2012 was full of some good eatin’
And this amazing process:
Plus this little joy:
I imagine 2013 will be full of just as many changes. A year from now will we have a walking, talking little boy?
I started the day out with a nap after one of our toughest sleepless nights since M was as new as in the above photo.
But after a rejuvenating hour of slumber in the master bedroom, we were all up and hungry for breakfast
Whipped banana oatmeal with cottage cheese, granola and a pillow of sunflower butter
And two warm cups of coffee –
I got in a great 4 mile run, and we feasted on grilled cheese and salads for lunch
Matt and I returned from our trip with no bread in the house and no Great Harvest production to supply any!! Of course Matt could have made bread, but we decided to pick up a loaf of sourdough seed bread from Whole Foods for a change. It’s nice and crusty and so different from our usual soft, seedy whole grain Great Harvest bread. (And hilariously, Karen picked up the same loaf and brought us half only to discover we had already bought one!)
It made for a great toasty grilled cheese that I made in a skillet with some butter and Seaside Cheddar
We also had salads with roasted veggies, Hugh Jass beans and marcona almonds
And sliced apple with peanut butter
Maze was in a funk today. He just wasn’t happy and did not want to nap all day. We did a lot of baby wearing and tried to make him happy with toys and books
My cousin who lives in Tasmania sent us a set of Australian board books and this Diary of a Wombat was hilarious!!! Kind of like a wombat blog : ) I especially bonded with the wombat when she demanded rolled oats from the humans!
Maze and I took down the Christmas tree to prepare for our party. I’ve had this stork since I was a baby and it served as our angel this year for obvious reasons : )
A few weeks ago I called my grandmother, who loves parties and entertaining, and told her we were hosting some friends for a Baby-Friendly New Year’s Eve party. Babies and pack and plays invited. We figured we probably weren’t going to leave the house, so to keep us from going to bed at 9pm, we invited some friends over to celebrate.
Gram told me I was bold!
She was right
But despite having my hands unpredictably extra full today, the party was a great success. I even managed to give my hair a curl! (Still have no idea when I’ll be able to paint my nails ever again…)
Champagne + Sushi was the theme
Matt made a few dozen homemade sushi rolls for the occasion using the same combinations when we made it a few weeks ago. I know it is totally possible to make sushi without a rice cooker or the SushiQuik kit, but these two tools have made sushi making fun for us by making the hardest parts easier.
It was so good, and a few people asked us where we ordered it : )
Shrimp, smoked salmon, veggie + avocado
We kept the party casual and used paper plates and a potluck menu.
We had pita sandwiches, edamame dip, Mexican scoop, veggie stacks with hummus
For dessert, we cut into Jen’s Tarheel pie (incredible as it was last time!) and I baked these molten chocolate cakes that Bonnie sent us for Christmas.
A-MAZEingly, M went down for bed at 8pm and barely made a peep all evening except for a 10pm feeding, and the hours until midnight flew by.
{Sparkling grape juice for a mama-to-be!}
The four remaining couples rang in the new year with a glass of bubbly as the ball dropped, and then we crashed into our beds.
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Oh wow Matt’s sushi looks so professional…a slide line from the baking perhaps! As always I want to delve in to your bowl of oats and munch my way through your pretty lunch plate! Happy New Year to you, Matt, Maze, Karen and all the rest of the fam! 🙂
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says
That’s smart to have the party at your house, so much easier! Happy New Year, it’s definitely going to be a big year for Mazen!
Fran@BCDC says
Happy New Year, Kath!! Looks like a fun time. Love the idea of grilled cheese and a salad. I need to try that!
Kel says
Happy New Year!
Teething? Mazen, not you ;).
Sara@fitcupcaker says
Looks like a great time! Sushi looks wonderful!
lucy Lincoln says
am constantly in awe of how clean your house is, efficient you are with keeping up with your blog writing, tending to Maze 24/7 and throwing parties and going to social gatherings!!? honestly, i have no children just married and I struggle to not panic at people over for gatherings! happy new year to you all! love the stork idea and let 2013 be a great one!
Melissa says
I remember our first NYE with my daughter. She was 2 months and 10 days old. I just remember looking at my husband, then back at her (it was ironic that she was up, even if she was nursing), and we both kissed HER on the head and then each other. My favorite NYE memory so far! <3
So happy to hear he had a good night of sleep!
(ps, you have NO IDEA how much fun the next year is going to be!!!)
😀
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
Happy New Year and I love that the Tarheel pie made a return, and those little choc cakes look delish, and I love that you had time to curl your hair. You look great, Kath! Happy New Year!
