I’ve been struggling with this post for some time. About a month in fact. I wanted to share the joyous news of our newest little lady, Lucy, joining our family about 7 weeks ago, but I have literally no time. Sitting down in front of my computer is a rare occasion these days. Truth be told, I miss it. I miss staying on top of this blog, of feeling as though I’m accomplishing something besides feeding my baby and eating large quantities of cookies. Of interacting with all of you. Of knowing I will get a shower and a golden cup of coffee tomorrow morning 😉 This all makes me sound like a downer, when in reality it’s so very special. These moments aren’t happening again. I’m trying my best to throw myself into Lucy’s world and take whatever I can from it; whether it is the best smiles on earth, or sleepless nights.
The other day was the first time Lucy smiled at me (and not because she was gassy, but because I think she actually recognized me and apparently enjoys the song “The wheels on the bus”). There’s something about these precious moments. A part of me said “grab your phone and take a photo!”, but I knew I just needed to enjoy that moment on my own. It was too special to share or document. A moment that I hope I’ll carry with me always.
Blogging has become a real challenge. I feel extremely guilty taking any time away from our twins, Zoe and Isla, in addition to the demands of Lucy being a newborn. Not to mention a few moments to myself to do things like shower, eat something that resembles a meal, etc. I’m having to work on avoiding the mom guilt as much as I can. Finding balance of any kind is extremely difficult as a parent, especially when you have a newborn.
Our food life has taken a beating. Take out and delivery is much more common than it ever was. We never got delivery or take out until we had kids. Our meals are now much more strategically planned. It has to pass the Zoe and Isla test, because there is no way I’m making more than one meal at a time. This also means, it has to be balanced and healthy. I’m not talking extreme clean eating, but rather eating all foods in moderation to make sure we’re getting all our nutrients. Being a nursing mom this is hard. I’m hungry all of the time. No joke. And I need treats. Not want, but need those additional calories.
I’ve been making a lot of kitchen sink meals. Ramen or soup like noodles in particular.They’re easy, healthy and satisfying. Below is my recipe for quick and easy Coconut Turmeric Noodle Soup. If you’re vegetarian don’t add the chicken and you’ve still got a delicious meal.
- 1 lb skinless / boneless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion finely diced
- 1 large head of broccoli stem removed and large florets separated
- 1 bell pepper sliced
- 100 grams mushrooms sliced (optional)
- 1 x 14 oz can coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- salt and pepper
- 4 ramen cakes or other noodles cooked as per package instructions
- 1 lime cut into wedges
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In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat until starting to brown. About 3-4 minutes. Add onion and mushrooms and cook, occasionally stirring for about 3 minutes. Add broccoli and pepper. Cook for a couple of minutes and add turmeric and if using, red pepper flakes. Stir for about a minute until fragrant.
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Add coconut milk and broth and stir until well blended. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are crisp tender and flavours have blended nicely.
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Serve soup on top of noodles in bowls with a wedge of lime or squeeze wedge for lime juice in soup.
Enjoy! xo
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