Once upon a time, there was a little boy who was not sleepy. He had too many friends to keep him busy!
He and his mama lived in a castle that served heaping bowls of pumpkin every morning for breakfast
Filled with Greek yogurt, pumpkin, spices, banana, Honey Bunches, chia seeds and peanut butter.
The hot coffee flowed all day and night in a moat surrounding their castle
The little boy loved to play with toys made out of gold
And his mama loved to eat eggs, also filled with liquid gold
{Poached egg for the win! Thanks to the dash of apple cider vinegar!}
The little boy was friends with a dragon
Who could make healthy food real by breathing fire on a plate.
The dragon encouraged the family to eat their greens because he was green. So they topped their salads with pecans, goat feta and olive oil.
The little boy loved to read stories with his mama atop a flying carpet
He also had magical powers and could catch mysterious space objects
As their favorite afternoon activity, the boy’s mama could snap her fingers and make all of the diapers fold themselves.
The family had to exercise to keep their magic sharp, so they went to the gym to take a lean conditioning class with Princess Faith. The mom ate this bar made from the fruits of money trees before her class began. The little boy had fun playing with dragon children at the gym!
When they returned home from their adventure, the King was there to join them for supper.
A fairy princess named Jen brought the family a magical lasagna for dinner. The boy’s mama had brought Jen and her new baby a meal a few weeks ago and Jen insisted on returning the favor. The family accepted the lasagna with glee since it had already been made by Jen’s prince and his secret family recipe.
The lasagna – a classic meat + cheese layer delight – was wonderful and filled the family with happiness. Everyone enjoyed seconds.
A side salad topped with goat cheese and Jen’s fairy dust completed the meal.
But the most magical moment of all was the bite of Tar Heel Pie Jen brought for dessert. {Recipe similar to this!}
In. Credible.
The little boy had so much fun that he became sleepy. He took 4 solid 1.5 hour+ naps in his swing with white noise and a swaddle wrap to make him feel snug. And then he was well rested and his parents were happy.
And they lived happily ever after!
Andrea (@FrSeed2Stomach) says
cutest post *ever* 🙂
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
So cute 🙂
Amanda @Eat More Rabbit Food says
What a cute post! Loved it! 🙂
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
What a sweet post! (And sweet dessert…YUM!)
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
What a cute post!! And great job with that poached egg – it looks perfect! I had my first grapefruit of the season yesterday – I know its winter when I transition from apples and pears to citrus fruit 🙂
Maria says
Love this style 🙂
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Cute post! And YUM to that dessert! Wowee!
Krista says
This post is just too cute!
Barbara says
Delightful!
Mom says
Love it! So glad the castle has turned magical. Send the magic carpet my way, and I’ll pop up for a visit and be back by the time I have to leave for work.
Patty says
Loved this post! Children’s book deal here you come?
jenn says
lovely.. but CAUTION! BEWARE OF THE BABY SWING AS A PROP. I will happen before you know it. trust me and then will be hell to deal with.
KathEats says
Slept in his crib this am!
Lisa says
Just my opinion…but we never had a problem with using swings for nap. It doesn’t always cause problems. My babies all loved their swings but it never affected their nighttime sleep and they eventually outgrew the need for movement.
Sarah says
I agree with Lisa 100%. I have three children who did exactly the same. My youngest is nearly 7 months old and now prefers crib naps.
Kiersten says
According to Dr. Harvey Karp babies under 3 months still need movement for sleep! They went from 24/7 movement in the womb to maybe half that. My son sleeps at night in his pack n play by our bed just fine but is much more picky for naps. He prefers to sleep on my husband or I which I love but it is definitely not something I wanted to continue. We got him to sleep in the bouncey seat but it is only for 30 minutes max. Started using the swing with swaddle and white noise and he will nap 1.5-2 hours. When he has solid naps during the day he sleeps much better at night. Glad to hear your kids had no problem Lisa!
