Some days of motherhood just get away from you. I know you moms know what I mean – it’s 4pm and you still have 10 things you had hoped to squeeze into the day that you haven’t even gotten to think about doing. Not that being a mom in general isn’t hard work AND very fun at the same time, but sometimes it’s just rough to get behind on life.
But today was a really good day. Today I felt on top of my game thanks to a 2 hour nap!! Glorious. We were up every 2 hours last night, but I’ll take a 2 hour nap in exchange : )
French toast. Hell yeah!
My obsession continues!! I added milk today at your recommendation and I really didn’t notice a difference at all – maybe half and half I would ; ) Topped with seared bananas, coconut, Barney Butter + Chia seeds.
{Enter 2 hour nap and me going crazy getting the house in tip top shape as well as a conference call and article written!}
For lunch I had the last slice of quiche {oh that crust!!}
And more salad of the week! Spinach, chopped veg, avocado, pecans, honey, salt.
This afternoon Mazen and I went to the Monticello Trail to go for a hike-walk with some of our mom friends in my group. I organized this meet up. Hope we can get more walks in! It was fun.
Back home we nursed under the covers and played snuggly games and then Matt came home to join us! Maze has started to try to sit up on his own. If he’s lying on his back, he’ll flex his abs much like me doing my first sit-up after having a baby: he tries but he just doesn’t have the strength. But if we use our thumbs to help pull him up, he can do it! Talking and sit-ups all in one week. Something magical about 12 weeks must be going on! (That and the sleep regression that’s 6 days deep…)
For a snack I ate some new chocolate granola Matt brought home from the bakery to taste test. Thumbs up!
During cocktail hour and dinner, Maze took a 1.5 hour nap (YES!) and mom and dad shared one of the best beers there is:
Dinner turned out to be easy + fun thanks to our new employee Jeff who is a Cajun cookin’ expert.
Matt brought home two cups of his homemade Jambalaya. Funny that I had gumbo on the menu for tonight!
Jeff’s jambalaya had sausage and chicken and was rice-heavy and very tasty. We stirred in some spinach and topped it with Greek yogurt (very un-Cajun, I know. I’m sorry.)
Sautéed zucchini on the side. Tossed in safflower oil and smoked paprika and cooked in a skillet until tender + brown.
Then I ate a small bar of dark chocolate. Something about dark chocolate is so satisfying to chew!
I’m thinking about taking a bath tonight. Perhaps getting the baby clean at the same time!?
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
Oh wow, I just saw that newborn photo of Maze on your sidebar – he is growing SO fast!! Hope you got more rest last night and have a great Friday! 🙂
Parita @ myinnershakti says
I agree about the dark chocolate. I love the EXTRA dark variety and my husband hates it. The other night I asked him if he thinks I eat any weird foods. He said that “disgusting chocolate.” HAHA! Whatever…I love taking little bites and enjoying the flavor.
KathEats says
Haha. My mom hates dark too.
Rachel (Two Healthy Plates) says
I get so excited every time I see you have a BBC beer – I”m from Louisville and we go there all the time!! Their beer is my favorite =)
Spice Chicken says
Ditto! I work one week of the year in Louisville and BBC always is a highlight, particularly the Bourbon Barrel Stout. That is some tasty beer.
Kayla says
That picture with Matt and Mazen is the cutest!
Laura says
Family tubs are the best! We bathed our daughter in an infant tub once she could start taking baths, and she hated it. Since we have a large garden tub my husband and I figured we should all try to bathe together, and now it’s one of our favorite activities nine months later. When she was a newborn we would just hold her and dribble water on her tummy, but since she was three/four-months old she splashes, plays with tub toys, looks and talks to herself in the shiny chrome. It’s really one of my favorite parts of the day (or every other day anyways).
Sara @ fitcupcaker says
I need to make Quiche!..Also I’ve had a couple pieces of dark chocolate almost every night this week! I just started liking it. That’s what happens when you keep it in the house 🙂 Glad you got a nap in too. Naps are amazing!
Ali @ Peaches and Football says
What a gorgeous looking salad. I love all the color!
I’ve never had jambalya before. I tried gumbo once at a local restaurant and there were so many bones (that I wasn’t expecting) that I probably didn’t give it a fair try. Maybe someday I should go South and experience the real deal. 🙂 Happy Friday Kath
KathEats says
Bones!? Like chicken bones? That’s odd. Give it another try.
