Leaps and Bounds

Wow.

We just experienced a ton of developmental changes in the span of a few days.  For those of you familiar with The Wonder Weeks, I wholeheartedly believe we just exited the 55-week developmental phase. 

Palmer has been fussing a bit in the middle of the night for the last few weeks, which is unusual because he is typically a good sleeper.  On Tuesday, Palmer woke up with a raging fever and napped for a whopping 5.5 hours during the day.  On Tuesday night, Palmer slept like a rock and slept in late.

When he awoke on Wednesday morning, he was a whole new boy.

What's new?

1.  Vocabulary:  Palmer is adding (or attempting) new words right and left.  He said the big one we've all I've been waiting for: Mama.  He also says: uh oh, oh wow, whoa, up, down, out, bubble, and tries to repeat a lot of things that I say.

2.  Comprehension: I can definitely tell Palmer understands a lot of what we are saying and doing now.  If I give him instructions (such as, "Palmer, will you go get that cup and put it on the table?") he usually follows thru.  It's so fun to talk thru our day knowing that he is actually grasping a good portion of the world.

3.  Communicating: Last night Palmer looked up at Rick and clearly said what sounded like, "out".  Rick was confused and said, "Out?"  Palmer repeated, "Out."  Rick said, "I don't understand.  Will you point with your finger?"  Palmer walked over to the window, pointed out the back door and said, "Out."  Palmer wanted to go outside and decided he was going to tell us his preference.  Although I'm sure we will soon tire of hearing what Palmer wants, it was amazing to have him clearly communicate with us.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER/BREAKFAST:
POTATO, KALE, ROSEMARY, ONION PIZZA:
Make this now!!  I made this pizza last night for dinner because we had onions, kale, and potatoes in the bin and rosemary in the garden.  It was so delish that I am seriously considering making it again tomorrow.  I substituted real potatoes instead of sweet potatoes because that's what was in the fridge.  I'm sure it's lovely with sweet potatoes, too, and come winter I can bet we'll have sweet potato, kale, rosemary, and onion pizza.

PIONEER WOMAN ICED COFFEE:  Aunt Samantha is staying with us for a few months (more about that in a future post) and she was trying to figure out a new morning coffee routine.  Some time ago, I saw a Pioneer Woman recipe for iced coffee and thought this might be the perfect opportunity to give it a shot.  Survey says: winner.  We both added almond milk and vanilla syrup.  My Starbucks baristas are going to miss me for a little while.

-Bethany

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Reason#1: Christmas Jammies

Reason #2: It's gingerbread house decorating time.

Somebody got into the candy...

So, we sent him to bed and the adults got serious.

Before (notice that Boston had a little Christmas snack):

After:

(We invited some of our most artistic friends to help.)

Raise your hand if you've already eaten too much sugar this Christmas.  

*Raising hand*

Great!  Well, let's not stop now...

WHAT'S FOR DINNER (HOLIDAY FAVORITES EDITION):

SWEET POTATO PIE: Here's a traditional southern pie that I made over Thanksgiving and plan to make at least once more before 2012. Sweet Potato Pie 

INA'S APPLESAUCE: The smell of the apples and citrus in the oven reminds me of the holidays.  Barefoot Contessa sure knows how to make a good applesauce.

MASHED POTATOES:  Last year, my company held a potluck lunch.  One guy brought mashed potatoes, which sounds easy enough.  Turns out, these taters were the bomb-diggidy and everyone in the company now has a killer recipe.  And now, you do too:

Ingredients:

1 bag red potatoes

Sea salt (to taste)

1/2 Qt. heavy whipping cream

1 stick unsalted butter

4 Tblsp. sour cream

Chives

1.  Boil water in stock pot.

2.  Peel and wash potatoes.  Cut into cubes.  Boil for 30-35 minutes.

3.  Use potato ricer to mash potatoes.  Much less work.

4.  Mix in butter, cream, salt, sour cream, chives.

-Bethany

Sweet Treats

WHAT'S FOR DINNER DESSERT (Fall Holiday Edition):

I admit it, we've eaten a lot of sweet treats lately.  I've had a lot of fall occasions that called for sugar goodies.  Enjoy.

