Pea Popsicle Recipe

Momma Mo's Pea Popsicle Recipe

What you need:

• Plastic Make-Your-Own Popsicle Mold
• Frozen Baby Peas (thawed)
• Water
• Blender

What you do:

• Put 1 1/2 cups thawed peas in blender
• Add 1/3 cup water
• Blend until smooth
• Pour into popsicle mold and freeze
• Undress baby
• Let her/him enjoy!!!

Growing up, my mom would always claim that she gave my sister and I homemade pea popsicles when we were babies. I would firmly deny the truth to her statements, because I HATE peas and always have. Her come-back was that I should try it with my own kids and see if they were the "hit" that they were with me. So... I put it to the test. 

I found the popsicle mold at the dollar store and remembered that I had frozen peas at home, left-over from a salad that I made for a BBQ.  With doubt in my mind, I made the popsicles. The following day, it was in the high 70's- great for popsicles, right!?! I recalled mom saying we would devour them and end up covered in peas, so I undressed Natalya prior to putting her in her highchair and letting her go at it. As the pictures attest, the pea popsicle was a hit.

So mom, I am sorry for doubting you all these years. And thanks for the wonderful and cooling treat for the baby. Everyone else- let your kids try the pea popsicle (or any other veggie they like) and put Momma Mo's recipe to the test.

Mt. Tabor Picnic

I woke up Saturday morning and quickly realized that both of my kids had colds. Matthew had a runny nose, as did Natalya. I immediately went into panic mode- we were supposed to meet the Kohler's at Mt. Tabor Park for a picnic at 11:00. "OK," I thought, "how can I alleviate these symptoms so we'll still be able to go. I've really been looking forward to this and who knows when we'll be able to see them again." So after breakfast, I put Natalya down in her crib with the humidifier on and gave Matty some cold medicine. "Let me wait a couple of hours and see what happens," I planned, wishfully. Soon it was 9:45 and I realized that I had to call Nadine and let her know. I crossed my fingers as I left a message saying the kids were sick, but that I thought we'd still be there, as long as she was okay with it. I continued to get ready, assuming the best, and was delighted when she called and said it was no problem. Boy, was I relieved.... and super excited to see them!!!

By the time we met up the clouds had burned off and we had a wonderful time chatting and eating lunch. I was so impressed with how well Charlotte walks. I think the picture of her standing by her stroller is great because you can see the curiosity in her eyes. She was even charming the people sitting across from us! We didn't see Matthew more than once the entire time, as he was off and running with the other kids at the playground from the moment we got there. And, unfortunately, Nadine didn't even get a chance to hold the baby since she fell asleep right after her bottle. Natalya did flash her a big smile as we were leaving though.

For me, the picnic was everything that I was looking forward to. I feel so comfortable around Matt and Nadine and love sharing "mom stories!" Between us talking and looking after Charlotte, Nadine barely had time to eat her sandwich. I think we could have sat and talked all day! Before saying our goodbyes, we made plans to hang out in July and effectively decided that we MUST plan a BBQ this summer for all the Stadium mom's to bring their kids- hopefully mine won't be sick!

6 Months (and 10 days) Old

What a smile! She is a very happy eater- this was squash. 

She laughs hysterically at Matthew blowing on her stomach.

She always makes this face when we say how pretty she is. I think her expression says, "Keep the compliments coming!"

His and Hers Pedicures

Matthew and I gave each other pedicures last night. It may seem silly, but it was one of those moments that I wished I could record digitally in my memory bank, able to replay on demand. I did his feet first, so he would know what to do, and when it was my turn, Matthew dedicated all of his intention and attention toward making sure that I was relaxed. He actually said, "OK Mommy, now put your head back and close your eyes."Sometimes I don't know where he comes up with the things he says,  but boy is it cute! While I sat, feeling like a queen, I thanked God for giving me such a beautiful family and for allowing me these precious moments. I prayed that every parent is able to enjoy their children the way Carlos and I do. And tears filled my eyes and heart as I asked God to help me show my kids that they are my greatest accomplishments, the joy in my days, and the loves of my life.