Morning Routine

Mornings are always very pleasant with little man Tate. He sleeps in every morning and then plays quietly in his crib until 8:30am or so. He lays there patiently until I wake up (usually to the sound of him kicking the side of his crib or saying "mama, mama") and come get him. Then we have a little quality family time before we start the day, just cuddling and talking to each other. And of course, we turn on Tate's favorite morning shows...Barney (ugh), Curious George, Clifford. Recently, however, due to our new DVR we have been watching episodes of Planet Earth instead...much more enjoyable and educational! And we eat breakfast of course, my favorite meal of the day because Tate actually eats his breakfast (the other meals of the day we are not always so lucky). He seems to love all things "breakfast": all different kinds of cereal, milk, toast, fruits, yogurt, pancakes, french toast, he LOVES his syrup, sausage and bacon, juice, etc... However, our favorite morning food seems to be the "smoothie" which I make at least two times a week. Here is the recipe if you want to try it...

Our Morning Smoothie:

1 banana

6 large frozen strawberries (from Costco)

1-6oz. container of vanilla or strawberry flavored Yoplait yogurt

1 c. milk

2-3 T. Honey

3 T. Orange Juice Concentrate

7 ice cubes

Put all the ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. If you want it thicker just add ice, if you like it thinner add milk. Serve to your child in a cup with a lid and straw, they will love it! Fast, easy, and delicious. =) ENJOY!!! **I am going to start adding fresh spinach to mine...I heard you can't taste the difference and it packs in tons of nutrients. We'll see if it works.

NOTE: I have decided that as of tomorrow, this routine is going to change. I know that I have been spoiled by having such a good sleeper, one that goes down without a fuss, sleeps through the night, and sleeps in until later in the morning...and I have taken advantage of it for long enough. Starting fresh tomorrow, I am going to wake up to the sound of an annoying alarm...bright and early. Then I am going to shower and get ready for the day before Tate wakes up. I think he will be shocked that his normal scary looking black mascara-eyed mummy(in the too little pink robe) did not greet him in an overly high pitched, "good morning" because it was still half asleep!!! I figure that I might as well get back to good habbits before the new baby comes so I can handle all the new changes of schedule that he will bring into our lives.

Tate L-O-V-E-S his breakfast...and for that I am grateful!!!