Mom says
Fun to have books all the way from Tasmania! Looks like a great party. Happy 2013 everyone!
kim@hungryhealthygirl says
Looks like such a great night and your food always looks so pretty! Happy New Year to you and your family!
the 3volution of j3nn says
The sushi looks professional! Wow! Happy New Year!
Allison says
I love your comment about not knowing when you will be able to paint your nails again…so true! Just a funny mommy thought that has crossed my mind too 🙂
Simply Life says
I love the idea of the sushi theme- what a great party!
Lauren says
What an amazing year 2012 was for you! Wishing you all the very best for this new year. May you continue to be blessed in so many ways!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
What a big year for you guys! I loved reading along… Thank you for sharing your eats and daily fun with us. Happy New Year!
Christine says
I am impressed that you managed to host a party!! Oh it’s so amazing when the baby you held starts to walk around and talk and ask questions and put together puzzles and… and… and…
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
What a party! The food looks amazing 🙂
Angel7 says
Happy New Year, Kath!
I was wondering… Do you use a special cookbook, blog, etc. to make healthy meals to eat while breastfeeding? I am unsure what foods to eat, & what foods not to eat while breastfeeding. I do not know how much to eat to nourish myself & our lil’ one so neither of us are nutritionally deplete. I have searched the Internet for nourishing recipes to consume when breastfeeding, but to no avail, have not found anything. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 🙂
KathEats says
Hey Angel, Whole foods with lots of nutrients are most important. Other than not eating fish too high in mercury or drinking lots of alcohol, there’s not really a breastfeeding diet (unless you can connect a food with baby’s mood/physical state). Here are two articles that go over the basics: BabyCenter + Mayo Clinic.
Jessica says
I have also been told that healthy fats are really important when nursing.
Jess says
I’m sorry about your rough night’s sleep. I have so been there, and it’s rough. But, it gets better. I promise. You absolutely must read this. I promise you won’t regret it!
http://www.babysleepsite.com/awake-training-for-parents/
KathEats says
I’ll check it out
KathEats says
Haha!
Miss Polkadot says
Happy New Year, Kath! Your party looks and sounds like a great way to ring in the new year.
That Wombat story must be so cute. One of the books I remember from my childhood was “The very hungry Caterpillar. Do you know that one?
KathEats says
Yes, a favorite
Beth says
Diary of a Wombat is our favorite little book! Such a cute story.
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
Mmm…the sushi looks great!! What variety. 😀
And I love your capture of each week of pregnancy…that is such a cute ‘n’ clever idea! 😀
Hayley @ Running on Pumpkin says
I’ve always wanted to make my own sushi!! It looks so great and seems easier than I would think. Maybe I will next time I have friends over for dinner and use shortcuts like you did with the rice.
Christy Gordon says
I love your slanted red bowls. Where did you find those? 🙂 Must get them!! Thank you!
KathEats says
They’re called salsabols and were an opensky deal
Katherine says
Looks like you had a fantastic year, Kath! Best for 2013 🙂
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/
Deanna - Coach Calorie says
Awww, I love your 40 weeks collage! Sounds like a perfect evening. Happy new year.
Tami@nutmegnotebook says
Nice recap of the eventful pas year! You were bold to host a NYE party with a new baby, but it all went well and since the two of you divide the prep it makes things so much easier. Happy New Year may the year ahead be filled with bliss!
Ella says
So funny you say that about painting your nails. I just painted my own nails for the first time yesterday since my son was born 11 months ago! My husband and I were driving to a movie (sans baby) and I painted them on the way. I knew I would have a few guaranteed baby free hours to let them dry! Can’t say they look great tho… The ride was a little bumpy 🙂 good luck with yours.
a farmer in the dell says
What an incredible year kath! Glad you got a chance to squeeze in some bubbly last night! I hope 2013 is a year of health, balance and happiness for you all!
Katy says
The sushi looks delicious!
Happy New Year!
Anna @ On Anna's Plate says
Awww, so fun that you had a REAL NYE party, even with babies and all. We’re officially old– we drove 8 hours from Louisiana to Alabama, put the baby to bed, and took down our Christmas decorations. Parrrrrtay!!! 🙂
Happy 2013, Kath!
Amanda @flecksofgreen says
You really have had such a great year! I hope 2013 brings you even more joy!
Verenique B says
happy new year!
i am sooo happy to have found your blog! i have realy enjoyed following it! thx for sharing! 🙂
look forward to seeing what all you have to share in the year ahead!
Claire @ The Lazy Alchemist says
Happy new years!