Katelyn says
Adorable! I think I was smiling the entire time that I was reading 🙂 And oh my, that lasagna looks DELISH!
Becca says
So, so sweet : ) …your lunch looked very pretty and yummy today, btw!
Katie says
Haha, what a fun post!
Kathy says
I love your post! What a cute idea to write it as a children’s story! I may have to mimic your idea and try this on my own blog…if that’s okay 🙂
Laurie says
Love the post but wondering if the Prince has met up with the “Three Little Bears”?
KathEats says
Ahhhh chapter two?
Laurie says
Can’t wait
Jackie@ MuscleUpMom says
Very cute!!! I wish my little guy loved his swing.
But on a serious note, aren’t you concerned with Maze getting sick from older kids in the gym day care? The news was just reporting how bad flu season will be this year. There’s also RSV 🙁
KathEats says
He doesn’t play with the older kids – he’s in a separate infant area. I will ask his doctor at our next visit.
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
When I lived in NC and SC I used to eat the locals’ tar heel pies that they’d serve in the local diners and restaurants and omg that stuff is so good. That one looks incredible you teased me with!
Katie @ SkinnyMinnieMoves says
Gosh I love eggs! Vinegar does the trick every time!
Jordan @ Eat for Health, Eat for Fun says
Added apple cider vinegar to the water when poaching? I’m curious because that poached egg looked near perfection!
KathEats says
Yup!
Laurie says
Beautiful writing style must run in your talented family! Truly a magical post!! 🙂
Morgan says
I made tar heel bars for the first time last week and OH MY GOSH! Gooey and delicious. I decided to sneak a little bourbon in the recipe as well..Soooo good.
Stefanie @ Thin Vegetarian says
so cute!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Cute! And ACV is the trick to perfect poached eggs, you’re right! And that brownie pie (?) looks amazing!
Ashlee says
I am horrible at poaching eggs! Have you written up a how to on here that works well?
Lisa says
Ahhh…finally sat down….one baby asleep in the cosleeper behind me, one sick toddler in bed, big brother and his friend watching a show….and I sat down with a whole wheat wrap (cheese and veggies inside) and a glass of iced tea. Your blog is my little treat to myself in these moments….even if my break only last a few minutes! Thanks Kath!
KathEats says
glad to make your morning more fun!
Rachel says
That was adorable!
Annette @FitnessPerks says
Have you been watching the TV show Once Upon a Time? 😉 hehe.
Those salads look so good!!
Kerry @ Totes My Oats says
This is so adorable!
Lauren says
That is a gorgeous poached egg, and I think it deserves a video! Poached egg tutorial? Whatddaya say?!
Sara @ fitcupcaker says
That pie looks amazing! Im also still loving pumpkin everything!
Dani says
Very sweet post. I was transported to another time and place 😀
Kasia says
Does he still sleep swaddled at night? my 7 week old sleeps swaddled and by 5 am we find him almost to the side in his bassinet. I dont know if we should continue to swaddle, but I am afraid he wont sleep as ling otherwise. What is MAze doing?
KathEats says
Yes, we swaddle him for night and naps. I’ve experimented without and he wakes up a lot more and takes longer to settle and fall asleep.
Kristen Waby says
Love this, how cute. the lunch looks so yummy. What wonder photography. Maze is getting cuter each day!
Melissa says
Love it!!
Also, when did you start with the cloth diapers?? Any chance a BERF post is coming soon?? I’d be interested in your reviews and thoughts. My daughter is potty trained, but I WILL cloth diaper the next baby, whenever God decides it’s time 🙂
KathEats says
We started gradually – maybe a month ago? And we’re using them full time now. I’ll try to do an update soon! I like them a lot, but we’re having issues with leaking, which is a huge pain in the BUM!
Melissa says
Awesome. Can’t wait to see it! I found out about them when my daughter was over a year old, and by that point, starting that late, I just couldn’t make myself spend the money on the diapers when she would be potty trained shortly. Grant it, she didn’t potty train until after three, but I didn’t know that at the time of course LOL.
