To the Beach!!

Living in South Florida definitely has some perks. One of those being that I can basically go to the beach all year, and the fact that I live so close to said beach brings a big smile to my face. I really do enjoy being outside and feeling the sun on my skin. To me there is nothing more therapeutic than a little time outdoors. Being that Mila is my daughter, she is also the same way. So, any excuse to get outside for the day is a good time to her.

The weather has been weird this "Winter" and we have actually been having some cold weeks. Since it has warmed up this past week, we have taken every opportunity to head to the beach-- 3 TIMES!! 3 times in less than 5 days with a 10 month old baby is what I call a success! It's no easy task taking a wee-one to the beach by yourself, what with all the sand that she could eat. But she really does love the ocean, and for this, I will go every day if I have to....but let's be real. I love the beach also, so it's not too much of a chore =)

Mila knows the importance of sunscreen^^

My hair is out of control in most of these pictures....

^All smiles^

^^^ How funny would Mila look if she had long brown hair?!?! ^^^ 

Greek Festival!

A few weekends ago we went to the annual Greek Festival here that is put on by the local Greek Church. This is really one of my favorite things to do here. I look forward to it every year. The beautiful Greek dancing, the shopping (!!) and the a-maz-ing Greek food (this alone could lure me anywhere). It is by far my most favorite festival every year. And this year I got to bring Mila to it, which made it even more special to me!!

Adorable dancing!

We had a great time with friends. Snacked on saganaki (fried cheese. YUM), an assortment of desserts---my favorite being some sort of almond cookie--and wine. Really doesn't get much better than that..... wait, yes it does. There is also dancing! Food + booze + dancing = great night. I am one of those people that loves all things cultural, so for me the dancing is such a highlight. They have all ages/levels of dancing, and the little kiddos made me so happy.




So basically what I am saying is that if there is ever a Greek Festival near you, GO. It will be amazing, and eat lots of fried cheese and desserts. Because that's what you do when you go to festivals....you eat =)

It's Monday, so I'll blog....

At a friend's birthday recently. This girl is so cute! 

It never ceases to amazes me how shocking it still is being a parent. Mila is 10 months old, and I am still getting used to all the changes that happened in my life, and that continue to happen. It really doesn't seem to matter how many times someone tells you "Your life will never be the same" or how many books you read about raising a baby (which for me was none =/), it is still the most shocking thing becoming a parent.

Just because I say it is shocking and I am still getting used to it doesn't mean that I don't know what I am doing or that I don't enjoy it immensely, but there are still moments (or days) where I'm like "I just don't want to do anything.....nothing". I want to sit on my couch and watch TV (which I don't even have...so that makes a lot of sense). But you get the picture. I just want to be LAZY sometimes. But you can't be. Not when you have a child. Not when that child depends on you for everything, including non-stop entertainment throughout the day.

Since she was born I kept telling myself that the next stage will be easier. But then I got to that stage, and it wasn't easier. Certain things were, yes, but then other things become more difficult. So I have finally come to the conclusion that it won't be easier for a while. Like a LONG while. Eventually things may, but for now and for the immediate future, I am accepting that this is going to be a lot of work all the time. Non-stop, with no breaks or vacation days, because that's what it is about when you become a parent. 100% commitment all the time. Learning to juggle a million things at once and doing all chores with only one hand (because you know the world would end if I put the baby down for one second).  And while I'm doing all that, I will sing a song because she likes it and it makes her smile.....and I live to make that little girl happy.

She was really just trying to pull my hair but being deceivingly cute about it.

My purpose in life has certainly changed drastically from what it was just a mere 10 months ago. While I do still sometimes struggle to keep up with all the changes, it couldn't be more crystal clear to me than in those sweet, cuddly moments with her. I am a mom and I wouldn't change that for all the lazy days in the world.

