Optimist meets Reality

Remember a few months back when I was talking about all of these new recipes I wanted to try to cook when I got off bedrest? Ask me how many I've made so far... AHEM... zero! And why do you suppose that is? I guess you could say I have had my hands full! Here are my excuses:

• I somehow thought there would be a period of time between the end of bedrest and the birth of Abigail.
• During the initial weeks when Abigail slept most of the day, I was too exhausted to be inspired... and too busy pumping and feeding.
• Now that things in the baby department are "settling down", I have a million projects that have piled up over the months and need to be done, so cooking during the day doesn't seem like an option.
• Did anyone ever mention that babies like to be held a lot? Mine is especially clingy (and of course, I love her for it!). So, although my sling and front carrier are fabulous tools for keeping her close while I move about, I don't think it's a good idea to use them near a stove or oven. I do use them while eating and feel guilty if I drop a crumb on her little head (sometimes I have to cover her head with a napkin!).
• Evenings seem like the most logical time to cook... Tony is often home, so it should be easy, right? Well, besides the fact that I am often tired by then, did you know that babies have a witching hour? Yep! Abbie's usually starts around 5pm and lasts till 8pm. Not exactly conducive to experimental cooking, which requires me being relaxed and inspired.

So, I guess you could say that my best excuse for living off of cereal, PB&J, and the same ol' chicken, shrimp, steak, and pasta boringness is this beautiful "little" face right here...

And, for now, that's OK by me!

Side note... It seems that a lot of people get professional photos taken of their family when a new baby is born. I've decided that we don't need to, since we have a "pro" in the family... my dad! He took this picture, and I bet that if I ask nicely, he'll take more. Actually, he'll probably keep clicking that shutter until his index finger falls off, whether I ask or not! Aren't we lucky?? :D