Foodie Thoughts

 

So, lately some friends of ours are displaying an increasing tendency toward "foodiness". 

We already have several friends who are seriously into gastronomical exploration. One couple we unfortunately don't get to see very often, because they live across an ocean, and, well, let's face it, Gavin and I aren't able to drop everything and fly over for a visit. Another couple we get to see frequently, when our children aren't ill or suffering insomniac spells. I have watched the progression of these friends' hobbies, listened as more friends caught the foodie bug. I've noted the cookbooks from which they draw inspiration, considered their cheeses, sauces, and mains, and I've joined with them (vicariously) in enjoying each carefully photographed and homemade gourmet meal. 

So, foodie friends, this post is for you. 

Gavin had a special request for his birthday dinner this year, and who was I to deny him? I said "It's your birthday. 

Anything you want, I'll make it, or we'll buy it." It took him several days to decide. I admit, a part of me longed for him to express a wish for pan-seared scallops, or something involving truffle oil, or caviar, or similar expensive nummy novelty. But, those who know Gavin know that two things reign supreme in Kingdom Stomach Hammel. Green apples, and fried chicken. Last night, I discovered that his gift for getting cats to lick (and enjoy licking) apple cores is going 

to extend to our daughter. 

Help me, foodie friends, help me. Because part of me 

really enjoyed my first piece of that chicken. The other part of me had to stop midway through the second piece.

Land of Milk and Mommy

Gavin calls Minnesota the land of milk and honey, but lately, I feel like we've left that place and landed in the land of milk and mommy. Morgen has been a demanding little girl lately - after eating nearly no solid foods during her trip to Minnesota, she has decided that there is nothing like mother's milk. All the previously loved favourites like carrots, sweet potato, and squash are simply detested bites reluctantly swallowed and frankly, well, resented. We can only get her to eat veggies and fruits by tricking her into thinking she's about to get oatmeal and rice cereal. This cereal, and only this cereal, is the one thing besides breastmilk that she seems to enjoy eating. Even prunes, once something she couldn't get enough of, is on the gross list. We just keep soldiering on, making sure that we give each attempt at mealtime at least thirty minutes, ignoring the betrayed looks that result from pushing veggies or fruit into her little birdie mouth, and trying to stay firm. We're learning though that Morgen is one stubborn and smart little cookie. She flattens her lips shut, frowns, whines, and then gives us the ultimate sign. She turns her head and sucks her thumb, and says "La!" This syllable means "milk," and has mean that since she was just a week or so old. 

Needless to say that the increased nighttime breastfeeding and wakefulness that result from her solid food semi-strike is a bit of a challenge for Mommy. Or, to put it in the first person...it's a challenge for me! Me, me, me! I've been eating all of our treats and snacking pretty much constantly to keep up with it all. This isn't as much fun as you might think, but I'm getting through it. And hopefully, Morgen will come around. Lately she's just been attatched to me at the breast, though, no matter how hard we try to put her off or show her how much fun mealtimes at the table can be.

So, it was with some trepidation that I left Morgen alone with her daddy and a bottle of formula this afternoon. Three whole hours later, thanks to the distractions of a bookstore, a grocery store, a diaper store, and a good friend, I returned home to discover that Morgen....was sleeping. The child who refuses to sleep without nursing was sound asleep. So, we're on to you, missy! And, now I feel reasonably prepared to start attending a course at the university once a week. I'm looking forward to easing back into some semblance of a balanced life.

In other news, it appears that Grendel no longer fears Morgen. He's now just in open competition with her, no more lurking, skulking or sulking. It's an all out war for Gavin's lap now. Either that, or Grendel has decided to take up reading. Poor, poor, kitty. 

Happy New Year

 
Another eventful holiday. We had a great trip to Owatonna (Minnesota), with lots of grandma, grandpa, and uncle time, and several opportunities to introduce Morgen to some of her American contemporaries. I am in Wellesley now, and can't get to those pictures at the moment, but I promise to post a few soon.

For now, here is a glimpse of Lovett New Year's Eve. Gavin tried to shut down the paparazzi, but they still managed to get a few journalistic-style images...he is in New York at the moment, staying in a luxury hotel and enjoying the American Historical Association's latest conference. So I have no one telling me not to post these pictures of him. Note that he is indeed stealing Morgen's Christmas bear and playing with it despite Morgen's outstretched arm. The season brings out the inner child in each of us, doesn't it? Good times.  

 

Lazy Sundays

  
Let the record show that Saturday, December 20, Morgen discovered that her toes taste just about as good as her fingers. Let the record also show that it is very difficult to capture this discovery on camera. You'll have to come to my house if you'd like to see my efforts, since they were all taken during Morgen's post bath baby massage - her new favourite thing. If you do come over, perhaps Morgen will oblige you and show you herself. This shot captures the relief we all feel after spending a very lazy Sunday at home. Waffles, baths, and naps all around. It's such a good life.

 
 

Horsey rides on Daddy's knee are pretty exciting when you are an advanced 5.5 month old.

Morgen has reached new levels of excitement, it seems. Today, she was so excited to be in her bath that she stood up (despite my attempts to keep her safely settled DOWN in the water), and then squeaked and stamped her feet. I had my hands on her, and it was only for a moment, but still, it happened. She is becoming more and more assertive every day...and I am finding myself even more inspired to learn about Geminis and consult her star chart...anything to give me the heads up on interacting with our little girl. 

And the bath isn't the only thing that we enjoyed more than usual today. Morgen also discovered for the first time that she can actually sit up in her stroller. I was happy to see her work that out. We rolled along for a good fifteen minutes, me with a big smile, and Morgen with lots of bouncing and gurgling, before she slipped backwards and fell into her usual subway habit of staring at strangers until they look away. Next time we go out there will be far less slumping along looking dejected and far more leaning forward and chewing on the rail. Or playing with Mortimer. Or looking at stuff. 

Like Father, Like Daughter.

Nothing scarey about this nap!

Father's Day

Happy Father's Day, Fathers.

And thanks for coming to visit us again, Gramma Lovett.

Morgen is such a lucky little girl.

Monkey Toes

Yesterday, during Morgen's play mat time with her Daddy, I was jolted out of contemplating the family by Gavin's excited exclamation: "Monkey toes! Monkey toes!!"

I didn't really get what he meant - to be honest, I thought he was just calling her that - but eventually he explained that her toes were curling around his hands like a monkey's toes might (see picture). She doesn't really have monkey toes, at least, her big toe isn't exactly as dextrous as a thumb - but "monkey toes!" may be her new nickname for the next little while, unless someone out there has a better suggestion?

Bath Time All Around

Just two pictures for today: one of Morgen, looking serious after her bath in a new pink sleeper, and one shot of Gavin just seconds before he realized that our little girl's diaper had just spilled on to his jeans. What can I say? He's a bit of a magnet. I promise that I will include fewer gross postings in future...or I'll try at any rate.