Running with Baby

Being active is something that I was dedicated to before I had Mila, but it has taken on a whole new meaning since she was born. For a few years now, I have been a runner, running at least 5 days a week. The whole time I was pregnant I did not run. It was a choice I made early on, and I stuck with it and only walked. I know that it is completely safe to run during pregnancy, but I just figured that I could use a break. For about 6 months it was great.  Then I started to get the runner's urge again. I could not wait to be able to run again, so after just 3 weeks postpartum, I began running again. Not very often, and not too far, but at least it was something. And it felt SO good to engage those muscles again. Also, it was the only alone time I was getting, so I was pretty stoked when I got the chance to go for a run.

Then when Mila was 4 months old, I purchased a used jogging stroller, and we have been running together ever since. (Best $35 I have ever spent. Seriously.) At first she hated it but now it has become such a routine for her that she gets excited when I get my running shoes out. Not only is it great for me, but I really do think it is good for her also. She gets to grow up seeing me be active and healthy, and hopefully this is something that she will embrace also. I think kids have sadly become less and less active, and I really hope that this changes. I am lucky to live in a place where I can be outside year-round at parks, beaches or pools, so I definitely want to take advantage of all of that while I can.

And now I am patiently awaiting a baby seat for my bike. It will be like Christmas morning when I get it. So excited!! Less driving, and more biking/walking in mine and Mila's future.

Cheering me on at a local 5k. 

Stuffed Eggplant

Eggplant is something that I think a lot of people don't like, but I also think that a lot of people don't like it because they have either never even tried it or it was poorly made when they had it. Eggplant can become "rubbery" if it is not cooked right, but this is such a great way to cook eggplant and you get to eat lots of food quantity wise, but not a ton of calories. Sounds good to me!

So what you will need for this dish is an eggplant (duh), onion (1), garlic (I use 2 cloves, but it just depends on how you like it. One would be fine), zucchini (1), mushrooms (4 whole mushrooms or about half a container of sliced mushrooms) , tomato (1), salt, pepper, and feta cheese (optional). Set your oven temperature between 400-425. (I am vague about this because oven temps vary, but I set mine at 425)

Cut the eggplant in half and scoop out the insides. This will create to shells. Put those in a pan, skin side down because you will be stuffing them with all the veggies soon. 

Empty eggplant shells. 

Chop the garlic, onion, zucchini, mushrooms, tomato and the eggplant that you scooped. In a skillet, saute the garlic and onion in about one tablespoon of olive oil until translucent. Then add the mushrooms, zucchini and eggplant. Let that cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. When it is almost done, add the chopped tomato. Once you add the tomato, it should only need to cook for a couple minutes longer. There shouldn't be too much liquid in the pan, but if there is an abundance of it, just try to pour some out in the sink without dropping all of the vegetables in there also. Done that a time or two. OOPS!

Now try to stuff that all back in the eggplant. Obviously it is not going to all fit, so just pile it high, but do try to keep it all in the eggplant. Then add some water to the pan--an inch or less--just enough so that there is water on the bottom of the entire pan because this will help the eggplant to cook. Put it in your pre-heated oven for about 30 minutes, but check on it randomly. You want the water to simmer a bit. If you check it and it looks done before the 30 minutes, just take it out and cut the side of the eggplant a little to see if it is soft and cooked through. If it's not, just put it back in. Like I said, oven temps vary, so there really isn't an exact time on this, but I think it should take at least 20 minutes. Once it's done, crumble a little feta on top if you would like and place it back in the oven for a couple minutes, just to let the cheese soften. If feta isn't your thing, try goat cheese. I never have (we are a Feta household all the way) but I am sure it would taste great also. If no cheese is how you're feeling, then that's great too.

