12.6.13

Co-sleeping and breastfeeding

Believe it or not, I didn't choose to co-sleep, my husband did it for me. During my pregnancy I read several books that talk about co-sleeping and I was decided to put Allison in her crib. I talked about it with V and we both agreed.

Then she was born. 

We fell in love with her.

And our plans changed.

If I was putting her in her crib, she would start crying. Val couldn't handle it and asked me to let her sleep with me. I did it but telling him that when we arrived home it would not be like that. I was still decided to put Allie in her crib.

Then I loved feeling her peacefully sleep.

And my mind changed. 

How would I reject that incredible feeling? How would I destroy the bond that was being created? I couldn't do it. 

Besides, having a baby is tiring. Not the fact of giving birth, but the fact of taking care of her -specially the first months. A new mum needs to sleep too to be able to give the best of herself to that tiny creature. 

So, I co -slept and still co-sleep. I have breastfed my daughter and, leaving aside the sentimental part, co-sleeping has allowed me to sleep "through" the night. Nursing her half-awake-half-asleep and both falling asleep together is great! I don't think I had been able to get up every two hours at night, sit on the rocking chair, nurse her, put her back in the crib and fall asleep again. That must be tough!

Now I'm thankful to Val for making me discover all the precious moments that I have shared with our daughter.

Now that it's coming to an end.

Allie is one and things are changing. 

I'm breastfeeding her twice a day only: for her afternoon nap and at night. Soon it will be only once a day. And then it will be over. 

I am sad. Maybe more than her. She will probably forget and continue with her life, but I will always remember those moments.

Our moments.

2.6.13

Pancakes (o tortitas)

On May 5, this is what my mum ate for breakfast. I cooked it for her -it was Mother's Day in Spain. Since this is typically an American breakfast, I will post the recipe in Spanish. However, for the quantities I will use their Cups and Spoons measurement utensils. 

Ingredientes:
3/4 Cup  Leche
2 Tbsp  Vinagre de vino blanco
1 Cup  Harina
3 Tsbp  Azúcar
1 Tsp  Levadura
1/2 Tsp  Soda
1   Huevo
2 Tbsp  Mantequilla derretida
1 Tsp  Extracto de vainilla

Preparación:
   En un bol pequeño mezclad la leche con el vinagre y dejadlo reposar unos 10 minutos, así conseguiremos leche agriada (no agria). No os preocupéis que no notaréis el vinagre en el producto final. 
   Mezclad los ingredientes secos en un bol mediano.
   Pasados los 10 minutos, añadid a la mezcla de leche y vinagre el huevo, la mantequilla derretida (no caliente) y el extracto de vainilla. A continuación, lo vertéis sobre la mezcla de ingredientes secos y mezcláis hasta que no queden grumos.
   La masa quedará espesa. Dejadla reposar unos 10 minutos. Entonces veréis que aparecen unas burbujitas, no remováis. Sacad la masa en porciones de 1/4 C y vertedlas en una sartén previamente engrasada. Deberéis darle la vuelta cuando veáis que empiezan a aparece burbujas en la superficie. Un minutito más en la sartén y listas para comer. 

Nota:
Aquí las van apilando para que no se enfríen las primeras y las comen con sirope, nata, chocolate, fruta, mermelada... Vamos, que las podéis comer con lo que queráis.


12.2.13

Monthly Update

Allison likes books
Her first tooth
We went to a Moroccan bbq
Her first tooth
"Welcome to my place!"
We celebrated New Year's Eve
She crawls fast!