Five quick ways to succeed at parenting

1. Let baby chew on an open tube of toothpaste
2. Let baby not only handle a bottle of Listerine, but somehow manage to unscrew the cap, pour Listerine into it, and put the full cap to his mouth. 
3.  Let baby escape wearing no diaper and just his arms through his sleeper.  Use said sleeper to clean up resulting puddle in the hallway.
4.  Accidentally put poopy diapers into washing machine full of clean, wet clothes. 
5.  Find baby after he's managed to unscrew the pump to a bottle of lotion and has a fist full of said lotion.
6.  Let baby get into dogs' water bowl.  Again. 

Let's just say I've been a very successful parent today.

The Poop Song

I know three posts is three days!

Emily and I have written a new song that I think everyone will enjoy. We sing it when we go to change Eli's dipper and we find an extra special unknown surprise.

Surprise poop!
Surprise poop, the poop your didn't expect!
Surprise poop!
Surprise poop, the poop you didn't know was there!

A food Update

I thought I would share a good recipe for kids of all ages,  Broccoli & Cheese Nuggets.

Eli LOVES them. He has been eating them so fast that I never see his mouth. All I see is his fists shoving more in. The best part is they are a great sources for protein, vitamin C and soluble fiber. The recipe calls for bread crumbs, but next time I am going to use crushed cheerios to add an extra bump in nutrition. I even liked them! Hope you all enjoy!

Broccoli & Cheese Nuggets

1 16-oz Package frozen broccoli, cooked, drained, and chopped

(note: I steamed them to help keep as much nutrition in.) 

1 cup  bread crumbs + more for "rolling"

(note: I am going to try crushed cheerios next!) 

1 ½ cups Shredded cheese 

(note: I used a mexican blend, but cheddar would work nice) 

3 Large eggs or 5 egg yolks

(note:Most pediatricians say it's ok to use whole egg in a baked good when baby is over 8-9 months old without allergies. DO WHAT YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH!)

Seasonings if you like - garlic powder, pepper,  basil & oregano

1. Pre-Heat oven to 375
2. Lightly coat a baking sheet with olive oil and set aside.
3. Combine all  ingredients and mix well. 
4. Shape mixture into balls the size of ping pong balls. 
5. Fill a small bowl with bread crumbs and then roll balls in crumbs until surface is covered.  
6. Flatten in to nuggets on  baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, turn nuggets over after 15 minutes. 

Also I should note the I modified the recipe from http://www.wholesomebabyfood.com. This site is the only baby food reference site I use. My advice to new parents that are starting solids is to read a few sites and then pick ONE that you like. You can drive yourself nuts looking up info on food and allergy. I think wholesomebabyfood.com does a good job of looking at food from all angles.

Video Tuesday: Playtime

Ok, I know I fell of the Video Tuesday wagon, but I am back and trying to make up for it. I have two video for you all.

We had some friends over for brunch and play. This is Evan and Eli.

Playdate! from Kenton Kodner on Vimeo.

Emily and Eli went over to the Deans for dinner. I watched football and missed Eli and Miss Stella acting like bears.

bear necessities from Kenton Kodner on Vimeo.

The Universe

Emily and I have had a running joke for a long time that the Universe will take care of us. Need some new underwear? Got them! An extension for that big project at work? Done! A job? ... Well not quite. Maybe the Universe is speaking to us, and it just does not want me to work.

It has been an interesting year to say the least, but our joke has turned into more of a mantra for us. Every time we need something it will show up. Even if we don't know we need it, or just started to think about needing something we will find a cheap solution.

For example when Eli was starting to want to both stand and play the Universe sent us a play table. Well  ok, it was a Hanukkah gift from my Aunt Jane. When we needed some new books to read to Eli some Dr. Seuss books showed up at Aldi's. When our family outgrew our family bed we found a way to redesign our room. I could go on and on about the fates and our friends and family that have knowingly or unknowingly helped us this year.

I have been thinking a lot about all of this. I know its all kinda over done and end of the year reflective, but it happens. I feel very blessed. I feel very lucky. I also had one thought that I wanted to pass on to everyone. Don't believe in New Years Resolutions. Instead just be a better person. Do things that make you and others feel good. Try to relax and let the Universe take care of your needs. Everything happens for a reason. Here's to a great 2011!

Month 10

Quick update. The baby is 10 months old.

Video Friday: Moving!

Ok, who cares that its Friday and not Tuesday or that I have not posted in weeks. Here is a new video for you all. Life has just become a lot more difficult for everyone one in this house except for Eli.


On the move! from Kenton Kodner on Vimeo.