I love love love the picture-a-week photos from your pregnancy. So cool!
kristen @ verbs and vignettes says
i love the super quick food and pregnancy recaps!
oatmeal and sushi both look amazing. i forgot all about adding cottage cheese to oats.
happy 2013! looking forward to great things to come. 🙂
J says
Kath,
I notice you have been enjoying Justin’s vanilla almond butter lately, but I can’t find it ANYWHERE in Charlottesville. Where do you get yours, I would love to try the vanilla flavor.
Thanks and Happy New Year!
J
KathEats says
Justin sent me mine, but I hear it’s exclusive to Whole Foods
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
Happy New Year to you all!
Spice Chicken says
Happy new year! I started following this blog in 2012. Thanks for all the great food ideas; we had roasted Brussels sprouts a la Kath at my house tonight. How fitting that the wombat in the story was eating oatmeal! Do you ever add rye and barley flakes to your oats? I started the new year with an epic bowl of oatmeal made with rye, barley, and almond milk with dried cranberries, almonds, and a few pistachios stirred at the end. Delicious!
KathEats says
I haven’t recently but sounds delish!
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
Kudos to Matt on the sushi! It looks great!
Katie @ Real Food Katie's Way says
Happy New Year Miss Kath! 2013 holds such great things!
I love the stork for your tree topper…That is entirely appropriate!
Kudos to you for hosting a New Year’s Eve party! We have no kids and were completely lame…I was in bed by 9:00!
PS Thanks for the email on the pimento cheese dip…It turned out beautiful!
KathEats says
Glad the pimento cheese worked! Kelsey couldn’t find the recipe. Is your version on your blog?
Katie @ Real Food Katie's Way says
Not yet but I can just tell you what I did…I made enough for 2 Christmas events so you could easily cut this recipe down!
2 cups shredded old cheddar cheese (I like a strong flavoured cheese!)
1/4 cup Hellman’s Olive Oil Mayo (my favourite but you could use a different kind!)
1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
1 jar (I used 6 ounce jar) pimentos drained (I didn’t bother chopping them up but you could!)
1 garlic clove minced (because I think garlic makes ALMOST everything better!)
2-3 “glugs” of tobasco sauce (more or less to your tastes!)
1 teaspoon Epicure’s Roasted Red Pepper seasoning (Epicure is a Canadian owned, woman operated spice company! I have 3 cupboards FULL of their spices and I have easy access to getting them so if you want to try them out, just say the word!)
That’s it! I could not believe how quickly this dip got eaten…I was actually kind of hoping there would be leftovers but no such luck! Off to get my hubster breakfast! Have a good day Kath!
KathEats says
Wonderful!
Kristy says
Happy New Year! Diary of a wombat is a favourite of mine. As an infants teacher, I’ve done it before as an assembly item where the kids pretend to be the wombat. They love rolling over every time I read ‘slept’! A book you must try, also an Australian writer, is ‘the magic hat’. It’s wonderful – I bought it for my son and my nephew for Christmas! We have some fabulous children’s writers here in Australia!
Enjoy 2013, it’s been a joy to read your blog each day (well, lets be honest, I often catch up every few days!)
Kristy
Taylor says
Thank you for your entertaining blog! I’m glad you guys had such a great year. Mazen is SO adorable. He is your little mini me 🙂
Lauren @ Fun, Fit and Fabulous! says
What a little cutey!!! You definitely know how to throw a party even with a little one in tow. I can’t think of much better than champagne and sushi. I hope you and your family have a wonderful, happy, healthy 2013!
Andrea @ The Skinny Chronicles says
Happy New Year Kath. Wishing you guys all the best in 2013. Looks like you hosted a lovely party!
Jill Hughes says
I love that you are reading Australian stories to your lovely little one! Perhaps one day we can have you at our place – we owe you a dinner!
KathEats says
Haha hi Jill! I hope we can travel down under sometime!
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Happy 2013 to you and your family, Kath! 🙂 Your New Years spread looked delicious! I love sushi.
Christine says
Happy New Year Kath!
Just curious how you get a 4 mile run in without any sleep?
KathEats says
A rejuvenating long nap!
Ashley M. [at] (never)homemaker says
Ah! I love that whole bump week by week you did. And just FYI — you will be able to paint your nails again; probably by the time he’s 1 year old 🙂 Hahah I know from experience.
Julia H. @ Live Young & Prosper says
Oh man, I need that book! Purely because it mentions rolled oats, of course 😛
Janna @RantingRose says
It’s been so fun to follow your journey to motherhood throughout the year–wishing you the best for 2013!
Alex @ Raw Recovery says
Loved the recap! Happy New Year Kath!