IMPOSSIBLE PIE:  This pie is "impossibly" easy.  It's essentially a coconut pie called Impossible because a pie crust miraculously forms when baking.  Super simple and a crowd favorite: Food And Wine's Impossible Pie

SALTED CARAMEL POPCORN AND PRETZEL BARS: As I post this, I shudder.  Not because it's bad, but because it's too good.  I may have eaten too much, all three times that I made it within seven days.  I think it's safe to say I won't be making it again any time soon.  But, you should.  Salted Caramel Popcorn and Pretzel Bars

PUMPKIN FLUFF DIP:  Okay, this one surprised me.  It's a pumpkin dip with very few ingredients and yet I had several girlfriends talking about it for days.  It literally took me less than 5 minutes to whip up.  Enjoy.  Pumpkin Fluff Dip

PEANUT BUTTER SNICKERS BROWNIES:  What to do with all of your leftover Halloween candy?  Make brownies.  These are messy, but taste good.  Peanut Butter Snickers Brownies

Obligatory picture of Palmer:

-Bethany

So long...

It's a sad sad day.  I am saying good bye to a dear friend.

A few years ago, I brought this branch from the backyard into my living room after being inspired by a design article that touted "bringing the outside in".  I was so proud of myself to discover the interesting branch and even prouder to decorate and not spend a dime.

My dear sweet husband came home and his response: "Why is there a stick in our living room?"

First, it's not a stick.  It's a branch.  Second, it's art.  Don't you love it??

Well, I have loved it for several years and Rick has hated it for several years.  (I won this argument since it's obviously still in the living room.)

Until today.

Palmer is much more mobile and active.  He is scooting across the floor and pulling up on things.  So, good bye to my dear friend.  I fear you might cause some harm with my son.

Don't worry.  I'm just putting you in the garage for safe keeping. I'll bring you out again one day soon.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER:
DR PEPPER BRAISED PULLED PORK:  Pulled pork was served on buns at my friend Anna's birthday party the other night.  The perfect combination of spice and sweetness made for such a tasty meal that I just had to have the recipe.  Pioneer Woman Spicy Dr. Pepper Braised Pork

-Bethany

Oreo Stuffed Chocolate Chip Cookies

I made a shameful dessert for some office birthdays this week.  Are you ready for this?
OREO STUFFED CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Yes, that's right.  You make cookie dough.  Then, you roll out two balls of the dough and stuff an oreo inside.  (Don't worry- I used Reduced Fat Oreos so they were "healthy".)

My wonderful friend Adrienne was in town from the Middle East to help me with this concoction.  

When assembled, the cookies were huge:

Good thing I'm headed to the beach this weekend and supposed to be on a diet. Hmm. Recipe here.

-Bethany

The Jungle

Palmer is forever entertaining us these days with his high energy in the bouncy seat we've dubbed "The Jungle".  I hope this cracks you up as much as it does us. (And if it doesn't, just humor me.)

WHAT'S FOR DINNER:
BLACK QUINOA SALAD:  After a a long discussion with Rick about "what the heck is quinoa??", we learned that it is a protein-packed sprouted grain from South America also known as "the gold of the Incas".  Whatever.  It's a fabulous healthy substitute to refined white rice and a good conductor to feature more summer produce.  I added the in-season New Mexico hatch chilies to our dish for some kick.  Black Quinoa Salad

-Bethany

Baby Food

We introduced rice cereal last week.  Overall, Palmer liked it.  He made the obligatory "what the heck is this??" face and then went about his business.  Until he sort of choked.  Then, Rick and I panicked and realized we really needed to re-visit our infant CPR training.

We resolved to brushing up on YouTube before we introduced the cereal again.  A week later, we are more educated and back at it again.  As you can see from the video, Palmer is very curious and prefers to hold the spoon himself.  An independent one, he is.