What I love about this dish is it seriously fills me up. I can usually only eat half of a half (so a quarter of an eggplant) but on rare occasions, if I am famished, I can eat an entire half. And that's OKAY. As you can see, this whole thing is mostly veg, minus the cheese. And the amount of cheese added is so little, that it definitely doesn't deter from the healthy of this dish. Have it as a side to a protein if you wish. Or maybe even on a little bed of angel hair pasta. It is up to you. Enjoy =)

Mila is 10 Months (oh....and it's Valentines Day)

 I cannot believe that Mila is already 10 months old. When did this happen!?!?! And to think that she is ONLY 10 months old. What am I going to think when she is starting kindergarten???? I'm sure I will have a breakdown on the steps of her school along with all the other moms who are wondering where there little babies went. As sad and mind boggling as it is, each month is another month that we have been so blessed to have this little girl in our lives. Looking back on my life previous to Mila, I often wonder what I did all day. What did I do with all the extra time I had??? And all the extra space in my heart.....that is now filled to the brim with love for Mila.

< This girl has no shortage on personality and energy. Let me tell you....
















It's also Valentines Day. While I have never really been into Valentines Day, I thought it would be sweet for Mila and Nik to share something, so Mila made (I made) Nik a card. I am absolutely not creative, so it actually looks as if Mila did in fact make the card, so it worked out perfectly!

She colored the cut-out of her hand. A-dor-able. 

Mila and her Valentine 

She can't sit still. Not even for a second to showcase our pink pants

Baby Steps

After 9 months of working on (fighting for) a solid nap schedule, I think I have finally gotten one that works. Since the day Mila was born, she never easily slept during the day. I used to spend hours trying to get her to sleep, only for her to wake up as soon as I leaned over to deposit her in the crib. I can't tell you how many times I just sat on her bedroom floor and cried out of exhaustion and confusion as to why she wouldn't sleep. Then, I had a moment of clarity about 7 months in, and I just thought that I needed to relax and not care so much about it. Sure, if she doesn't sleep then she is extra cranky, but at least I will have not spent hours out of my day stressing myself out over it. And as if she knew I had this new outlook on naps, then she started to go down easier. I gave myself time limits of 15-20 minutes, and if she didn't fall asleep within that time, I would just give up and try again later. No more swaying with her in her room for an hour until my arms literally wouldn't move. And just like that, she is a great napper now!! I haven't wanted to say anything about it for about a month because I didn't want to jinx it, but I really do think we are in a good zone now. And it feels great! Really, knowing that I will have a break during the day just makes things easier and means that we can plan so many more activities around this time. Couldn't be happier with my little girl :)


Also, Mila has started to walk!! Say whattttt??????? A little sooner than I expected, but that's okay. She started to really show an interest at around 9 months. Always holding my hands, but I could feel that I wasn't really doing much. Now she takes a few steps between furniture, and can hold my hand and walk for pretty long distances. It really is amazing watching a child learn. AND it's great because she walks like a little drunk person, which at times can be pretty funny hehe

A few pictures to show what's been going on around here the past couple of days....

^kisses for Zebra

^^pure bliss when she is this peaceful 

^ I guess I'll be a big girl and walk

Perspective

You know those days where it seems like it will never end? When you feel like you are barely able to move because you are so exhausted? Well, yesterday was one of those days. It was truly unexplainable. It wasn't as if I didn't sleep the night before, or that I had gone on a really long run that morning. I was just beyond tired. It happens to me every once in a while. Like all of the days of going non stop for the past 9 months just catch up to me and hit me like a ton of bricks. But then yesterday evening Mila walked all the way to the mail boxes, and I couldn't have been more proud to be there in that moment. It's like she knew I was having a bad day so she decided to do something really awesome. This little girl gets me, and I love that about her.

A-dor-able. Could she be any cuter!?!??!

Also, I spent some time with my neighbor who has an almost 2 year old (who has TONS of energy) and a 3 week old baby. And she is getting through every day. And if she can do it with two, then I can certainly do it with one. She put my bad day in a whole new perspective, and I am also grateful for that.

Beautiful Chaos

So I am obviously starting this blog after Mila was born (she is 9 months now), but I wanted to attempt to shortly recap the past 9+ months.