Alicia @ Wanna Be Ina says
What a precious post! Are you considering writing children’s books? I think you would be brilliant at it.
KathEats says
My mom is a childrens book author and we have talked about doing a foodie kids book together : )
Pauline says
what a wonderful idea with the foodie book for children! You sure have talent for writing!
Anita says
I always love reading your blog. I know, I never comment! But this post takes the cake! So fun and whimsical! And your little guy is just the sweetest thing ever!! Magical blessings on your precious family today!
Tracy says
Darling post, Kath!
The poached egg is beautiful. Well done!
Mandy says
Hi Kath,
I’ve been reading for a long time but don’t think I’ve ever posted a comment before. First, congrats on your beautiful family! Mazen is really adorable. I guess what brings me out of the shadows today is the style of this post. I started reading your blog (and really continue to do so) to get healthy food/living ideas. I thought the point of the baby blog was to sort of separate the two so that this blog could continue being about what you ate and how you worked out. Obviously the occasional picture of Mazen is always welcome! I guess I just did not really enjoy reading this post and I thought it would be a much better fit on the baby blog.
Obviously a lot of readers disagree based on the comments so far! I just thought I’d say something in case other readers felt like me and didn’t feel comfortable saying so. I realize it is your blog and it will go in whatever direction you choose to take it, but I thought I would share my thoughts.
KathEats says
I’m not going to write like this long term. It was just a mood, and you still got to read about all of my meals and workout, so other than the tone it’s still the same information.
Katherine says
Love this post 🙂
http://therealfoodrunner.blogspot.com/
Michelle (Peachy Palate) says
Had no idea it was called Tar Heel Pie! It’s my favourite pie of all time! There is a restaurant in Ireland called Avoca which makes an amazing version topped with dark, white and milk chocolate chips! Love the fairy tale!!!
Erika says
What a lovely little fairy tale!
Totally of subject, but do you use cloth diapers for Mazen? If so, what brand do you use and what diaper covers do you like best? I’m currently 27 weeks pregnant with our first child and definitely want to go the cloth diaper route, but I’m at a total loss as to which ones to get. Any advice you have would be wonderful!
KathEats says
I have started to use them almost full time. We have a mix of brands that were given to us used by a blog reader (see this post!) You can see the brands there. So far I like the Bumgenius and the Blueberry the best, I think. It’s so hard to tell. I should be taking notes!
KathEats says
I would look into Glo diapers and G-diapers – I hear both of those brands are good. And Bumgenius 4.0. Oh and this site is excellent: http://paddedtushstats.com
Angelica says
Check out the book “Changing Diapers.” It’s great for beginners. My favorite dipes are TotsBots EasyFit. Looooove! Great deals and customer service at kellyscloset.com.
marcie says
love it!
Jen says
Cutest baby ever!
Kristen@Change of Pace says
This is so cute! My son had that same striped outfit when he was little. It was one of my favorites. That was 2 years ago! 🙂
Laurie says
Your grapefruit made me think of another fruit. I spent the big bucks on a plumelo for my teenage daughter $4. She loves disecting it…took her about an hour to eat it!!! She said its different than a grapefruit….A great healthy snack!!
Marissa says
This is one of my favorite posts, its so cute!
Elyse says
Love this post–sooooo cute! 🙂
Kathryn @ Mamacado says
So cute. I especially love the photo of you guys and the “mysterious space object”. 🙂
Annie says
I love the first smaller swing. Can you link to it?
KathEats says
I’m not sure what you mean?
Jen says
I think she means can you provide a link as to the type of swing or where you bought it.
KathEats says
This is the one we have, which I bought hand-me-down from a friend: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0011MQLNQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0011MQLNQ&linkCode=as2&tag=kaearefo-20
I like it
Sara @ sarasmiles says
Haha that is too cute! Now I’ll never forget the apple cider vinegar/poached egg trick!
