Coming back to Normal

I have all but dropped of the face of earth when it comes to "blog land." We lost my father 3 weeks ago on Friday in an unexpected and tragic way. I am still here and slowly working through the grieving process. I am struggling to find out what the new "normal" will be for me and my family. Just wanted to show that there are still signs of life. Take care and God Bless!

Still Cooking

Despite my lack of posting, we have still been cooking just not a much! And some of the recipes are just repeats but tonight I am cooking.

Meal of the Day:

Pork Tenderloin (Seasoned Puerto Rican Style!)
Homemade Gravy (Using Drippings)
Cuban Style Black Beans
Green Beans
Basmati Rice

18 Month Old Rockstar

Here is my little rockstar just a few days before he turned 18 months. Outfited in slim fitted jeans, a Beatles Tee layered over a long sleeve onsie, and of course matching shades. Still rocking the long hair.

The Life of EAK at 18 Months:

-Still happiest in the morning, wakes up bouncing in the crib-Loves the playground near our house, even the BIG slide. He runs and plays like the big kids.

-Tantrums are even more DRAMATIC...like full screaming and red face. They don't usually last long and time out has ensued

-Refuses a pacifier unless it is time to sleep

-Expresses a little interest in Sesame Street

-Claps enthusiatically during Wheel of Fortune

-Knows that "peepa" means tummy in spanish

-Can idenitfy and say nose, eyes, and ears

-Can identify people in pictures

-Continues to be mama and daddy's helper. Great at doing small chores and following 2 step directions

-Enjoys daily reading time

-Taking his first swim class and loves it so far!

-Into everything especially plugs, outlets, and anything electronic

-Daddy is best friend and he is sweet on Mama :o)

-Shoe Size 7W

-Clothing Size 18-24 months. Long legs, torso, and arms like NK

-Height-Will Update after Doctor's Visit

-Weight-Will Update after Doctor's Visit

-Bedtime: 8:00pm, Wake-up for the Day 8:00am, Naptime 12:30/1:00pm (All approximate)

"All You Need is Love"

Green Goals

With the month of St. Patrick's Day upon us, I have decided to set a few "green" goals for myself. In the last few months I have become connected with various message boards, blogs, and websites that have inspired my to get a little more green. I have to say in my heart of heart I am rather cruncy but like all of us, I have be aclimated to a cultre of convenience and the status quo. So rather than continuing to use that as an excuse I am setting a few goals my myself and our home as I begin to slowly march down the granola trail. Oddly enough, achieving these goals will ultimately help me achieve another goal which is saving more $$$ (Lol, ya know green. Pardon the pun).

1) Rid my home of those delightful smelling, yet toxic plug in air fresheners as well as any other spray fresheners that may be lingering around our home. I will dispose of them in a eco friendly way.
2) Slowly covert to homemade/green/ family friendly cleaning products. I will either dispose of my current products by taking them to the landfill or donating them to my family who may be a little less green minded at this time.
3) Stop buying paper napkins! I would like to invest a little money in some cloth napkin that will serve the same purpose.

I will obviously continue using our cloth diapers/wipes and genuienly make an effort to be more conscious of my energy consumption.

Random Wednesday Mummerings

*I do not like being sick. The only thing worse than being sick is being sick at work.
*Why can't they make adult cold syrup in awesome flavors like grape or bubble gum rather than making it taste like poison?
*Sweet tea is always awesome but super awesome on a sore throat. I hope it counts as "fluids".
*Dear co-workers, please do not ask me about the whereabout of others. I do not keep a tracking device on them.
*Dear Mr. Co-worker, please stop bathing in your cologne. Your cologne descends upon the entire office like an A-bomb.
*I am so proud that I finally learned how to use my Snappi. It had only been sitting in the cubby unopened for at least 3 months.
*I am anxiously awaiting delivering of more fluff!

Happy Hump Day!