To say that I’m struggling to adjust to being a working mom would be an understatement. Leaving my baby to work was something I began to dread from the moment I met her. Then she became so attached that being apart was painful for us both. The day came, and I went to work, and she surprised us all. She did so well without me. I was so proud and even a little hurt. She figured it out, just in time. This week everything I was worried about has been happening. She’s been screaming and melting down while I’m gone. Last night when I got into the car after I was done at work she was inconsolable. We drove home as quickly as possible where I nursed her and she immediately relaxed. These past few days she’s not eating or sleeping while I’m gone. My mother thinks her legs are sore from the shots she received on Monday, my husband thinks she has a cold. Maybe it’s all the avocado changing her digestion. Or maybe she’s teething. Or waiting until I get off of work at 7:30 is simply too late for her to be awake. The part that kills me is she’s fine when I’m home. Better then fine, happy, naps perfectly, giggly perfect baby. Then by the time I get home she’s so overtired and exhausted it takes almost 2 hours for me to get her to sleep. This momma is seriously hoping this passes quick or else being poor sounds like a much better option.I haven’t been cooking. I haven’t been baking. Last night I desperately wanted some cookies or a cocktail, and having neither in the house, I settled for a spoonful of peanut butter and some chocolate chips. I spend the first half of my day determined to make her as happy as possible in hopes that her afternoon and evening goes well. I’m starting to think I need a new plan of attack.This morning I was determined to eat something substantial for breakfast. But I also didn’t want to take time away from my babe. So I went with baked oatmeal. Throw it in a ramekin and set a timer. Super simple, super comforting, super filling. I threw strawberries in mine, but you could pick any fruit you like. I like to add just a tiny bit of cream to mine when it’s done baking. I love the way it softens everything up and the creamy hint it adds in the background. The cooked oatmeal stores perfectly and can easily be reheated. It’s the kind of breakfast that makes you feel like you can tackle your day, hearty and comforting, but not heavy. You could easily make this on a Sunday and freeze a couple for the week. For overwhelmed moms in all scenarios it’s a life saving breakfast.

Baked Oatmeal

Ingredients

2 cups oats
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 cup diced strawberries
A splash of cream

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all ingredients except for cream in a medium bowl. Divide among 4 ramekins and bake for 20 minutes. Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving, serve with cream and more fresh strawberries.