pancake party

If you hadn't noticed, it's cold. So cold, that Elia's school is closed for the third time this month. In fact, my office is also closed for the third time this month, something I never guessed I'd see happen. So, what to do with another unexpected snow day? Pancake party, of course!

"Whoa," says Elia.

For some reason last night, I got it in my head that E must try pancakes as soon as possible. Maybe it was that new tooth peeking through. Maybe it was the fact that she is nine-going-on-ten months old and I'm bored with all of the sensible veggies and fruits she's been eating so, assume she must be too. Whatever the reason, as soon as I found out that I too had a snow day, the pancake party was on.

"You say this is a what?  A pancake?  If you say so, Mom."

"Hmm.  This is pretty good."

"Smells good, too."

"I think I like these."

As you can see, the pancakes were a hit, as much for the mess that they created as the flavor, I'm sure.

To make the pancakes, I simply used a box mix that we had. It's a snow day after all, you've got to work with what's on hand. As a special treat, and for some bonus nutrition, I added some banana to Elia's pancakes.

Wild Blueberry and Banana Multigrain Pancakes

1 cup Archer Farms Wild Blueberries & Multigrain Pancake and Waffle Mix

2/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons applesauce

1 egg

1 banana thinly sliced

Heat a skillet over medium heat.  Spray lightly with cooking spray.

Combine pancake mix, milk, applesauce, and egg in a bowl.  Stir until slightly lumpy, batter will be thick.

Using a tablespoon, scoop approximately one tablespoon of batter on hot skillet.  Place one slice of banana in the center and top with an additional tablespoon of batter.

Flip pancakes when edges around banana begin to cook and bubble, about two minutes.  Because of the banana in the center, don't be afraid to let the pancakes cook longer than normal to ensure batter cooks through.  Pancakes are done when they are a nice, golden brown.

Let cool, then start the pancake party!

nine months

We are speeding through Elia's first year and she is now nine months old.

She continues to be a darling, happy girl.

She is still working on crawling forwards but it's darn cute to see her "crawl" in circles and backwards.

Buttons, snaps, any visible hardware like bolts, nail heads, anything like that), and stud earrings could keep her occupied for hours.  She finds them everywhere from my jacket to the top of our ottoman and pokes and picks at them until she's torn away for one reason or another.

Standing continues to be her favorite thing to do and once she gets crawling down, we think walking will be just around the corner.

She cut her third tooth today, a top tooth.  She'll be looking like such a grown up when its partner comes in.

Sweet girl, you have grown so much in the last nine months.  As always, we love you so.  Sweetie.

resolutions and a recap

It's hard to believe that almost three weeks have past since Christmas.  Elia's first Christmas was a wonderful one, filled with quality time spent together as a family and lots of joy.

Elia made a few resolutions for 2014.  Here is her list:

1. Learn to crawl forward.  (She's got backwards down.)
2. Go swimming.
3. Say "mama".
4. Stand up on her own.
5. Learn to walk.
6. Eat more solid foods.
7. Have a birthday party.

She's already making progress towards a few of her goal.  Today was her first swim lesson.  She absolutely loved it and is quite the water baby.  Goal #2, complete!

She also decided to work on #4 today.

She'll be standing on her own in no time.  And the, watch out world - walking will be just around the corner, it seems.

I hope everyone's New Year is beginning with all good things.  Cheers!