Spring-ter Blues

Out like a Lion, in like a lamb?  Not so much this year. The lion ate the lamb and is looking for seconds. I am so tired of this "Spring-ter" and the complete confusion each morning as to what to put on my son for school. I stuff his backpack with gloves, splash pants, a winter hat and a light coat incase the winter one is too warm….ridiculous.  My family and friends down south must laugh at us fools up North. Actually I know they do every time I turn on Facebook and see the endless "GOD, I LOVE FLORIDA WEATHER!!!" status updates.  You know who you are. Be careful. I may come down, kidnap you and stick you in a snowbank. I'm sure there is a storm coming soon.           

We had a nice Easter weekend filled with fun for the kids.  I have to say the Easter Bunny really knows how to do it up. Amazing what that fuzzy bunny can do.  If only that were true, but I am more than excited to assist.  I have the "go hard or go home" attitude every holiday.  My husband just steps aside and lets the magic happen.  Watching the kids hunt for eggs is always a highlight for me and Ella really got into it this year.  Luca was of course pumped and ran around finding the pink eggs for Ella to grab…such a great big brother.  We thought we better have tons of eggs to hide since there were two kids hunting this year.  It would also buy the parents some coffee time while Luca went through his eggs (and Ella's) on the couch.  Nope….he opened each egg every time he found one.  And guess who followed her brother's lead?  Our master plan was crushed by a four year old and his "monkey see, monkey do" sister.  

Found Anna's dress too - Best. Aunt. Ever.

I combined "Project Easter Bunny" with the "your brain must be frozen" Elsa dress search last week.  My Niece, who turns five next month, is having a Frozen themed birthday party with the rest of the world. I am one of those crazy people that stalks toy stores for days and listens to every conversation around me that includes the words "Frozen" or "Elsa". My heart stopped a thousand times mistaking Cinderella's dress for Elsa's. I came close to buying one and slapping on some snowflakes. Come on Mom's…some of you know what I am talking about. But have no fear, the best Auntie in the world is here and she found that dress.  That scratchy, cheap, should be a crime what they charge, dress.  Thank you to the Dad that found the last one and said no to his daughter.  Perhaps he saw my look of desperation when he bellowed "OH, THE ELSA DRESS!" and I ran to him like he was passing out free wine samples. Hope your wife forgave you and cancelled the divorce.

After a busy Easter weekend, the kids and I were home this week with the flu. It's the first time in four years I have seen my son quiet other than when he is sleeping.  Even then he can hold a pretty solid conversation.  Poor little man had it coming out of both ends.  He was so confused why his body hurt so much and why he was so tired.  It truly breaks a mother's heart.  Then little sister decided to join the party with a fever, no appetite and some big poopy diapers.  At the first signs of it for me, my husband started to make green smoothies, STAT! It saved me…honestly…nausea, headache, body aches…gone. That and some most needed sleep with the kiddos and I am a new woman.  We are all on the mend, thank goodness. 

Apparently the bunny wasn't feeling well either.

Just to toss in some fun, Ella showed us she can crawl out of the crib.  We woke up this week to our little lovey, sitting nicely at her bookshelf and reading books aloud in her jibberish that we sooooo have to tape before she can tell us to bugger off.  She is the chattiest, happiest, most loving little girl…but we absolutely have no clue what she is saying…totally priceless. Makes 4 am wake-up calls almost tolerable.  Ella was too tired to crawl out of the crib with the flu (had only done it that one time, before she was sick) so we figured we were safe not transitioning her into a toddler bed till she was feeling better. Last night she let us know she feels better…jumped out of her crib, gave her door knob a shake and welcomed me with a warm "AH-OOOOOOH" when I opened her door. How can you even be upset with that kind of a greeting? I just wish we had a little more time with our "baby", but Ella has other plans.  Goes so fast and I am holding on to it all so tightly.

We have our happy Luca Love back!

Recipe Time!!!

Dom's Recovery Smoothie
Makes 4 Servings

This is the shake that stuck it's middle finger up at the flu for me this week.  This shake is also perfect for the morning to kick off your day or in-between meals for a mid morning or mid afternoon boost. We drink one every morning. Be sure to use a good blender…the better the blender, the better the smoothie. We have a Vitamix - crazy expensive, crazy good.

2 cups of frozen berries
2 tangerines
1 banana
2 cups spinach or kale
1 handful of almonds
2 cups of liquid (water, coconut milk beverage or almond milk - whatever you prefer)
Blend it up!!!

Through the Eyes of a Child

Happy Easter and hopefully Spring - such a tease!

