evil Cat - Jared

Low-Fat Jam Muffins

I went to a brunch the other morning and needed something that I could make quick and with things that I already had in my kitchen. After about an hour of searching for a recipe, I found "Low-Fat Jam Muffins." I wanted to make something light because I knew there would be a lot of food there.

The end results were light, fluffy, yummy and a recipe keeper.

Low-Fat Jam Muffins

Cooking Light, March 2004

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup vanilla fat-free yogurt
1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons 1% low-fat milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
Cooking spray
1/4 cup jam
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375º.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine flour and the next 4 ingredients (flour through salt) in a large bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Make a well in center of flour mixture. Combine yogurt, butter, milk, and egg in a bowl, stirring well with a whisk. Add yogurt mixture to flour mixture, stirring just until moist.

Place 12 foil cup liners in muffin cups; coat liners with cooking spray. Spoon 1 tablespoon batter into each liner. Top each with 1 teaspoon jam. Top evenly with the remaining batter. Combine 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle over batter. Bake at 375º for 15 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove from pan; place on a wire rack.

Growing with Rocco

I knew when I had Rocco that I wanted to try and make his baby food. But when the time came and he was ready to eat solids, I ended up buying pre-made baby food. Now that I am making his food, I look back and thought about why I didn't take on making my own.

I just started making Rocco's food when Rocco started his new daycare. Jill, the provider, makes all her own baby food, grows her own food and has chickens in the back for fresh eggs. She gives me a daily report that shows what Rocco has eaten for breakfast and lunch. I talked to her for tips and realized how easy it is to make baby food. Even though I read all the baby food blogs and knew I could do this.

So why did I not make Rocco's food from the beginning? I think I was intimidated. Although I love to cook, I thought I might do it wrong and I need to make sure he is eating enough and that I always have something ready at the house or on the go. There are so many new things that come with being a first time mom, that I took the back seat on making food.

But now I feel powerful making his own food. There are so many tasty, healthy, easy and fun things to make. Sometimes I feed him what we are eating and I blend it up. But if that doesn't work, I have frozen cubes of fruit and vegetables that I have already steamed or roasted ready to go. Add some chicken, pork, turkey or tofu and you are set.

I just found a new food blog today that I love. It inspired Rocco's dinner tonight which is my first very own speciality.

Rocco's Power House

- Ground Turkey cooked

- Steam some Spinach, Carrots, Celery and Apple (did this all in one pot)

- Add a spoonful of cottage cheese and a sprinkle of Wheat Germ (high in Vitamin E and Folic Acid)

- Blend all together

New favorite blog - http://weelicious.com

Yep, I Am Big

Check out Rocco using his new cup at dinner tonight. It has a straw in it. Gosh, my boy is getting big. He figured out how to use it right away. Which worked out great for me. I wasn't sure how I was going to tell him how to suck up the water.

11 Months Old

Rocco is 11 months old today. I can't believe he is going to be one next month. Rocco is watching and taking in everything that is going on. He is so tall that he can reach the knobs on the oven - no Rocco that is not a toy. He can also reach the computer speakers and mouse - no Rocco that is not a toy. Also when he tries to stand in the tub (which is not allowed) he can reach the water knobs - no Rocco.

Mr. Tuckles month in review:

• Word of the month lights "ights"
• Makes boy sounds when he plays with cars and other toys
• Can walk with the assistance of his toys - did it on his first try
• Has two new teeth coming in on the top - that makes 6
• Likes to brush his teeth and make noise at the same time
• Said Mama a couple of times (finally)
• Loves to be held by his Grandpa Milazzo

Do Saturday's Get Any Better Than This?

My view on Saturday's are great. Jared and I have been home that last two weeks and the last two days are slowing coming to an end. I have enjoyed every minute with Rocco at home. He is such a joy to be around. It was my morning up with Rocco today and I told him as I feed him breakfast that this is my last morning and then I will be back to work. Sunday is my morning to sleep in, Jared and I alternate days. But I already told Jared that I will hear Rocco's beautiful voice in the morning and I will not be able to resist getting up and enjoying all the fun.

Rocco is currently asleep, but what do Jared and I talk about, Rocco!!

Exploring The Yard

We let Rocco loose in the yard yesterday. He had a great time watching the birds, trying to put rocks in his mouth, crawling through the water and then on the grass to make his first grass stains. He is getting so big and learning new things everyday. It is a beautiful experience to be able to watch it all happen.