bananas for mama and baby

There's something you must know about me.  I love bananas.  In fact, I have to eat one every single day.  And each banana in my fruit basket is planned out.  If we ever run out of bananas I immediately figure out when I will be able to go to the grocery store to buy some more.  

Sliced on top of oatmeal or yogurt, blended up in my smoothie, on top of toast with almond better…I mean, the possibilities are endless.  So when I discovered that I could mash them up to make a healthier option for pancakes, I was sold.  I like to call it my "weekend treat".  What I love even more is that this pancake recipe makes the perfect amount for one person because the husband of mine isn't a pancake fan.  

Side note: when we first were married, every Sunday morning was Pancake Sunday.  I woke up early to mix up a batch before church, and loved experimenting with different variations.  This went on for a solid couple of months until he informed me that he didn't like pancakes.  I'm sure you could imagine the shocked look upon my face and how much my heart sank.  So being able to make this perfect amount for one person just rocked my world. 

Nathan started eating solids this past month, and right now we are giving him banana in the morning and avocado in the afternoon.  I knew he was my son when he took his first bite of mashed banana.  He instantly opened up his mouth nice and big ready for the next bite.  It was kind of the cutest thing you ever could see.  

So on Saturday mornings, we have a new tradition.  I make banana pancakes for me, mash up some bananas for Nathan, and we enjoy a lovely breakfast together.  The husband?  Well, he isn't a huge breakfast fan so I let him sleep in, which helps me soak up and enjoy this new mama and son bonding time.  

Peanut Butter Banana Pancakes

1 medium banana

2 eggs

1 spoonful of peanut butter (or almond butter)

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. vanilla

coconut oil for cooking 

1. In a bowl mash up your banana.  You want some chunks left for texture. 

2.  Add in the eggs and mix well. 

3. Stir in your spoonful of nut butter.  Then add the cinnamon and vanilla and mix. 

4. Over medium heat, coat a pan with coconut oil and drop 1/4-1/3 c. of mixture onto the pan.  Let cook 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook 1-2 minutes on the next. 

**Cooking tip: I prefer using an electric skillet and coconut oil spray from Trader Joe's.  Also, a wide spatula is super helpful for these.  Before flipping, use your spatula to lift an edge of the pancake to see if it is ready.  

Enjoy by themselves or add a little pure maple syrup on top! 

freshly picked giveaway

I remember dreaming up outfits that I'd put my baby boy or baby girl in once they were here.  And I always knew that I wanted them to have a pair of Freshly Picked moccasins!  Now I have this little baby boy, who just so happens to be in some adorable mocs, and I just can't help but want to pinch myself.  I think it is such a beautiful thing when life just sneaks up on you.  When you take a moment to take in all that is your life at that very moment, and realize that you are right where you wanted to be.  

One thing I have quickly learned in motherhood is that dressing baby boys is sometimes a bit of a challenge.  My go-to is a cute bib, hat, or shoes.  And these mocs are definitely helping me keep him looking cute!  I'm a huge fan of how Freshly Picked came to be, and loved watching their story on Shark Tank.   These shoes do not disappoint!  The elastic around the opening means they will fit on any chubby baby's foot.  The leather is great quality, and let's just talk about the colors…the choices are endless!  

Well, how would YOU like to win a pair?????  

Comment below with how you style your little miss or mr.  Want other ways to win?  See below!!  The giveaway will end Friday night at midnight :) 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

nathan james: 5 months

How are we just one month away from Nathan's first year?  I'm pretty sure I start out every monthly update blog post like this, but it is so incredible how quickly they grow and change.  Nathan is becoming more and more curious about everything, and he thinks the best way to figure something out is by putting it in his mouth.  Right now I just thank my lucky stars he is not mobile yet, because when that day comes we are going to be busy bees baby-proofing and keeping an eye on him.  

Growing// My guess he is just about 18 pounds right about now.  Our poor little guy had RSV for the first time this past month, so we had a solid week spending lots of time at the doctor's office.  At his last appointment two weeks ago he was 17 lbs. 8 oz.  And trust me, I can definitely tell you heavy he is getting every time I have to lug that infant car seat out of the car.  I'm almost ready for a convertible so I don't have to hassle with taking the carseat in and out anymore.  As much as I wish Nathan was itty bitty still, he is able to do so much more now that he is bigger.  He rides in the stroller without the carseat, which is amazing, and he loves it.  The other night he was fussy and I had a stressful day at work, so I put him in the stroller and went for a run.  Needless to say, we both were very happy afterwards. 

This month he rolled over back to front!  He has only done it a couple times where he rolls completely over, other attempts he gets stuck on his arm and just teeters on his side for a bit.  He also is able to sit in the tripod position for more than 30 seconds…depending on his mood at the time.  Right now his 3-6 month jammies are getting pretty snug, so I think it's about time for me to unpack his 6-9 month clothes…and I just cried a bit! 

Eating & Sleeping// Yikes, this is still super challenging.  At night he has been waking up 3 times a night, and every time I try to console him with the soothie or rocking him it turns into screaming fits that are only calmed once I break down and nurse him.  He's still in his co-sleeper next to our bed, but is getting a bit too big for it so this month we're transitioning to the crib…which I'm sure will bring on even more sleeping issues.  He naps three times a day, but the times and length are pretty inconsistent.  

Nathan is an amazing eater.  Upon our pediatrician's suggestion, we started rice cereal, which he loves. Every time he sees the spoon he immediately opens his mouth, and he is also watching me eat like a hawk.  I'm reading Super Nutrition for Babies which has actually taught me a bit more about rice cereal, so we are going to stop feeding him that and start with avocados and bananas this week.  

Loving// There's not a whole lot Nathan doesn't like.  As of late, his toes are the bomb dot com.  He can finally reach them and is trying so hard to put them in his mouth.  Mirrors are about the most fascinating thing ever, and he loves playing with the "baby" he sees staring back at him.  He loves kisses from mommy, and I love kissing him all over.  Getting his feet rubbed at nighttime is pretty spectacular, and he immediately calms down once I start.  Being on his tummy is becoming more comfortable, although now he wants to move so he becomes easily frustrated.  Sophie is his main love.  That giraffe hung the moon for him.  

Loathing// I'm so thankful that there's not much our little bug doesn't like.  Just have food ready and he is set!