Bread with the Brisels

  Things I want to remember... I'm finding it very difficult to believe that the month of June is very nearly over. It has gone by so quickly! We've settled into a rhythm over here, and I wanted to take some time to write down some things about both of my boys that I know I will want to remember. Starting with... Sammy-isms So many people told me that once I had Jackson, Sammy was going to seem so grown up, and it is very true! He's full of funny one-liners that make me bust out laughing many times a day. Here are some of my favorite things he says:  "Bessert" = dessert "Froap" = throat  "I'm not interesting in that" = I'm not interested in that  "You're breaking my feelings" = something he says if he doesn't like my response to his requests Newborn Fuzz Jackson is covered with newborn peach fuzz on his arms, legs, and cheeks. This is something I really don't remember from Sammy as a newborn! I'm not sure if it

  Lactation Cookies I know this is a very specific recipe to be sharing, but I've experimented with many different lactation cookie recipes and this one is by far my favorite! It is chewy and dense, and freezes really well. It's filled with all sorts of galactagogue ingredients that boost milk supply and isn't too terribly sweet.  I don't struggle with milk supply, but like to eat these cookies when I want a sweet treat that doesn't feel terribly unhealthy (thanks flax seed and oatmeal.) Sounds like good math to me. :) I'd recommend making a batch and freezing them, and pulling a few out of the freezer at a time as needed.  Ingredients:  1 cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar 1 cup brown sugar, pressed 4 tablespoons water 2 tablespoons flax seed meal  2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 3 cups flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt  3 cups oats (I use quick cooking, but it probably doesn't matter which you use) 3 tablespoons brewers yeast 1 cup of butterscotch

Pudding Pops    This recipe is really simple it's silly - it is more so some inspiration for a fun activity you can do with your little one on a hot day. All you need is some pudding mix, milk, and popsicle molds. Sammy loved making these with me, and I loved the minimal effort it required. :) Ingredients:  1 box of chocolate pudding (3.4 oz) 1 box of white chocolate pudding (3.4 oz) 3 cups of skim milk, divided into 2, 1.5 cup portions Directions:  In two separate bowls, mix the two puddings using 1.5 cups of milk for each pudding type.  Allow the pudding to set up while you spray some non-stick baking spray in your popsicle molds.  Layer the puddings into your popsicle molds, alternating flavors. You could also add smashed cookies or chocolate chips if you like.  Allow pudding popsicles to freeze for a bit in the freezer before inserting the popsicle sticks.  Freeze completely, then enjoy. :) 

  Life Lately On June 1st, 2023 at 4:43 in the morning, our second son entered the world. Since that moment it has been a whirlwind of diapers, breastmilk and newborn bliss. Here's a little update from our family of 4.  Jackson  As Jackson's pediatrician told us, he is a "professional baby." He follows a pretty good rhythm of eat, sleep and play and is a really great nurser. I am so thankful - breastfeeding is such a hard thing to learn and do! Jackson has a pretty calm temperament. He doesn't like having his clothes changed or being fussed with, but he loves playing on the floor on his floor mat. Right now he typically goes to sleep for the evening between 9-10, and then wakes again at 1 and 4-5. It is such a blessing! He really loves to snuggle on my chest and I am doing my best to soak it in. I know how fleeting the newborn phase is!  Sammy Sammy has adjusted beautifully as a big brother. He was very interested in Jackson during my pregnancy and attended many d

  Jackson Nicholas & his Birth Story May 31st was the last contract day for teachers and we were required to stay until 1pm. Because I had been having contractions on and off for about a week at this point, my room was completely ready for August and my long-term substitute. I spent the day tying up loose ends and getting excited for the beginning of summer.  I got home at 1pm, ate some lunch and relaxed most of the afternoon with Sammy and Dustin. I wasn't having regular contractions at this point, so I went to bed without any special preparations. I had big plans for the next few days to get my hair done, have a massage, clean the house and really get myself ready to have a baby.  At 1:40am I got up to use the restroom (as one does when one is 9 months pregnant) and laid back down in bed. I had a really long, really terrible contraction, and in my head thought, "If my water is going to break, it is going to break now." Literally as I thought the word "now,"