My day off

For the people that know me personally, they know that I take days off few and far between. I needed a break and some quality time to myself and my family.
I pretended Thursday afternoon was Friday and I cleaned the house, did my weekly grocery list and planned "my weekend itinerary."
My morning started at 6:30 am as always but with a big difference. I stayed in my PJs and sat down to read the blogs that I follow and had my morning coffee. It was nice to have some quiet to my self. I have these moments rarely.
Once the little boy woke up, had his milk and we played some. It was time for me to prepare his breakfast. I like to make a big deal about his breakfast on weekends, make him things that are more involved. He usually has morning star "pretend sausage patties" or mini waffles and fruit. This morning he had French Toast, fruit, and applesauce with cinnamon.

Needless to say that he ate everything. We have been blessed with a son that has a healthy appetite. While he played with Chip, I started taking out of the freezer what i needed to make dinner tonight, preparing his diaper bag, and packing everything I would need to go out and about with Carr all day.
I really enjoy having the day with Carr, we don't get enough alone time as it is. He spends most of his time with Chip. By the time I get home, Carr is tired and hungry. Wish that I could stay home and take care of him full time. I have faith that God knows what is best for my family. I am doing my best and for now that will have to do.

Our main objective was the purchase of his cousin's birthday gift. Let's just say that we got carried away and decide to buy more than what was planned. But hey! I hardly ever buy for myself...I needed a bathing suit. I also went to town buying Carr books and some cute outfits, believe me I could have done worse. If there would be a perfect place for my son it would be Toys R us. I wish I had the prescience of mind to have taken photo capturing that moment, priceless.
We later had lunch at crackle barrel. My boy is so well behaved. He colored and had short conversations with me. Unfortunately, I cannot understand coos but I get the overall idea of what he wants. I had fun having lunch with my boy.
When we returned home, the little one went off to play with Chip and Ricky (our nephew) and I started preparing dinner.

Paella Pronto

1 tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 can of chicken broth
1 package of yellow rice
peas
carrots
sausage
shrimp
1 chicken breast
mussels

Heat oil in large skillet add garlic. Stir in tomato paste, 1 can of diced tomatoes undrained, 1 can of chicken broth and 1 package of uncooked yellow rice. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 15 min. Stir in peas, carrots, sausage, shrimp, chicken and mussels.
You can make this as homemade as possible and if your like me, with little time, you buy cooked shrimp, and you use frozen peas and carrots. It takes about one hour between preparation and cooking. This is how it looks once made:

It is so delicious and easy to make!

I decided that I wanted to rest tomorrow and not worry all day about lunch and snacking. I decided to roast this for sandwiches tomorrow. I basted it with chimmichurri.

Spaghetti

His first try at spaghetti. Loves it!

The Easter Bunny

These are photos from this past Easter. I wanted to document Carr's full fledged Easter and Easter egg hunt. Chip and I made it a big deal, we went a bought him an Easter egg basket and some goodies. I baked some organic muffins and some carrot bars for him to have as a treat. I enjoyed just watching him look at everything and have fun.

The Easter Egg Hunt

First and foremost, I want to thank Dave and Melanie for inviting us to their home. It was great fun and Carr had a blast. I am so grateful for the opportunity, I have never been on an easter egg hunt. I am thankful that my son had the opportunity to experience this, even though he might not remember...I will. This is why I wanted to write this post.

My son had no fear of the Easter Bunny, quite the contrary.

Chip, Carr and the Easter Bunny

I couldn't resist!

I had to fight off the tears as we hunted for eggs. I felt that I was giving my son something that my folks couldn't give me and I was overwhelmed. I wished that my mom was there to see. I think that this probably meant more to me than anyone involved. Who knows?

Precious moments.

Carr's Birthday Part Two

I have been sitting here, just looking at these pictures. Carr had so much fun. That play yard is the best thing that ever happened to us. You see, we live in a very old apartment and we have so many cables, it is so dangerous leaving him walk around unattended. We have childproof as much as possible, but my son loves exploring. As I was saying, the play yard is a lifesaver. He likes being in there with his toys, it's big and it gives me peace of mind when I am cleaning around the house and can't watch him like a hawk. This time he had his cousin and friend Asdem inside with him, bliss.



Birthday gifts galore!
He did not know what to do with himself. Carr had a blast opening his presents. I want to thank everyone for their gifts. I am writing this post almost 5 months later and he still plays with each toy and we read to him at night the books that he received.
Thank you all for sharing such a special occasion with us!

Let them eat cake!

Carr's Birthday Party

I was very afraid of going overboard when I started planning his birthday. I started to get caught up with preparations and even had an estimate done by Hill City Cakes for his birthday cake. I needed to calm down with the expenses, especially now during this time of recession. It got to a point were I didn't know what I wanted to do. I took a deep breathe and I decided to do what my son would feel comfortable with: Only have over the people he knew and felt at ease with. Needless to say, we were a small bunch but he seemed very happy (and it help my finances also!)

to be continued...