Super Six Months

Our little Toot is six months old now.  He is so strong and beautiful.  When he falls asleep in my arms, I want to hold him forever.  It won't be long before he's bigger than me, so I feel like I have to hold him tighter than ever.  Damon feels the same way. 



We joined the YMCA this month, and it's been really great so far.  I knew Michael would love the pool. 

The Y near our house has a recreation pool with slides, water sprayers, and a tree that dumps buckets of water onto the kids.  Michael loves to watch all the children.  He is a natural at floating on his back and belly.  He kicks so well, likely because he is ALWAYS kicking.  I love his facial expressions in the pool.  It's clear that lifting him in and out of the water is very exciting.  Now, if I can just find some swim diapers that actually fit him! 



Abaray Cousins



This month hasn't been all funzies though.  Damon lost his Grandma Mary Abaray in early January.  We made the trip to Pittsburgh (really Verona), PA for the funeral.  Although I wish we had met on happier circumstances, it was nice for Michael & I to meet all the Abarays.  It was a very bonding time for the family.  Great Grandma Mary's picture is in Michael's room so he will always know her.  It's important for him to know his heritage and to know who his guardian angels are... his Great Grandparents in Heaven.

 

Abaray Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren



In happy news, Michael loves to keep himself entertained by blowing bubbles, making all sorts of LOUD noises, and (his new favorite) screeching with glee.  He is learning to crawl and is very determined.  It takes great perseverance to move forward six inches in 30 minutes.  We have to keep a close eye on him since he can roll, wiggle, and squirm from one side of the room to the other.

Michael can't get enough of flashcards:  alphabet, animals, things, cars, colors, shapes, etc.  He starts to cry when I end a set, so I have to do more and more!  When I run out of cards, I read him some books until he's ready to play again.  His brain is a little sponge, soaking everything in.  Sid the Science Kid is becoming one of his favorite shows.  He loves the song about charts.  Word World and Super Why are also on the top of his "Must See" list.  He is so animated during these shows, especially when they "Build A Word" or "Get the Super Story Answer".  We love to watch him learning. 

  

His teething pain is doing much better, and he's enjoying Earth's Best Wheat Teething Biscuits.  He also enjoys sharing them with the dogs.  Although a bit mischievous, it is very cute.  I've heard amber necklaces help ease teething pain, so I may get one of those too.  For now, he's doing just fine with the biscuits and lot of TLC.

I am really looking forward to the next six months, but I hope it doesn't go by as fast as the last six months!

Who says healthy can't be delicious?

Over the holidays, two of my teenage cousins were complaining about their mom cooking healthy food.  They were expecting "healthy" food to taste bad, so it did.  I tried to explain to them that, "Turkey sausage is never going to taste like pork sausage because it's not pork sausage.  Turkey sausage can be delicious, but you have to sit down and plan to enjoy TURKEY SAUSAGE.  If you're expecting it to taste like pork, it won't taste good." 

This conversation inspired me to start posting some "healthy" meal ideas.  Damon and I love food, but we realize that making healthy food choices is essential to a healthy lifestyle.  We've begun to choose egg substitute or egg whites instead of regular eggs when eating out.  We've come to enjoy turkey bacon, turkey sausage, and turkey hot dogs nearly as much as pork.  I've learned to make better use of tofu, as well as a variety of fish.  So far, the only dish-gone-wrong was tofu meatloaf.  However, the dogs really enjoyed it!

Here's a dish that is quick, easy, healthy, and delicious:

Ingredients:

1. Aidells Chicken & Apple Smoked Chicken Sausage.  It's made with chicken raised without hormones.   It's gluten and MSG free.  Only 180 calories per sausage link!  http://www.aidells.com/product/27
2. Rising Moon Organics Garlic & Basil Gnocchi.  It's certified vegan, and only 220 calories per serving.  Add a splash of extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a fuller flavor.  (If you don't care for balsamic vinegar, it tastes very good with just olive oil.)  http://www.risingmoon.com/productlist.aspx?catid=Ravioli    
3. Pinon (Pine) Nuts . These nuts come from the Pinon, the Official State Tree of New Mexico.  A handful of these, mixed with a splash of extra virgin olive oil can enhance the flavor of many dishes.  http://www.pinonnuts.com/
4. Carrots.  Add a touch of your favorite vegetable oil blend butter alternative, such as Brummel and Brown, and a touch of Lea & Perrins Original Worcestershire Sauce for a flavorful side dish.

          http://www.brummelandbrown.com/product1.aspx
          http://www.leaperrins.com/products/the-original-worcestershire-sauce.aspx

Directions  (This meal serves two.)

Boil water in pot for gnocchi.  Add a touch of extra virgin olive oil to pan for sausage.  Slice sausage and add to pan.  After water is boiling, lower heat and add gnocchi.  Stir both sausage and gnocchi occasionally.  Add pine nuts to sausage.  Once gnocchi rises and appears "pillowy", remove with strainer spoon.  Splash gnocchi with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  It should take about 10 minutes for sausage to cook and pine nuts to brown over medium heat.  For carrots, simply slice, steam, and season to taste.  This meal should take less than 15 minutes to prepare.  Enjoy!


Served with an applesauce based muffin for desert, this meal is healthy and delicious!