Just Checking In #10

Let's go ahead and start with a baby photo, because I know thats why you're really here:

Hi there! It’s been a long time since I’ve checked in. I’ve been hiding behind my busy schedule, and thinking I didn’t have time to write you! I’ve been writing you in my head, promising myself to put pen to paper just as soon as I got a minute. And then, the dogs bark and wake up the baby, the baby is in her constantly-wanting-to-be-held-by-Mama phase, my knees feel like I’m 80, and it’s 6:45pm and I haven’t even thought about dinner yet.

However, I’m taking control of my life, and making sure that situation stops repeating itself.

Now, probably the most exciting thing that makes me squeal is that you guys helped make my second cookbook Comfort and Joy: Cooking for Two debut on the national best seller list a few weeks ago! Seriously, you guys? Thank you so much. It means the world to me. I was nervous to write a book with savory recipes. I had a lot of doubt in my mind that anyone would actually want small-batch recipes for savory and comfort food. But you do! And you’re loving it! Plus, I snuck in 15 new desserts for two in the last chapter of the book, because I know you. You like desserts for two. If you have the book and love it, would you mind leaving an Amazon review, please? I never knew how much those mattered until I wrote the first book. Thanks in advance!

I’ve been teaching cooking classes at the Kitchen Conservatory lately, and having such a great time! The classes sell out fast, so sign up for my next one on December 21st if you wanna! I’m going to try to teach every other month, as long as my schedule allows. I really like teaching, but it’s hard on Camille to disrupt her bedtime routine since classes are at night. But, Dad says he can handle it, so I’ll keep on as long as I can.

What else is up? Homemade baby food is up. Here’s the thing: I hesitated to share the fact that I’m making my own baby food, because it can lead to a case of ‘mom guilt.’ Mom guilt is when you think everyone is a better mother than you, and also, they have more hours in the day to accomplish such tasks that get the nomination for the 'mom of the year' award. So, I want to say that I make my own baby food because I like to. If you don’t make your own, you are a good mom. Truly. I looked at the ingredient list on baby food at Target the other day—just carrots and water. No biggie. I find it thrilling to make Camille’s food, so I do. I prioritize it (meaning, I don’t vacuum my house for 2 weeks in exchange for an afternoon spent making baby food).

Here are the flavors I’ve made her so far (from the top): mango + vanilla bean, pea, apple, pea + zucchini, pear + cardamom, spinach + potato, parsnip + thyme, and sweet potato.

Also: persimmon (just because I don't love a fruit doesn't mean I won't give it to her), blueberry, crimson plum, potato + leek, and pea + leek! I love to mix in cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices into her purees just before serving, with the exception of vanilla bean--I steep the whole pod and seeds with the fruit, like I did for the mango puree.

Many have asked for a baby food recipe list or even cookbook. I just put 'baby food ebook' on my To Do list. I'm slowly working on it. I'm not going to rush the process, so I don't have an estimated release date, but just know: it's coming. At least I hope it is. You probably still have time to conceive and give birth before you'll see it. (Kidding. Gosh, I hope.)

Hmm…what else is new? I think last time we talked, I said I was taking Camille off a schedule and just letting her tell me when she’s hungry. Oh my gosh, guys…that lasted for, like, 2 hours. I am all about the baby schedule again. If she wasn’t on a schedule, she’d spent 20 hours a day on the boob. And Mama needs a life too, ya know? So, we’re back on a schedule. I love that she’s getting older and feeding less frequently. There was a time where I felt like a prisoner in the house; I couldn’t go anywhere or do anything because it was too close to a feeding or nap time. I completely 100% understand why Moms switch to formula. And I respect the hell out of it. I really do. I’m just too cheap for formula, but I’m envious of Moms that rely on it and get their lives back. The hormonal fluctuations associated with breastfeeding have landed me in therapy for postpartum depression, so trust me when I say, I really get it. It’s haaaaaard. But, I have so many supportive friends (both on the internet and in real life), and that means the world to me. I am literally counting down the days until she’s 1 and can switch to cow's milk. So, next time someone gives you Mom guilt, remember me: in therapy, counting down the days to cow’s milk, and doesn’t feel one ounce of bonding experience from breastfeeding. I get kinda tired of everyone painting motherhood to be a joyous journey 100% of the time. Yes, it’s amazing, but it’s also the hardest freaking thing I’ve ever done. Did I mention how hard it is?

What else? hmm..we’ve got a fun pretty newsletter that emails you when I have new recipes up. Sign up here if you like!

Fall is gorgeous blah blah blah, but all I can think about is winter coming. Winter, also known as the time of year when I get trapped indoors for weeks because I refuse to drive when there’s snow on the ground. We’ve made a commitment to this tiny 1920s cute-as-hell bungalow house, and we decided we’re going to do some renovations instead of upgrading to a larger house. So, I hope I can share my renovation story with you. I love good before and after photos in a house! Either that, or I’ll share my divorce decree. I hear home renovations are stressful. Luckily, I have Julie on my side.

Ok, friends! Go forth and make homemade baby food! Or don’t! Enjoy your life.

PS I'll be in Chicago this week for the BlogHer Food conference. Follow me on instagram to see my travels!