Cait says
Ahahah – this was too cute. I’m so glad it all worked out in the end 🙂
And that pie!? Oh my gosh that looks good!
Nikole says
I just wanted to let you know that I bought the gluten free cinnamon chip bread from the Great Harvest here and it is wonderful. I made delicious French toast this morning after seeing you make it last week. I haven’t had French toast since I had to give up wheat. It was so good.
KathEats says
Fun! The gh gluten free bread recipe is really pretty good.
Amy Wiginton says
Hi Kath,
Could you please fill me in on what you prefer better…acorn squash or butternut? I am following your lead and trying to roast them for the first time ever. Chopping into little squares and w/ Olive oil will roast for 30 mins at 400′. Does that sounds right? Going to use whatever we have leftover for salads and such during the day.
Also, what is the difference between Olive oil and Canola oil? Love reading this blog about your meals. I am inspired 🙂
Maze is adorable too!!!
Thanks for your help,
Amy W.
KathEats says
Hey Amy,
It’s a toss up on which one is more delicious. If you want to cube it for salads, go with butternut. It’s a pain to peel and chop (microwave it for a few minutes and let it cool a bit first so it’s easier to cut), but worth it in the end. Acorn is better for slicing and roasting in slices with the skin on (you may or may not eat the skin depending on the friendliness of your intestines!).
Here is a fabulous chart on oils – I’d use olive oil for this roasting: http://www.eatingrules.com/Cooking-Oil-Comparison-Chart_02-22-12.pdf
Ella P says
Yup, there is MAGIC in motherhood and you, Kath, embody it so graciously.
I love reading about your days, whatever they are filled with.
The book idea is funtastic, go go go for it!!!
Jenny @ For Your Consideration says
Wow! Mazen is getting so big. Adorable picture of him surrounded by his toys. I want that lasagna. My first thought was, “Damn! Secret recipe…”
Terra says
Kath, I enjoy your blog posts. I have been following you for years. I also love how you incorporate your adorable baby! He looks so happy and healthy. I look forward to seeing more healthy/food news with baby boy by your side. (And Matt, he’s such good hubby!) Congrats on the beautiful healthy growing family.
KathEats says
Thanks Terra!
Melissa says
Oh Gosh…I am having big time grapefruit cravings after seeing that photo. It looks so perfectly pink!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
This was such a cute post! 🙂
Verenique B says
aww! i loved how you wrote this post!!! 🙂
sooo cute!
you your little boy is soooo cute! how old is he now?
KathEats says
12 weeks
Verenique B says
they grow fast dont they!
my girls are now 4! seems like just yeterday they were born!
wish i could stop time!!!
Alison says
Absolutely charming story! 🙂
Jodie Allenson says
Your coffee photo/comment made me think of a song that my husband and I listened to often when our daughter (who wasn’t very thrilled with the idea of naps) was little. It’s called The Coffee Song by Ralph Covert. It’s worth a listen when you have a moment!
Spice Chicken says
How can I possibly add something new to this conversation? It’s impossible, but I can’t resist because this post was so charming and creative. With gorgeous and delicious-looking food photos to boot! Thank you, Kath.
Avery Hudson says
Love that pic of you and Mason! You look so pretty and Mason so cute! I’ve got a quick question for you.. What are some of your all time favorite cereals? I need a new one to spice up my mornings! I’ve already loved on Quaker Oats and H2H so I was just curious what a healthy delicious new cereal would be for me! Thanks so much. Also I am loving your lil Christmas tree it’s so adorable!
KathEats says
🙂 his name is actually Mazen, but inspired by Mason!
I like any cereal with recognizable ingredients and store brands tend to be cheaper. Whole Foods brand wheat waffles is a favorite, shredded wheat, Cheerios kinds, Bran flakes.
