Introducing...

Sugar Plum!

Sweetpea was very excited to welcome in her new baby sister, and we are enjoying settling back into home life with our newly expanded family. I will try and check in throughout the coming week with some more pictures, including some that show just how much Sugar Plum resembles Sweetpea as a newborn.

Cereal Parfait

photo by inuyaki.com

The other night I was craving cereal, but there was none of "my" milk in the fridge. After nearly 10 years of marriage I've yet to wean EmDee from the thick and creamy taste of fully fattenated whole milk...since Sweetpea still tips the scales on the slight side they share the whole milk and I enjoy skim.

If you find yourself craving cereal and don't have any milk, why not try a parfait? We had low fat vanilla yogurt that I mixed into my Honey Bunches of Oats in place of milk. For an extra special treat I sprinkled blueberries and walnut pieces on top - how very gourmet! {{giggles}} This works best for smaller or flaky cereals, like granola, frosted flakes, or the like.

What variations on standard "cereal and milk" do you enjoy?

This juggling act - finding balance in life

Since we've added quite a bit to our proverbial plates this week, I thought this was an appropriate post to republish while I'm "unplugged" at the hospital this week. I'd love your insight into the whole "balance" (or in my opinion "priorities") subject and what you give up in order to get more of what you want...

*Originally published October 28, 2008*


I read a quote from Katie Couric recently that I'll have to paraphrase, because I can't find it again {blushing}.

She was saying that she spends most of her time feeling guilty either because she doesn't spend enough time with her family, or because she feels she's shirking her job. Inevitably, as moms, we all have to just do the best that we can.

I can definitely relate, and, as usual, I agree with and appreciate her point of view.

Regardless of whether you work outside the home or not, I think it's safe to say that as moms, we are all working on our own juggling act. I definitely don't put in the extra free hours that I used to at work, and I took a different position where I wouldn't have to travel regularly. I wish I were spending my days with my daughter, and I have a short term goal to go part time.

I have plenty of mommy guilt, but I make a point to be fully present with my daughter when we are together. We work hard to create quality time as a family, rather than each doing our own thing. We watch virtually no television. We list out the activities we want to enjoy and try to plan in advance.

And basically, we do the best that we can.

What tips do you have for achieving balance in your life? What have you given up in order to spend more time enjoying the things you hold most dear?