Palmer and Boston continue to get along famously.  (AKA Palmer gets in Boston's business and Boston takes it.)  Check out the sweet pictures of their budding friendship.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER:
PORK AND SCALLION POT STICKERS:  This dish requires patience when filling the wrappers with the pork/veggie combo.  Luckily, my sister is better at projects like these and assembled the pot stickers after I threw together the filling.  I recommend picking a Sunday afternoon to put everything together, pop them in the freezer uncooked, and pull out a few as needed when you are ready to cook and eat.  http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/pork-scallion-pot-stickers

-Bethany

Enough is Enough

Mirror, mirror, on the wall bed... please please make it be Fall send me to Alaska instead...

I've avoided complaining too much about the weather because a. it's summer and b. it's Texas.  So, you kinda know what to expect around July/August and just have to suck it up.

But...this is absolutely absolutely out of control.  Some facts for you: today is the 35th consecutive day over 100 degrees.  The record is 42 consecutive days over 100 set in 1980.  (My mom/mother-in-law and many of her friends are going to want to tell you about how they were all pregnant during that summer.  Insert smile and nod.)  Next Saturday, I have no doubt we will break the record with a 43rd day over 100 degrees.

Next fact: Dallas has broken record highs all week with a peak at one hundred and friggin ten degrees.

And look what's on the horizon:

Can't. Wait.

So, what's a mom supposed to do with her four month old (who isn't even old enough to wear sunscreen yet)?

We go WT-style, surround ourselves with friends, and get in the backyard kiddie pool.

Side note: I put some white wine in the freezer to quickly chill for the occasion.  Needless to say, I forgot about it and had a wine explosion at some point overnight.  Perfect.

WHAT'S FOR DINNER (to go with that exploded wine):
HONEY-JALAPENO GLAZED PORK:  This dish is super easy- you just mix the ingredients for the glaze, throw them into a bag with the pork for about a day, and then bake the meat.  Rick loved how spicy the meat tasted, but you can cut the peppers back (read: you Yankees that read my blog) as you see fit. Honey-Jalapeno Glazed Pork

TOMATO-AND-ASPARAGUS GNOCCHI:  I made this as a side for the pork tenderloin.  I served it cold, but for those of you joining us from Alaska, it would be tasty hot, too.  Tomato-And-Asparagus Gnocchi

Also, if you are curious about the produce co-op that I regularly mention, here is a good read on the concept.

Parting shot of Mr. P (stuck in the pillows while I made the bed this morning):

-Bethany

Mexican Grocery Store

Not too far from my house is a little known gem called "El Mercado Azteca".  I've recently become obsessed with a few treasures from la tienda:

FRUIT POPSICLES:

These are 59 cents of pure bliss.  The pops are basically large chunks of fruit mixed with sugar and frozen to deliciousness.  I especially like the coconut and pineapple flavors.

MEXICAN COKE:

Whereas American Coke is made with the evil high fructose corn syrup, Mexican Coke uses real cane sugar.  Combine that with the vintage feel of a glass bottle and Mexican Coke is a special treat.

CRAZY DORITOS FLAVORS:

Did you know that there are many more flavors of Doritos than the standard Blazin' Buffalo and Cool Ranch?  The company caters to taste buds across the globe with delicacies like Coconut Curry, Gold Pekang Duck, and Seaweed.

El Mercado Azteca doesn't disappoint with these:

 Spicy Sweet Chili and Fiery Habanero!

Salsa Verde!

Meanwhile, back at la casa...
WHAT'S FOR DINNER?
BLACKBERRY PULLED PORK:  I'm a big fan of the slow cooker, even in the summer. I'll do anything to avoid using the oven in an old house that gets way too hot and this recipe allowed me to throw in the ingredients and leave it alone for 8 hours.  Top the pork on a bun with some pickles and everyone was a big fan of the pork sandwich.  http://www.yumsugar.com/Savory-Blackberry-Recipe-Slow-Cooker-Pulled-Pork-Blackberries-10075001

And for those of you that a. made it thru this post and b. are only here for pictures of Palmer and don't care about the Mexican grocery store...