Brett says
Girl, I am so rarely ahead of the curve that it feels like Christmas when I am. Like today. Although I’m still in jammies….
Sleep regression is for the birds, am I right? Simon started up that mess when he turned 4 months. We did cry it out and we both survived. Sometimes he still wakes up and cries for a minute or two. He’s back to sleeping through the night now, thank ya Lord.
KathEats says
Lucky! I’m excited for the day when STTN happens. Hope he isn’t 2 by then!
Alicia @ Wanna Be Ina says
I believe Mr. Mazen is going through a learning growth spurt now! I always marveled at how when they start learning new things, it has such an effect on their sleep pattern. Give him another day or two and I bet he falls back in to his rhythm. You might also consider making sure he isn’t practicing his sit ups just before sleepy time, or just like an adult he might not be able to shut his mind down and rest.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
Yay for naps! And that dinner looks amazing, I don’t think I’ve ever had jambalaya but at least now I have a new idea for cooking zucchini!
molly says
You need to take time to just enjoy your baby. A baby does not have sleep regression at 12 weeks. He is learning to sleep, learning to eat, learning to just “be”. Sometimes that means he will sleep and sometimes he will not. Bottom line, he is going to sleep when he can sleep, but if he cant, he’s going to wake you up and try to let you know whats wrong. Once hes awake, hes going stay awake if you “play” or talk to him.
My advice would be to keep things as quiet and dark as possible at night feedings, but keep in mind that if he wakes for a feeding, he is doing so because he needs to eat. He might be waking because hes uncomfortable or cold or lonely too. One thing I can guarantee you, is that hes not waking to just wake. Babies need and want sleep alot more than their parents do.
In reading your blog, you seem to spend alot of time celebrating his naps and such. He is a good baby whether he naps or not. Babies cant be ‘bad”. Celebrate him just being. Ive been here and done this three times. My first time I had lots of “helpful” family members trying to get me to get the baby on a schedule, to sleep in her crib, to sleep all night…it was exhausting just trying to do these things. What was not exhausting, was jsut letting it all go. Just letting the baby “be”. It was the best thing for her, and me. I couldnt tell you how many times she ate, how long in between, how long she slept…I can tell you though, that she and all of my babies were loved and cuddled and enjoyed every single moment.
Everything else, took a back burner to that. Dont be frightened to just “be” with your baby. You will be doing yourself and him a favor.
KathEats says
According too the Wonder Weeks, there is a sleep disruption at 12 weeks as he makes a developmental leap. Trust me, we are enjoying each other very much, night and day.
molly says
In my experience, alot of this is not fact. It just isnt. Often times people are looking for reasons and clarity with babies when in fact there is none. I wish you well in trying to figure it all out, but again, my advice would be to just roll with the punches, take one day, one hour at a time, and just enjoy.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
I think she has every right to want to celebrate her baby taking a nap every so often. Who wants a crabby baby? And I’m sure an extra hour or two of free time for her is very nice. I think she’s doing a wonderful job at being mom – give the girl a break!
Jennifer says
Just because you enjoy it when your child takes a nap and you try to figure out ways to get them to fall sleep easier and stay asleep longer doesn’t mean you aren’t enjoying every minute with them. I love spending time with my children but I also look forward to nap time and bed time so I can get some time to rejuvenate.
Danielle says
Agree! My baby (born sept 8) was kind of a grump. I love her, and she’s adorable, but she is really unpleasant if she isn’t sleeping enough. I didn’t even realize this until I started paying attention to how long she’s been awake and how well she naps. So you’d better believe I get excited about the two hour nap because it means I get happy baby! It’s nice that just “being” worked for you, but it never would have for my particular infant.
molly says
I was not saying that you shouldnt celebrate your baby…naps, rolling over, teeth…whatever it may be. What I am saying is that when you spend all of your time on the “mechanics” of baby raising, you often miss out on simple enjoyment.
KathEats says
I hardly think I’m spending all day analyzing the mechanics. Nevertheless, happy baby, happy mom.
molly says
…and as long as we have the baby’s wants and needs ahead of our own, thats a perfect mantra.
KatyBug says
Yup. What Kath said.
Jess says
Paul Reiser wrote a book called parenthood and in the book he said a few months after having his son he and his wife realized they were spending a lot of time getting him to sleep. They finally realized that the baby needed to be awake at some point. Not that you are doing this, it’s just something that has always stuck with me when I was tired or wanting a baby to sleep. Sometimes babies need to be awake! His advice was if you want something that sleeps all the time get a bathrobe lol!
