Bean and Cheese Burritos with Cilantro Lime Rice and Avocado Cream

I don't think I'll ever get sick of a two year old's way of finding even the most mundane thing super exciting.  They are experiencing so many things for the first time and what is old-hat for us is like an amusement park for them.  Like driving under an overpass.  Super exciting for at least my little two year old.  And every bus, ambulance, fire truck, tractor, dump truck, etc. must be exclaimed over

I love having a two year old.  While I don't love the crying, tantrums, and growing need for discipline, I love two year olds. 

Maybe it's the fact that their excitement makes me see the world through younger, less jaded eyes.  I find myself getting excited when I hear the hiss of the bus's air brakes as it stops just outside my house every afternoon.  Both me and the kid run to the window yelling "bus, bus, bus!"

Cook once, eat twice: Kale Pesto

Having a newborn is rough.  The kid is now 21 months old and I already find myself forgetting how difficult it can be to have a brand new baby.  Having your first kid especially rocks your world.  I felt like my life turned upside down after the kid was born.  It took me over a year to really get my feet back under me. 

It's certainly a wild ride.  But one that is well worth it. 

We visited some friends today and their tiny 1 week old.  They look so tired and a little stunned.  I wanted to tell them that it gets better fast.  That life goes on a little bit at a time.  You have to learn to walk and talk again, but you keep moving forward.  And it gets so fun.  

But I don't think they could have understood.  They are too busy becoming the great parents they are going to be.  I think we all are.  

Those first few months feel like you are drowning.  And then it is wonderful (with periodic moments where you begin to drown again).

Parenthood is amazing!  I wouldn't go back if I could.  

Cook Once--Eat Twice: Butternut Gnocchi Soup--Butternut Squash Gnocchi

I've been absolutely loving the fall weather we've been having lately.  We've been going to the park when it's dry and baking (with pumpkin) when it's wet.  I love fall!  I may have mentioned that before.

My cooking is very seasonal.  Fall and winter is the time of soups, squashes and roasted vegetable.  This recipe combines them all in a fabulous way.

I made the butternut squash gnocchi for dinner one night.  I really enjoyed it.  Unfortunately, the husband did not.  He didn't dislike it but he is not one to enjoy something like this and therefore did not eat seconds.  The kid just sat in his high chair and screamed...wouldn't even try it.  So, I had a bunch leftover.  As much as I enjoyed this I knew I couldn't finish it on my own.  

Well, when life hands you leftovers...MAKE SOUP!