Here is a picture of Palmer with his 97 yr old friend, Bud.

Aunt Samantha said she took her "youngest friend to meet her oldest friend" yesterday.

-Bethany

Last Week of Maternity Leave

Sadly, my maternity leave is coming to an end.  I'm so fortunate to have had a nice break getting Palmer settled into the world.  Next week, I return to work and will put Palmer in the very capable hands of my sister for two months.  Then, Palmer will start nursery school in the fall.

Palmer and I made the most of our last week together.

We celebrated Samantha's birthday over a swanky dinner:

Palmer had a playdate at his friend Charlie's pool:

We sang our little hearts out at Kindermusik with Miss Lisa:

We went to the library's infant story hour.  (Even better, this library branch is located inside the mall.  So we *might* have done a little shopping, too!)

And Palmer mastered a new toy, the bouncy seat:

I'll miss being at home, but know that Palmer is going to have a fun two months with Aunt Samantha.
Can you tell that I just love this little drool monster?

And as always...
WHAT'S FOR DINNER:
BBQ TOSTADAS:  Okay, this combo sounds crazy, but give it a try.  Southern Living had the tostadas listed last month and I made it over the weekend.  It was a good summer dish away from the hot stove. (I especially recommend the Jicama Cole Slaw in this recipe) http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/easy-barbecue-tostadas-50400000112166/

PAULA DEEN'S CHOCOLATE BUTTER CAKE:  No, this is not healthy.  But, it's really really good.  And yes, there is a lot of butter in it.  http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/double-chocolate-gooey-butter-cake-recipe/index.html

COOK'S ILLUSTRATED CREAMY GAZPACHO:  This is an excellent summer dish because it's a cold soup that maximizes on so much of the yummy summer produce.  It's one of those recipes that is even better the next day.  http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/member/views/COOKS-ILLUSTRATED-CREAMY-GAZPACHO-ANDALUZ-50091152

Side Note: During my maternity leave, I treated this blog as my creative outlet away from work.  Although I promise I will continue to update the blog regularly, I warn you now that the postings may be a little less often as I adjust to being a working mom.

-Bethany

Fun In The Kitchen

Palmer has learned to entertain himself and is less reliant on needing to be held all the time.  It's a wonderful joy to see him laugh at his toys without me by his side.

I have set up a little play area in the kitchen and it's great because I am able to cook, put away dishes, etc. while he plays his little heart out.

I've hung toys from the refrigerator door and Palmer loves to stare up at them.  He also loves his giraffe.  It's the first time I've really seen him grab onto a toy and feel the soft textures of an object.  He'll catch sight of the giraffe's face and crack up.  I love it.

And since I'm in the kitchen again...

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

This is week 2 of the dinner coop experiment and so far, it's been a huge success.  The Jordan family is contributing chicken lettuce wraps and a raw kale salad this week.  I swear, we get more kale in the organic produce bin than I can handle, so I am always eager to try new recipes with the green.  And of course, Rick turns his nose up at the kale almost every week.  He lives such a rough life... (roll my eyes)

BON APPETIT'S CHICKEN LETTUCE WRAPS: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/quick-recipes/2011/06/lettuce-cups-with-stir-fried-chicken  I added carrots and shallots (again, an abundance of sustenance from the organic produce bin) and water chestnuts for crunch.

RAW KALE SALAD: http://vegweb.com/index.php?topic=32067.0  I added carrots and radishes to this recipe.

SUMMER CORN SALAD:  http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/sweet-corn-salad/ This recipe is so fresh tasting and delicious.  I highly recommend it, especially with the 100 degree temps we are seeing these days.

And because I can't resist this smile, here's a parting shot of Mr. P:

-Bethany