Real Simple

I'm due for an update. The only problem? There isn't much to share. Life is as simple as it has ever been at the Hook home. I can't really complain about it. Life is good. I will probably look back on these days and laugh -because I'm sure our home will get crazier in the years ahead.

Clara keeps us on our toes daily - she's full of so much fun and life. She's not crawling quite yet, but likes getting up on all fours and rocking. She's also a pro at scooting around the wood floors of the living room on her tummy....backwards. She hasn't quite mastered the forward motion, so she'll wedge herself into corners and chairs. Or in this case, a bucket. It's great.

She's also loving trying lots of new foods. Mostly. She initially disliked green beans and carrots, but has been eating them pretty well these days. The latest disappointment? She can't stand avocado. Won't even attempt to swallow it. The funny part was that I was really excited to try it since other babies I know love it. Not the Claranator. Since I purchased two bags of them from the Rosaures produce sale, I have been busting out other avocado recipes. This one is from my good friend, Shelley. If Clara liked her avocados, I may not have made this recipe, so maybe it's okay. I will not give up, though :). Someday she will like avocados. If you're an avo lover, here's Shelley's recipe:

Cowboy Caviar

1 can of shoepeg corn, drained (used Costco frozen corn instead)

1 can blackeyed peas, drained

1 bunch chopped cilantro

1 bunch chopped green onions (didn't have any, so I used red onion)

2 diced roma tomatos

2 cubed avocado's

*I added some green bell pepper since I had some

Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup white wine vinegar

2 cloves garlic

1 tsp cumin

s & p to taste

splash of lime

Which leads me to one of my New Years resolutions, which is to make at least one completely new recipe each week. In addition to cowboy caviar, I've made homemade caramel corn, real refried beans, and Julia Child's chocolate cake (I messed it up really bad, but oh well ). So that's another thing I've been up to. Cooking & baking. Oh, and making lots of baby food. That's right. I'm totally granola. Cloth diapers and homemade baby food. This is a glimpse of our freezer door...

In addition, I am whipping myself into shape. New Years resolution #2: run my first half-marathon. Yep. It is on the calendar, ladies and gentleman. May 15th - paid for even. My good friend, Carly (had her baby 6 weeks ago - an inspiration) is running it with me. So my week also consists of three runs and a 5:30 am pilates class. Now that I've posted this on my blog I can't back out :). That and I've already paid $65, so this is for real!

Hmmm. What else? I get some quality time with my niece since I watch her for one day a week. Isn't she just precious? It's fun to watch Clara & Sophia interact (or Clara attempt to destroy her cousin). Don't worry, Anna, I grabbed Clara right after I clicked this picture. She didn't hurt Sophia ;)

I guess that's it for now. Just a few more of the girly goo's faces. She's so fun. I know I've already said that.