Things the baby can do, or likes

He recognizes the color blue and says "boo".

He recognizes stars and says "Stah". 

He puts books away after he's used them, and helps to clean up his toys. 

When I go to Starbucks, he now know it is the place with cake pops (thanks to his sister), and when I walk in, he says, "Cookie!" And then tells me, repeatedly, "Coffeeee coffeee". 

He sits by himself and "reads". He likes it when Carolina "reads" to him. He has his favorite books. They change but it's mostly Potty, Good Night Thomas, I Love You Through and Through, Peekaboo Bunny, Tigger, and anything with Blue's Clues or Mickey. "Bickey!!!!"

Things are improving

Fewer and farther between are the tantrums coming from Miss Carolina. They don't last as long either. Seems about three weeks ago there was a small change and it's picking up momentum. 

About the same time, maybe two weeks prior, her brother started his "terrible twos", whereby he lets us know in his terms what he prefers and wants-- and when!

Gratefully, as we just got through almost two years of whining and crying, we know this (A) isn't that bad, (B) is necessary, and (C) will eventually end. 

Looking forward to a better-than-expected Springtime! 

Lord, I'm sick of the snow and cold this winter. So harsh! Polar Vortex can kick it elsewhere. 

Delicious food my #1 won't eat

In honor of my daughter's picky eating, I'll be occasionally posting recipes of food I make that we think she MAY be willing to try but either won't or doesn't like it. And in the end, she cries about it. Here's today's attempt. 

Michele's Creamy Spicy Mac 'N Cheese 

Takes about an hour, including prep. Serves 4-6. (Anything can be swapped for less fattening versions, and seasoning can be changed for other seasonings or omitted. For example, 2c low fat milk and soy sauce instead of whole milk/cream or Worcestershire sauce.)

2c pasta (elbows or lumachine)

1c whole milk 

1c heavy cream

4tbsp butter + a bit to rub on casserole dish

1/4c flour

4 shakes Worcestershire sauce (1/4tsp)

4 shakes mustard powder (1/4tsp)

10 shakes of salt (1/2 tsp)

4 turns of pepper (1/4tsp)

8oz white sharp cheddar (save 1/2 to 3/4 cup for topping)

Garlic clove, cut in half

Couple of shakes Cayenne & Paprika  (1/4tsp each)

Bread crumbs (1/2 c)

Rub garlic on inside of casserole dish

Rub butter on inside of casserole dish

Cook pasta. 

In large pot, about 3-4 qts:

Melt butter

Add flour, salt, pepper, mustard stir with whisk

Add Worcestershire. Whisk until smooth and bubbly. 

Add milk & cream. Whisk constantly until boil. Boil 1 minute. 

Add all cheese except 1/2c reserved for topping. Stir until melted. 

Add pasta to pot. Mix cheese into macaroni.

Put mixture in casserole dish. 

Mix remaining cheese with paprika, bread crumbs, and cayenne. Toss with hands until cheese is coated with seasonings.  Put evenly on top of mixture in casserole dish. 

Cook 350 degrees for 25 minutes. Uncovered.