Lentils with rice

Lentils with rice 

3/4 cup uncooked rice

1/2 olive oil

1 onion sliced

1 can lentils, drained and rinsed

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp cinnamon 

1 cup frozen peas

1/4 cup plain yogurt/sour cream/ goat cheese (chevin)

Cook rice according to instructions.

While rice is cooking, heat oil on medium heat, add the onion. Cook the onion until brown, about 15 min, stirring frequently.

Add the spices, stir. Add the lentils, stir fry for two minutes, add the peas and stir until heated through. Take off the heat add the rice and stir. 

Serve with yogurt/sour cream/ cheese

Baby solids combination 6-9 months

Thought I'd share my successful solid combinations I have been giving A for (almost) the past three months. So far it is purees but I have started to make them thincker/lumpier. From the end of the month we'll be introducing protein, gains and finger foods, so it will be a whole different ball game!

Here they are:
Beetroot + sweet potato
Papaya + avocado
Papaya + mango
Gemsquah + pear
Baby Marrow + sweet potato
Broccoli + sweet potato
Broccoli + pear
Mango + kiwi
Baby Marrow + sweet potato + date (just a bit for taste) + a pinch of nutmeg
Gemsquash + date (just a bit for taste)
Gemsquash + spinach +pear
Greenbeans + sweet potato

*Update* Here's some more before the food gets more substantial at 9 months.
Cauliflower + sweet potato + a pinch of nutmeg
Cauliflower + spinach + a pinch of nutmeg

Felt needle book

I am on crafting roll. After doing the two big projects (alphabet and puppets). The needle book was quick and dirty. It is really a nice little project to do and it will help to keep me my craft supply organized. I was also able to make my first craft flower as an embellishment. I used this inspiration, except I used 6 petals instead of 4 and I put a cute button in the middle.

Anyway, here's my little book:

Would love to start on A's quiet book now. Already have a design in mind, maybe I'll make it into a template...

Felt Old McDonald Animal Puppets

I am so happy to say that I have completed this project. I stitched everything by hand, which took a while. I found a tutorial and pattern on just another day in paradise and really wanted to make it for A. The original tutorial said to use a sewing machine. Since I don't have one I had to hand stitch everything. I also improvised on some of the puppets. I left out the hooves because it looked a bit much when I started to stitch them on.

Anyway here some pics of my hard labour:

I'd love to make some wild animal puppets one day. Maybe some woodland and wild animals. I even thought I'd be nice to make people of different races. However, I need a break from making puppets and make something different. I'm already looking at a needle book and would also love to start a quiet book for A. Also maybe make some Christmas ornaments... Oh there's all these crafts but so little time!

Special Moments: Nighttime feedings

I never expected to co-sleep, but was quickly converted. It also took a while to get used to waking up in the middle of the night. But A is growing up before my eyes and before I know it will be sleeping in his own bed and not need me in the night anymore. So I want to treasure these cuddle times.

Special Moments: Following Mom

A is quiet an accomplished crawller and can go anywhere he pleases. But he always stays and plays close to me!

A's baptism

A had a Catholic baptism just over a week ago. It was also a sort of his coming out since quiet a few people came that have not yet seen him. A behaved like an angel the whole day.

I was actually stressing quiet a bit about the baptism but everything worked out in the end. The priest was easy going and did a lovely service. Sometimes the priests want you to jump through hoops. I also stressed about the flowers for the restaurant after the service. The first florist was very overpriced. I considered doing the flowers myself. On a whim I got another quote and got exactly what I wanted for a great price. The colours I thought of for a boys baptism was white, blue and a touch of peach. (thanks pinterest). Here's my amateur photo of the table:

The day of the baptism was busy. It didn't help that A had a bad night and I only fell asleep at 4am. It reminded me of my wedding day but it included taking care of the baby. Next time I would advise having someone be the coordinator. Because I don't think the restaurant gave all the food I ordered. And they were supposed to put up labels for the food but they didn't. At least people raved about the dessert, so it ended well.

If I have another baptism I would want to remember the following:

• Get a professional photographer. It really is a special day, I compare it to a mini wedding.
• I wish I stood a bit closer to DH when A was being baptized. DH held him.
• Get EVERYTHING ready the day before. I didn't have time to change purses in the morning.
• Have more food!
• Have someone be the coordinator on the day so that I can just take care of the kids and and talk to people.
• Hand out maps to the restaurant at the church