Foodie Baby: Got Teeth? You Know What Time It is!

To me, the beginning of summer is not indicated by the neighborhood pool opening or the moment you have to turn your air conditioner on.  To me, it is officially summer when you can EAT MESSY FOOD. Smiling slices of watermelon, ripe and red strawberries, juicy burgers, hot dogs, and steaks fresh off the grill, and BUTTERY CORN ON THE COB.

Pip is almost two, and that means she has enough chompers to truly enjoy one of summer's most pleasant experiences:  typewriter-ing an ear of corn while butter drips down her chin. It took her less than three seconds to grasp the concept and I don't think there is any going back.

In the video, she is referring to her  Great Aunt Cindy and  Great Uncle Mark with whom we just spent the weekend. She was introduced to corn kernels freshly cut FROM the cob at their house and loved it. But now she can get her very own ear like a big girl. So now I think she will always think of her Great Aunt and Uncle while enjoying her corn. Aaawwww "shucks," that's kinda sweet.

I hold onto these handles and do wha...?

Mmmmmm, this is divine.

How long have I had teeth and how long have you known about this?

Oh yeah, you and I are gonna be best friends Mr. Earofcorn.

And when we're finished, it's silly time!

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Reflections in the Kitchen Window: APPRECIATION

As I progress slowly into true womanhood, I am realizing how carelessly we use our words, some of which can be potentially hurtful or downright ignorant. I heard someone today say, "I'm starving" and thought to myself, "How unpleasant of a phrase is that?"  As long as we are able to drive to a grocery store and choose from plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, countless boxes of snack crackers, and unspoiled dairy and meat products, let's try to keep things in perspective. We are not starving. As long as there is a dollar menu at your local fast food chain, we are not starving. As long as you have a few snacks in your pantry on any given day, you are not starving. Let's get this very straight.  This is starving, when a vulture stalks a toddler. You, my friend, are not starving.:

When I first moved back to the United States from the Virgin Islands, I was so blown away by the overabundance of clean, waxy, shiny fruits and veggies in the produce section that I actually took pictures with my newborn daughter in front of them! You mean I don't have to pick through the half-rotten ones to try and find one somewhat edible?? In a normal, affordable grocery store?? And they cost how little??!!!  I was just in heaven!

To this day, I am still grateful for having such healthy variety of foods from which to choose. Somehow, someday, I hope to instill this appreciation in my little girl as well. So many go without, and sometimes you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. So while you have it, be thankful.

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