Luca and I have been reading Easter books this week….some about the bunny…some about the true meaning behind it all.  I'm trying to explain to him that Easter is not just about chocolate eggs and marshmallow chicks.  While I know most of this is right over his head, some of it is registering in that magnificent four year old mind of his.  One of the books we read before bed, talks about the true meaning of Easter and the celebration of new life and hope. This makes me think of my kids for two reasons.  One is obvious…they are the new life we were blessed to receive and continue to nuture and love each day.  The truest form of a miracle in my eyes.  But it also makes me think of my sister, who we lost in 2001. When Ella was born and placed in my arms, she looked up at me and I saw my sister's almond shaped eyes.  A true gift from God.  Ella also has Aunt Cindi's curly hair and booming personality.  Don't get me wrong, Ella is a spitting image of her Daddy and all his beautiful Italian dark features, but I got that little bit of my sister that I was hoping for.  I am in awe every time I look at Ella.  I may not be able to hug my sister and laugh with her anymore, but I can see Cindi each and every day through my daughter's eyes.  New life and hope…a gift I am eternally grateful for.

Back to the bunny…oh, that creepy little bunny.  Luca is incredibly excited for Easter and all that candy!  We have the "number of sleeps" countdown going strong in the Nicoletta household this week.  We took the kids to see the Easter Bunny at the mall.  Best five dollars I ever spent to see Ella b-line it from the creeper and Luca just stare at him in awe.  It's quite the deal really. The money goes to The Food Bank and you get a disc of pictures to take home. When I took a peek of those beauties, you know I was racing to Facebook to share them with family and friends….priceless.  Between Ella making her big escape in one and Luca staring at the bunny like "THOSE EYES!" in another, I knew I hit the awkward Easter Bunny picture motherload!  

Seriously, who makes these costumes?  I have not met a mall bunny yet that did not look like it should be in my nightmares.  Luca was mesmerized by EB's eyeballs being "stuck".  He told me that the real Easter Bunny's eyes moved.  He saw the movie "Hop" so he knows what the real deal looks like.  Unfortunately that bunny also poops out the candy….lovely. I tried to tell him that the Easter Bunny sometimes leaves clues in eggs around the house to help him find his basket, not just candy.  Not a chance he was falling for that.  Luca's Dad could snap in half when he sees Luca eat junk food - the downside to having a Trainer as a Dad.  Dom better be coming up with some yummy bunny shaped hemp heart, coconut oil, chia seed, cacao nib, protein packed delicious organic candy (that looks and tastes nothing like it) or we are going to have an angry four year old looking for answers!  Good thing Mommy and Ella hit up Target this week.  Mommy even sampled it all just to be sure it was Easter worthy.

See you later creepy bunny!!!

With warmer weather comes driveways, sidewalks and parks filled with neighbours who we don't see all winter long.  It's like a big reunion every Spring.  We live on a great street. Kids galore, a park and splash pad down the road, friendly people who help each other out…we got really lucky.  The kids were finally able to give their new wagon from Santa a test drive this past weekend.  Ella loves to say hello to everyone like most one year olds do.  She has recently traded in her "hiiiiiiii!!!!!" for "ah-oooooo" (a.k.a. hello) and greeted everyone we saw along the way in their flashy red wagon.   Luca just kicks back, takes in the scene and enjoys his snack and drink (he loved a good hello back in the day). We also got to the park for the first time since last fall.  At the first site of the swings, Ella let out the most joyful scream I have ever heard.  You would have thought Mickey Mouse and the entire Clubhouse were at the park. Now we find Ella in the wagon every morning…with her shoes…and that "let's go!" look on her face. Big brother wishes he could jump in too most mornings, but he has to go to school….bummer.  We are all a little excited for summer to get here.

Enjoy your time with family and friends and all the blessings around you this Easter weekend.

Recipe Time!!!

DOM'S EASTER BUNNY CHOCOLATE BALLS (Oh no he didn't! Oh yes he did!)

1 1/2 cup of medjool dates (16 or so - take the seeds out)
1/4 cup hemp hearts (seeds)
1/4 cup of chia seeds
1/4 cup of goji berries (optional)
1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder (we use dutch dark - Dom says "Get the good stuff!")
1/4 cacao nibs (one of the highest antioxidants known)
1 tbsp of coconut oil (melted)
1 tsp of cinnamon
1 pinch of sea salt
1 tsp of vanilla

Put all the ingredients (except the melted coconut oil) into a food processor and mix until all the ingredients form together.  Add the coconut oil and mix again.  The dough should be sticky and moist. If it is on the dry side, try a few drops of water.

Use a melon ball or dough scooper (we use Pampered Chefs medium size dough scooper) and place each one onto a cookie sheet. If you have a side by side fridge or limited space in your freezer, use smaller containers.  Place in the freezer for about 2-4 hours.  We put them into a ziploc bag when solid and keep them in the freezer.  Great treat in Luca's lunches -  no sugar added and nut free!

Luca LOVES these and I have to say, they are really good.  Great Mommy guilt free treat when you have a craving for some chocolate.