Nellie says
Molly, you sound about as “helpful” as your family members.
Molly says
I’m pretty sure that Kath appreciates a variety of perspectives and experiences or she wouldn’t be chronicling her daily activity for the public to view. Part of public blogging is putting yourself out there and allowing the rest of the world to offer experience and advice . Most especially on a “mommy” blog. A blog filled with sugary sweet comments agreeing with the writer everyday wouldn’t be around for long…my “help” certainly has been helpful to many real life moms who were bogged down by well meaning family member and society in general trying to be helpful. Again my advice is to just be. Enjoy. Every.single.waking and sleeping.moment. Before you know it your baby is graduated university and thinking about raising their own babies.
Christy says
Agreed with Molly. I’ve only done this once and my son turned two in October. 12 weeks is just the end of what is called the fourth trimester- he is still figuring out the world bit by bit. He seems to be sleeping so well for his age according to these posts. Long naps and 4-5 hour chunks at night this age seem more than appropriate. My suggestion (if you want one) is to focus some time on being home a little more during the day so he can start to get on somewhat of regular nap schedule- that completely changed my sons nights when naps were predictable and not just here and there in the stroller, on a walk etc. not to say you have to be home ALl day but once you know his patterns better you can plan your outings around his sleep and try to create some sleep structure. I only share this as you seem to be wanting more predictable sleep. Also with Molly I would encourage you to practice just being with this new life as it really does go fast. He’s barely out if the newborn stage. I enjoy following your journey into motherhood. We all have to find what works for our family- I just see a lot of experience in these comments that you might be able to add to your own style of parenting. Good luck and enjoy the ride-
molly says
I would agree on the staying at home more and letting him figure out sleep times. It might take a few weeks, but once the baby is rested, wakeful outings will garner longer indoor naps and more restful nights for everyone Im sure.
MissPinkKate says
Once my maternity leave was over (~ 3.5 months) and baby started daycare, it was really helpful having the same schedule every day so we could see where naps naturally fall. Now I know that he’ll generally catnap 4 times a day- on the way to daycare (7:30ish), 10-11ish, 2-3ish, and on the way home from daycare (5:30ish). You don’t necessarily have to stay home all day every day, but having a set schedule once he gets a little older could help you see where naps naturally fall.
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Seared bananas always add SO much to a breakfast dish! Yum! I love a piece of dark chocolate after dinner. It’s so satisfying!
Alice says
“I know you moms know what I mean – it’s 4pm and you still have 10 things you had hoped to squeeze into the day that you haven’t even gotten to think about doing. Not that being a mom in general isn’t hard work AND very fun at the same time, but sometimes it’s just rough to get behind on life.”
That’s not just motherhood. It’s insulting to imply that just because you’re not a mom, you don’t know what it’s like to “get behind on life”.
KathEats says
Of course I’m not implying ONLY moms can relate…
Alice says
Actually, you are, with the whole “I know you moms know what I mean”. It makes it sound like the rest of people in the world who aren’t moms have no idea.
If you’d said: “Some days just get away from you. You know what I mean – it’s 4pm and you still have 10 things you had hoped to squeeze into the day that you haven’t even gotten to think about doing. It’s hard to get behind on life!”, then it would feel a whole lot more inclusive.
KathEats says
I’m talking in the context of a baby’s needs, so mom is part of that. I’m sure I said the same thing before having a baby in general.
Tracy says
Chill, Alice.
Marcia says
It’s a little different when you have kids. Sure, life can get away with you for everyone. Pre-kid, I could easily work from 7 am till 6 or 7 pm solid and wonder what just happened. I had single friends who would tell me how they didn’t have time to do laundry or grocery shop and I’d laugh. Because I know they were off having fun.
One of those friends has a two yr old and is pregnant with twins. Now it really gets away from her. When you have kids, the end of the day rolls around and it literally looks like you have accomplished nothing sometimes. You’ve fed the kid and yourself. The house is a mess, dinner is not made. its a whole other level of chaos. Some days I wonder if I will get twenty minutes of uninterrupted time. Ad I have two kids. At least at work, I can eat and pee in peace!
