A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

Peaking in and out of doors and windows is one of her favorite things to do. Especially when dogs are involved.

A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

Right before bed tonight she got to give the dogs some treats. She some how managed to sneak one in her mouth without my noticing. Suddenly she’s looking at me going “mmmmmm mmmmmmm mmmmmmmmmmmm”. She obliges easily when I ask her to open her mouth, and does so with a huge smile. Apparently chicken and cheese Charlie Bears are delicious.

I only took 2 photos today. Oops. So today’s photo is another toddler fashion shot. Some lady called her hip at the library last weekend. It’s becoming glaringly obvious she’s the best dressed in this family.

A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

18 months. One and a half years. 546 days. That’s how old this little girl is. She amazes me in so many ways, the least of which is her ability to adapt and survive. She doesn’t have to do it these days, but she sure did at the beginning. This kids will to live is strong and I am grateful for it every day(and occasionally the petty side of me wants to stick my tongue out at a few NICU nurses and swear like a sailor). Look at this girl now.

She woke up from her nap howling today. Literally, howling like the dogs she loves so much. She giggled and cuddled up in my lap.

The way they change when they’re so small, it’s almost imperceptible, until one day you look back and realize, holy shit you’re a whole new person. It continues to floor me regularly.

To go back and tell my pre-baby self that I would love so deeply, that my life would start over on that day…I doubt I would have believed it. Happy 1.5 years to my sweet girl today.

A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

I’m totally biased, but Jesus this kid is beautiful. I love that she still fits into the sweater her grandma made.

Holy shit I’m posting a recipe.

It’s almost April and this is the first one this year. I’m sure everyone loves the adorable kid pictures, but I still attempt(and fail a lot more often) to cook good food. I may not have pulled out my camera to photograph it well, but this dish was good enough to share. It was simple and delicious. And cooked perfectly. The kid devoured it. The photo is mama and toddler food, and she ate that entire little plate, plus two more. It may have had something to do with the sauce I’m guessing. Anything cheese, sour cream, yogurt or mayonnaise based(all of which she calls neng-neng)gets gobbled up in seconds.

Salmon with Peas and Broccoli

4 salmon filets
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
1 cup broccoli fresh or frozen florets
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lime juice
1 teaspoon milk or cream
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper

1. Heat a large skillet(I used cast iron, we use it for everything) over medium high heat. In a large pot bring heat water to boil. Season salmon with salt and pepper. Add olive oil to skillet and add salmon, being careful of placement as you wont be able to move it for a bit without damaging the fish. Cook until fish begins to release from pan, about 3-4 minutes depending on thickness. Add peas and broccoli to boiling water. They will be done in 2-4 minutes along with your fish. Meanwhile make the sauce. Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, milk or cream and dill. Drain the peas and broccoli and top with fish. Add butter to hot pan to melt and drizzle over fish.

A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

She demands we sit on every bench when we go walking.

A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

As we waited for the St Patricks Day parade to start today she was intrigued by the coffee shop dwelling hipsters trying to work or study in a completely packed shop, ignoring everyone around them(including her, much to her dismay). To think last year at this time this was her, and one of our first ventures out into the world at large.

A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

Sweaty, sweaty sleeper.

A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

My head has been spinning a bit these past few days. Thoughts with relatives in the hospital, stupid unimportant stress at work, and the possibility of moving…

Moving. We’ve been here for four and a half years now. It’s not perfect, but it’s home. Our landlord is aging and wants to sell, he’s offered us the house, but I don’t know if I even want it or if its a smart decision. I’ve spent the week scouring the rental ads only to find exactly NOTHING that will work. Apparently as far as rentals go our house is a freaking steal.

Before she was born we had been looking to buy, and found a house that was in need of work, but our absolute ideal home. Then she came a few days later with her complicated heart and we blew through everything we had saved and someone else bought that beautiful home dirt cheap.

I had hoped we would have a few more years here, to get back some financial stability, to decide on a second child or not. Now it feels like those decisions are all closing in quite quickly.

This house is the only home she’s ever known. If we move on to another rental will it just be house after house? That’s not what I want for her. I want her to grow up in the same bedroom, with the same back yard, and the same neighbors.

Whatever we decide, wherever we land, I hope she handles the transition well. I think she will, as long as we are by her side.

Today she howled at the puppies as we left for the store. She’s really perfected her howl, it’s quite adorable.

A portrait of my daughter every day in 2014

I’m not sure what’s happening in this photo but it involved putting on boots and blankets and she was having a really good time.