My whole pregnancy I was pretty laid back, which suits me well. I really wanted to try to just enjoy the pregnancy, and to have it hopefully not seem like it was lasting forever. I just went about my life as I always did, just with a little extra something special growing in my belly :) I remained patient until that last month. That month took 10 years to come to an end. I was so ready to have my body back all to myself (joke was on me because then I nursed Mila, so my body was still 100% hers) and to finally see this little girl. My labor was great and fast considering she is my first child. Honestly, I felt like I did not have enough time to process what was happening, because before I knew it, Mila was laying on my chest. And from that second on, chaos ensued. I say chaos because the first couple months (okay, more like 4 months) are insane. Mila ate constantly, and was a terrible napper, probably because she was always hungry. I think the first two months I did not consistently sleep more than 2 hours, which is probably just like every other mom. I'm not complaining....I'm really not. Now I realize that these things are what makes me a mom. Giving up my entire being to nurture and raise another human regardless of how exhausted or hungry or, again, exhausted I may be. In those moments, at 3 a.m. when my baby was awake and hungry and I was so tired that all I could do is cry while I fed her, that's when I became a mom.

Eventually things got easier, and we figured out life as a team, Mila and I. Looking back at those incredibly hard times now, I realize that it was such a beautiful chaos. It was the best kind of crazy you could ever imagine. My baby girl was healthy and strong, and little did I know how much my life was growing in these times. Now as I watch her take her first steps, I can't believe how far we have come and how fast it has all happened.

   

About one month old in each photo. (I can't believe she was ever this tiny!!)

Learning Mila

That title may seem strange to you. You may be thinking I forgot a few words or that I have terrible English.....but no, that is exactly what I meant. Something that was, and still is, a huge surprise to me is that I really had to learn Mila. Sort of in the same way you learn a language or a culture. When I was pregnant I had 9 months to dream and fantasize about this little baby that was growing inside of me. I fantasized about her whole life in those 9 months before I ever even saw her face or heard her cry. Every expecting mom and dad does it, but I honestly feel kind of silly about it now because from the second she was born, she blew all those dreams out of the water. She is nothing like I expected. From her looks to her personality. She is so much MORE than I could have ever dreamed, but I have really had to learn who she is every single day. And it has been the most exhilarating 9 months of my life thus far.

See where she is sitting??? This is between our blinds and our porch which looks out onto a pond. However, we use our porch for storage (living in an apartment with a baby means NO space) and I would really rather her not play here. There is some dirt from the track of the doors and she loves to stick her little fingers into it. And do you know where those fingers go next? Right into her mouth. I swear I cumulatively spend hours every day removing her from this spot. She even brings toys back there now...... I almost thought I was going to have to give up on the fight until I learned something new. You see, Mila loves to eat my food. Every time I start eating she practically runs over to get some. She also loves to come to the bathroom with me, which is annoying in itself, but I doubt this will change anytime soon. Now, when she goes back there and I want her to come out without a fight, I simply have to "go" to the bathroom or sit down at the table and "eat". It's great. No more temper tantrum. She just willingly comes out from her spot.

This is her other favorite thing to do. And as you can see, she is quite proud of herself. I lost this fight. The shoe rack is now back in my room, which has become the land of "All things Mila can't get into". My room now doubles as a storage space. What can I say. You win some, and you lose some.

So I started this blog and haven't done anything about it, but I have made a resolution to actually follow through with it whether or not anyone reads it. These are memories that I am writing down so that I will have them forever. One thing that happens when people realize you are pregnant and will soon have a little baby all to yourself is a lot of unsolicited advice. I'm sure every mom out there knows what I am talking about.....women telling you their birth stories or how exhausting it is in the beginning. I felt like I was getting bombarded by strangers with lots of things that I did not want to know. However, one thing that everyone says (and everyone is absolutely right) is how fast they grow up. So this blog will act as my own little memory box. Five years from now I don't want to try to remember things about the beginning with Mila and not be able to recall them. So here I go..... for real this time :)