Yes, Life Needs Sugar

Somehow, another two weeks have passed and I find myself the mother of a five month old. Yes, a FIVE month old! This past week, I reflected on how much my daughter has changed in just five short months. The developmental changes that a little one goes through from the moment they’re born are amazing. Each day, I learn new things Addisyn can do. Each week there are several new “firsts” added to the list. This week Addisyn spent her first Sunday in the nursery at church, I went on my first girls outing without her, and she ate her first solid meal of avocado. Amidst all these changes, life still goes on and there are still tasks and chores to be accomplished. The catch is now… that most of these tasks are one-handed or with minimal attention.

Cooking and baking, like many other experiences with an infant, become brand new challenges. The kitchen is a great example of just how challenging simple tasks can be for busy moms.  Being well aware that a task in the kitchen that would typically take a couple hours pre-baby, is more likely to take somewhere around three to four with baby, I sat out preparing pot-roast and veggies, cheddar bay biscuits, home made red-velvet cupcakes, and gluten-free brownies to deliver to friends who just welcomed their third child. Those meals we received in the first week with Addisyn were a life-saver, and knowing how important they were for us, I wanted this meal to be delicious and filling. As I worked the day away between feedings and nap time, I had nothing but the brownies left to whip up. Addisyn joined me in the kitchen, busily tasting every page of her crinkle story book as I threw in the ingredients without concern because come on…it’s just brownies. Mix all the ingredients, place it in the pan, while continuing the never-ending talking, babbling, and singing to entertain the little one, simple enough. (Any other mommas noticed that you often morph into a very weak rendition of a Disney character just to accomplish a task some days? I often wonder the reaction I would receive for folding laundry amidst piles of toys in my living room and singing something that makes absolutely no sense complete with sound effects and dance moves, just to keep my little one happy. And that is life these days!) So… imagine my delight when the kitchen is cleaned, the brownies are in the oven, my happy girl is still giggling away and it’s not even lunch time yet. I turn my attention to what I’ll prepare my own family for dinner and take a few minutes to chill out with my baby girl. The timer goes off, and I grab the brownies out of the oven anxious for a taste test of my new recipe before sharing. Except… they don’t look appetizing at all. Actually, they look like the saddest brownies I’ve ever seen. Not a fan of chocolate, and never having made gluten-free brownies before I commence the taste test only to immediately spit the brownie out of mouth. ATROCIOUS! Is this what gluten-free brownies are all about? There’s no way this is actually something someone thinks is edible… as my mind ponders what gluten-free alternative I’ll provide for the family I’m delivering dinner to, I retrace the ingredients and steps of my brownies.  Only to realize that my sugar canister is sitting untouched on the counter. I never put a single ounce of sugar in those brownies. No wonder they were horrid!

Life, like brownies, often needs sugar. It’s easy to forget what the brownies need when your focus is on the adorable tiny hands and face that so desperately demand your attention. It’s easier to forget what YOU need as a mother. For the many days that there’s no time for makeup (you’re lucky you showered, woman!) there needs to be days that you take a few extra moments to consider wearing something not adorned with spit-up for a bit.  For the days that the to-do list continues to grow, you need to incorporate moments where you tell that list to kick rocks, and take an extra long walk. Or do nothing…yes…sitting and doing nothing might just be the winner! My favorite part of the day is when I awaken to the cooing of my daughter over the monitor, but my second favorite part of the day is when I place her in her crib for the night and I climb into the arms of my husband to cuddle for a bit. That’s when I get my sugar rush and remember the importance of taking time for the sweetness of life.  Whether it’s a minute here, a second there, a pedicure, a solo trip to the store, a big chocolate chip cookie (or two), a minute with your feet up, whatever it is… do something for yourself daily.  That little bit of sweetness for yourself will keep you going through the chaos and serve up a much more delicious you!

And don’t worry, after trashing the brownies, I made gluten-free coconut chocolate chip cookies, and they were complete with plenty of sugar!