K says
I know I’m late to this party, but: “At least at work, I can eat and pee in peace!” OMG! My five year old is just starting to read on her own, I may have her “sound out” that sentence! That is every moms life! Seriously, why, why can I not just have thirty seconds on the toilet, alone! :p I also have a single friend who complains about her laundry! She’s newly married and her husband washes his own too! Sometimes I don’t know who makes more laundry, my husband or my little one!
Leslie says
I read it that way too. And felt a little slighted.
Ella P says
Our Kath has only good intentions. Let’s not over-analyze and get carried away (in the wrong direction 😉 )
“Peace&Love”
&loong naps to the babies
&loads of energy to ALL the ladies
Katherine says
Until you have children, there is no way to understand how much of your time “is not your own”. Everything takes ten times as long as it did pre-children. It seems to me that y’all are being unnecessarily defensive about Kath’s statement.
Polly says
My sentiments exactly! It’s so very true that your time is not your own and, may I add, won’t be for several years. In fact, everything I had on my “to do” list for today still remains as I spent my time (quite happily) with my twin teenagers and their activities. I must confess, at first I was a little miffed, but then I reminded myself that they’ll be off to college next year, and I’m going to miss these crazy days!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
That pic of Matt and Maze is soooo precious! Happy Friday!
Kristi says
I notice you wearing a vest inside and I know we are similarly conservative in heating/cooling the house. What are you keeping the heat at now with Maze? We’re at 64* pre-baby and last night I was hot!!! But I’ve heard 68-72 is optimal for babies. Just curious if you don’t mind sharing!
KathEats says
69*! Gonna be an expensive year. I often get cold before dinner for some reason. Maybe the cold beer?
Kristi says
Glass of red wine and you’d be sweating!
Lo says
I’ve read in a few places that in regards to SIDS 66-70 (no hotter) is best for baby (including a ceiling fan on if you have one).
Mary says
Hi, Kath,
I’m just wondering what smoked paprika you would recommend. I know you’ve said before but I couldn’t find it through a search. Thanks in advance and I love reading about your adorable little boy and your adventures in motherhood. It brings back wonderful memories from when my boys were little 🙂
KathEats says
I got mine on Amazon because at the time that was the only place I could find it
Mary says
I was wondering what brand you would recommend.
KathEats says
This was the 1 that I got:www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001M0G1WI/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1354321505&sr=8-14&pi=SL75
Mary says
Thanks so much! I wondered about hot, regular, or sweet smoked paprika and I see this type is sweet. I’m looking forward to trying it. You always make it sound so flavorful 🙂
Kathleen says
My daughter and I met Jeff at the bakery on Tuesday and he could not have been nicer. Please pass along our compliments to him and the whole staff, we had a lovely visit (and some delicious sandwiches, of course!)
KathEats says
So glad! I will!
Katie @ SkinnyMinnieMoves says
That spinach salad looks so good!
Jen in MN says
I’m a mom of 2, and I can’t say I know any parents who *don’t* celebrate their baby/toddler/kid’s sleep when it is going well! My take is, we’re parents now and it’s amazing – but we’re still just humans, after all, and still at our cores, the people we were before our children came along. So in my book it’s pretty darn normal to be excited when we can *all* get some rest, or just have an hour or two during the day to relax or get things done while baby sleeps.
Just my opinion, of course! Sharing opinions is fun (-:
Emily @ Emily Eats and Runs says
Oh man! Topping French toast with seared bananas, coconut, and Barney butter?! Genius!
Morgan says
That salad looks so full of life! You have so much creativity when it comes to the green stuff. Need to start using your lunches for inspiration. Have a wonderful day, Kath!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
The seared bananas and Sautéed zucchini both look awesome to me right now – I think I need to go sear something today. ha!
And new chocolate granola and a nap – sounds like a great day!
Janine says
I can relate to your challenges with sleep. We struggled with two hour intervals at night for a long time. I noticed that at 6 months my son started taking longer naps (1-2 hours)… and by 7 months I planned my day so that he could be home for a good morning and afternoon nap. We definitely celebrated! It gave me time and he woke up so so so much happier. Around 8 months we did some night-time sleep training, after 3 terrible nights he slept through the night. That also made for happier babe and parents. I wish we had done it at 6 months, it was so worth it for everyone. When he’s sick he will wake up and I’ll nurse him, and usually once he’s recovered we have to let him cry one night to get him back into his sleeping routine, but I find when he sleeps well he gets less colds, is less cranky, and we are much more patient parents. Celebrate the sleep! And maintain the hope that you will be getting more as he gets older!