Avery Hudson says
Thanks so much! Will def. be hitting up Whole Foods this weekend! Also sorry for the typo, Mazen* is such a unique name. I really like it!
Ella P says
Dear Kath,
if I may ask about Cutie Pie’s name: I am sure you have explained it, but I have missed it. How did you come up with such an unique name? I am foreigner and it sounds so exotic to my ears. It is lovely indeed 🙂
KathEats says
Here’s a post on it!
Ella P says
Thanks Kath, lovely story.
Ellen M. Gregg says
OMG, I love all your posts, but this is my new favorite. Thoroughly enchanting. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must find and make good use of my magic wand. 🙂
CHARLOTTE says
I agree with everyone else….cutest post and family ever! and the food looks wonderful. I love that people say that do not have time to make food and yet you just had a baby, workout, work, blog, etc…and you find time to do it all. Truly a joy to read your posts, Kath. Love that cute baby dragon!
Karen says
I hope you saved KK, the Queen Mum, some of that lasagna!
KathEats says
Waiting in the fridge! Pie too!
Steph @ Steph Stays Slim says
I LOVE poached eggs, but have need tried making them before. I just always order them from restaurants…my favorite is on salad 🙂 Maybe I’ll give it a try next week 😮
lacy says
too cute. love this blog! 🙂
jenna k says
i love reading posts like this! such a cool change-up from the norm.
EllaS says
I was reading your “Real Health” Blog post on exercising after having your baby and had a question in the comments, but it was deleted! I hate when that happens. Maybe a random computer ate it? Who knows? My question was, when you do at-home work-outs, what does Mazen do? Do you wait till naptime? Or does he watch you get into shape? Physical fitness is so important for children, I would want to get my little one involved ASAP. He seems like such a content baby that he might enjoy observing like that, after a nap, obviously. Looking forward to your next post, I got a ton of ideas from your “Snacks” article!!!
KathEats says
Hey Ella,
I mentioned in the article that i haven’t really done any yet – it was a goal of mine. Right now when he’s so young, I think it would be easier to do them during naps (if we get them – part of the reason I haven’t done any home workouts!) but as they get older, I think involving them in exercise would be great.
Did you try to comment through the Facebook plugin? That’s odd that your comment went missing. I wonder how many others that has happened to.
EllaS says
Yes, I did use the Facebook Comment System. It actually happened on another article of yours too! I think the birth story one? It was the video with you and Matt and Mazen talking about your Doula. There were 3 or 4 comments, don’t remember the specific question, just that I would be my Best Friend’s labor buddy and was looking for tips from Matt. He’s practically an expert now that you 2 are parents! Maybe there is some sort of “bug” over at “Real Health”?
KathEats says
That is odd, but thanks so much for letting us know!
KathEats says
They are working on it now. If you want, try leaving another comment. J said he didn’t see any from you – either new or deleted. So weird!
Maria@Sinfully Nutritious says
I loved the post. So cute.
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
Adorable post!! Maze is just the cutest. 😀
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Such a cute post! 🙂 That lasagna looks heavenly! I haven’t had lasagna is so long. I need to change that.
sarah says
Hello to you, Kath,
I have read your blog for some time (had googled ‘kale chips’ ages ago and have been hooked since!) but this time, you have outdone yourself. I’m surely late to the party and apologise to not have time right now to read everyone’s comments, but this post was DARLING. Heavens! It has put a smile on my face, which is undoubtedly a terrific way to start the day. Thank you!
– sarah
Molly @ RDexposed says
I’ve been addicted to that liquid gold lately-yum!
kiki says
precious. I need to make that pie!
Amanda says
Fun post!
Btw, just tried my first No Bull Burger on Sunday. I’ve been watching you eat them for a while and I’ve been curious. I spoke to Elizabeth at NBB and she was so nice…the burgers arrived in Boston practically the next day! They were delicious! And even my husband commented that “these actually aren’t that horrible” as he devoured our dinner the other night! 🙂
KathEats says
: )