What have I been eating lately?

LOTS AND LOTS OF THIS

Recipe and photo from here.

I can't believe how many times I have made this recipe in the last month. It truly feels like a big bowl of warmth. Yum Yum and Yum.

With my birthday coming up this week I will be making this cake for myself. I don't know how "ethical" it is to make cake for your own birthday but it sure will beat whatever Ryan would have come up with. Or atleast I'm hoping. How could it not with a picture like this?

Parenting styles and an update

While pregnant with little B, I thought a lot about what kind of parent I would like to be. Ryan and I spoke often about how we wanted to raise our children. In many ways (not all) we have very similar philosophies which is good - as we are more effective that way as a "unit" or team. Many times I am amazed at how we both have the same opinions on the effectiveness or often INeffectiveness when seeing examples of various other parenting styles be it though other friends, family or even complete strangers. But who are we really to be critical? I think it is a natural to compare yourself to others.

We often hear the saying, "no two children are alike". Although I have not experienced parenting more than one child, I would imagine for parents who have two completely opposite children, the adaptation must be extremely challenging as we are so used to learning by experience and therefore as a creature of habit tend to base our actions on past successes. In the case of parenting more than one, the tried and true may not infact be tried and true with each different child.

The other week I was offered the opportunity to interview for a series of articles on moms with different parenting styles on urbanmoms.ca by another mom I met though a local mom and baby group. She just posted it today! Check it out if you want!

I have found myself on more than one occasion joking that the next child I have will not be nearly as busy as the one I've got now but WHO KNOWS

At 21 months my little man is:

- An outdoor enthusiast collecting sticks and pine cones at the park, wanting to walk the dog and always protesting coming inside - even in the most bitter of cold weather

- A climber. Anything he can get himself up onto is game.

- A jumper. This goes along with climbing. Jumping off anything is the latest activity of choice. I tried to make him a fort with chairs and blankets and he took it as an opportunity to climb the chair and jump off onto the couch pillows

- A leader and an activist - he is never shy to stand up for what he believes in and is very assertive with his "no"s and "mummy, come". Also, anything out of reach is a challenge he's up for. He'll push around various items as stepping stools to reach items of desire.

- An independent spirit - this kid is not afraid of anything or anyone. As most kids will run after their parents if they think they are being left alone, this one marches off in the other direction without the slightest look over his shoulder. He loves saying Hi to strangers.

- And most recently a potty/toilet user..most of the time!

He is also... sweet, loving and kind

- He loves to help with cleaning, baking and running items between mom and dad

- He often says "love you!" when we are putting him to bed or when I am leaving to go somewhere.

- He'll give kisses. But not too often. This makes them more special :)

- He's also hard to stay mad at as he now agrees with us when we tell him he did something wrong. Smart cookie!

The Struggle Against Stuff

Aptly titled the same as this blog post from one of the regular blogs I follow (mainly as a result of my complete lack of creativity but also because it just suits). The author has adopted an almost 100 mile diet for awhile now and I thoroughly enjoy reading each and every new post!

In the past few months, Christmas excluded, I have found myself constantly blowing the budget that I set for various things. I was so good about the budget in the summer and in my wedding planning. The posting above really spoke to me as it came at a really good time where I could relate very well to what the author was saying. I think that everyone should develop a set of moral shopping rules to ensure concious consumerism. I especially like her rule of when buying a new garment etc., making sure you get rid of the old one - the reason why you bought the new one in the first place!

That being said, I am pleased to announce that I can officially sew somewhat competently after a couple sewing classes and forsee many a diy clothing/accessory projects in the near future. I was truly in my element at the class on Tuesday evening. :)