Kimberly says
Hope you know how blessed you are to be able to be a stay-at-home Mom. Alot of Moms are not that fortunate. Enjoy every minute of it!
amyt says
Sometimes I miss those days!!! I used to take my little one’s in the shower with me, or bath…so easy – loved that time!! I have to say – my son sat up like none of my others (I have 3) When he learned to sit up…he actually did a “sit-up”. He was probably about the age of Mazen. My son was also walking by the time he was 8 mths….he developed very fast.
Susan H. @ The Food Allergy Chronicles says
I look forward to a piece of dark chocolate with my tea every evening! 🙂
Stefanie @ Thin Vegetarian says
Chocolate granola? That sounds bizarre…the zucchini looks delicious though!
Annette @FitnessPerks says
I love dark chocolate. So freaking good.
Kathryn @ Mamacado says
So cool Maze is doing “situps” as our little one (born a week before Maze actually) is doing the same thing!
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
A jam packed, productive and yummy looking day! The joys of naps! French toast always sets the tone! 🙂
Carrie says
I seriously could never write a blog. I can’t believe how rude people are in these comments… I think you are doing a great job. By the way, how long do you plan to swaddle? I have a 15 week old and this was about the time we stopped with our others but I sense he’s going to need it a lot longer.
KathEats says
Thanks 🙂
We’re not sure yet ….I actually just asked this on baby KERF. Probably when he starts rolling over. But for now I think it still works for him.
Ella says
Kath, you’re doing awesome, and 99.9% of your readers just roll their eyes at your prickly critics. It is always amazing how people get so worked up and offended! Keep doing your thang.
Amanda says
Think Jeff would share his jambalaya recipe!? 😉
Katie says
I LOVE dark chocolate. The darker the better. It is the most satisfying thing to eat at night. This just made me want to go get some : )
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
That french toast looks so tasty and like the perfect way to start your day. I may have to make myself some for breakfast Sunday morning. 😉
Spice Chicken says
Kath dear, what is on your lovely salad? I see what looks like red bell pepper, but I’m wondering whether the orange is sweet potato, squash, or carrot?
KathEats says
Carrot!
Ilane says
Yummy meals!!
How do you sear your bananas? Do you add anything to them? They look perfect!! Thanks 🙂
KathEats says
Just Coconut oil to the pan
Sarah says
Pretty funny that people think they can judge your parenting style based on a blog post. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t describe my parenting style in a novel.. because it changes every day.. as my baby changes every day! Good intentions or not, those who give advice probably figured it out on their own, and that’s what all new mamas need to do because every baby, every mom and every family is different. You’re doing the best job for you and Mazen because you are the best Mommy he will ever have and he is your best first son!
Ps. Why can’t Mom’s support each other more? Not everything is a competition! Goodness.
Donna says
This Louisiana native is cringing at the thought of spinach and Greek yogurt with your jambalaya! Green onions and Tabasco sauce on top would’ve been more like it!
Steph @ Steph Stays Slim says
Your food pictures always come out so good…I have yet to master that! All those quiche pics you’ve been posting has sealed the deal for me, I’m making quiche next week!
AmyD says
What a small world. I’ve been enjoying your blog for a couple years and now I know someone on it! I was a band nerd with Jeff many years ago at Gainesville High. His food posts on FB always make me hungry. 🙂
KathEats says
Fun!
Julie says
Darn, you’re making this georgia transplant sick for home with the BBC beers…. Raspberry Meade, BBS, etc, you can’t go wrong with any BBC beers! I miss them terribly, and also my beloved CARDS! #L1C4
Christy says
Can you share your recipe for gumbo? I’m hoping it’s healthier than my Louisiana version! 🙂
Fran@BCDC says
Lunch looks delicious!
Heather says
Hi Kath,
A friend of mine has recently talked about taking dairy out of her morning oatmeal (she’s found articles that say that milk blocks antioxidants in the fruit she adds) and has replaced these calories with a teaspoon of coconut oil. She recommends this, but, it’s hard to say whether coconut oil will do any long term damage – it’s definitely not a traditional North American food in my opinion!
What are your thoughts about coconut – is long term consumption, say breakfast every morning, safe?
Thanks, Heather.
KathEats says
I think it’s fine because it’s a real food made in natural. I would not be OK with adding something processed (like a soy protein powder) to breakfast everyday. I’m not sure I agree with her about the dairy, but I don’t see anything wrong with adding the coconut.