Mommy Brain

I am sitting here late at night, which is something I keep saying I have to stop doing.  I like the quiet, catching up on e-mails and just the mindless internet surfing.  It may be the only time I can have a complete thought, sit still for more than a minute and not hear the words "Mom?", "Momma?", "Mom-meeeeeee?!?"  But it's also the reason why I am so tired in the morning and have various "Mommy Brain" moments throughout my day.  Let me give you a stellar example.

I took my kids to a children's gym this past weekend...by myself...on a Saturday. The end. I'm pretty sure I said "Oh shit!" when we walked in. All I see is wall to wall parents with cameras and coffee, kids running like they were giving away free Frozen DVD's, birthday party rooms filled with girls and boys hopped up on cake and waiting to be released to the "fun zone" and a toddler section the size of my closet. Right there and then, I knew I was screwed.  

I find these places kind of cruel for parents.  I mean it.  A child used my head as a step and they don't really care that you have a little friend with you who is determined to play with the big kids. I know when Ella gets older I won't find it so challenging, but to watch a toddler and 4 year old solo can truly make you feel like the strongest Mom in the world and sometimes the most clueless. It was a good way to get some energy out during this never ending winter (I'll call it Spring when it stops snowing), but even Ella had this look of, "I thought you loved me?!?"  I knew things were a bit too crazy when Luca was more than fine leaving the first time I told him we were going home. Well that and the promise of take-out for dinner never hurts (I might have bribed him with a mint too). Park season is luckily right around the corner….oh dear Lord, please!

Why the solo trips to these "fun" places on the weekend with two kids, you ask?  My husband is an Athletic Therapist for a professional hockey team.  It keeps him away on the road quite often and me close to a nervous breakdown during those glorious ten day road trips. You want to reach through the phone and strangle your husband by day five.  I know he is working hard too and keeping some crazy hours, but I would kill for just the plane ride alone….a hot meal, uninterrupted grown-up movie, no one following you to the bathroom to see if you pooped or just peed (because that would be just plain creepy)….heaven. That plane ride would rock my world.

Luca and I are reading a book called "Remmy and the Brain Train".  You get on the "brain train" with the Conductor, Dr. Zeez, and he takes you on an adventure through the Land of Good Sleep, storing away the memories of your day. A great book for kids (and adults, especially me) to learn why sleeping 9 hours is so important for our brain to function the next day. Last weekend it was obvious my brain train broke down. If you are looking for help in this department with kiddos not sleeping, I highly recommend this one.  Comes with a fun read-a-long CD too!

http://www.amazon.com/Remmy-Brain-Train-Traveling-Through/dp/097121400X

Recipe Time!!!

This is a popular one in the Nicoletta household.  So easy to make and all good stuff!

Ella took a blueberry "selfie"

Blueberry Vanilla Yogurt Popsicles

makes approximately 10 popsicles 

3 ½ cups of low fat vanilla yogurt (we use greek!)

2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen defrosted

1 tablespoon honey

In a small bowl, stir honey and blueberries together. Set aside.

In a blender combine blueberries and 2 cups yogurt, blend until a smooth consistency is achieved.

Fill popsicle molds with 1½ cups yogurt.  Layer blueberry mixture on top.  Freeze 4-24 hours, until popsicles are frozen through. 

                                                                

Oh My Blog!!!

Well I finally did it.  I came up for air, after four years of motherhood, and started this blog. Writing endless posts on Facebook about the joys and challenges of parenting, I figured I might want to spare my friends who did not want to hear about my child's first poop in the potty and write about it here….lucky you!  Feel free to hit exit and forget you found this blog…I mean it...run!!!! If you decide to stay, welcome.

One of my best girlfriend's, Katie, has a blog.  A smart, funny, witty piece of work that reminds me how lucky I was to work with her and all her talents, starting off in our event planning/fundraising career - or should I say mine? Katie decided planning events was for crazy people and became a Financial Advisor.  I told you she was smart. Regardless, Katie's blog truly inspired me to do one myself.  A great way to reach out to Moms, who for some reason think they are alone in this crazy adventure called parenting.  I promise you, you are not alone.  I too am a "survivor" of first time parenting (and even did it again!) and will share stories about my beautifully crazy, fun loving kids, Luca and Ella, who each day challenge me, inspire me and love me unconditionally (thank goodess!).

I will also be sharing recipes that I find on my beloved Pinterest, friend's Facebook pages and some that come straight from my kitchen.  I have an incredibly talented husband who finds great joy in cooking every meal…yes, that one...and he's mine! He finds this insane way to make amazing dishes, soups, treats and smoothies, HEALTHY!

May we all love, laugh and lose it together!

Jen

P.S. If you want to check out Katie's blog about parenting and home interior design & decor, here you go!

http://www.citydwellin.blogspot.com/