The Food That Nourishes us (Part 1)

When I was pregnant with Liam, there were some common questions I would get from people. There were the general ones that most pregnant women get like when are you due? Is it a boy or girl? Are you ready? Then the more personal one I got was if I was going to breastfeed. I didn't mind this question, but I had heard that breastfeeding is hard, and that it doesn't always work out. Since he was my first baby, I didn't have any idea if it would work out or not, so I always just said: I'd like to, if it works out.

When Liam was born he was one month early. He latched on OK, but he would fall asleep within minutes, sometimes seconds, of eating. I was told this is pretty normal for babies to sleep a lot after they are born, but Preemies sleep even more! So the doctors and nurses were fairly concerned about him not eating. I tried giving him formula through a tube to simulate breastfeeding, I even tried a bottle. Each person came in with their own advice, and I would listen and try their way, then time would pass so quickly and the next shift would arrive and they would have different advice that I would try. Some were more concerned than others, and after a while I just didn't know what to think! Liam cried a lot and so did I. The Doctor was so concerned that he ordered for Liam to have his blood levels tested through the night, and also had us stay an extra day to make sure he started to eat. One of the nurses brought me a pump which helped a little. One thing that I didn't know is that it can take 4-5 days for your milk to come in. Before that there is a small amount of colostrum that is really high in calories and has all sorts of antibodies to help your baby stay healthy.

After we went home he started to be less sleepy, and more hungry. It took a couple of weeks for him to gain back what he lost from his birth weight. While on my maternity leave, I mostly nursed him except if we went somewhere, or if Mike wanted to feed him. Ever since he got the hang of eating, he has had a HUGE appetite and he more than doubled his weight by the time he was 3 months! After starting work, I pumped for him, and he has gradually started to prefer the bottle. Partly I think it's just easier for him to eat, and partly he is at an age that he is more aware of things going on around him, he gets distracted easily. I am constantly amazed by what my body is capable of doing. First it grew this little person inside, and now it continues to grow this amazing BIG person outside!

The Food That Nourishes Us (Part 2)

So speaking of food that is growing this amazing person, I do try to make a conscience effort to eat well. Now, I'm not perfect, I do sneak some sweets in here and there, but I want to make sure that I eat healthy to keep him healthy. When he starts to eat solid foods, we would like him to enjoy foods from all over the world. I'm not sure if the food I eat helps him get "a taste" for certain foods, but if it does then he will certainly love spicy foods! Several weeks ago we saw this movie called 'Bend It Like Beckham' and they shared a recipe for Aloo Gobi. The first time Mike made it he put the entire chili (seeds and all) in. I had a few bites, but it was so hot, I wasn't able to really enjoy it. Sunday night he made it a second time, but didn't put the seeds in this time. It was VERY GOOD! Here is the recipe for those of you out there that like to try new recipes.

Aloo Gobi
Ingredients :
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, minced
1 bunch cilantro, stems chopped and leaves reserved
1 head cauliflower, chopped into large pieces ( not florets )
3 large or 4 medium waxy skinned potatoes like Yukon Gold
although russet potatoes will work, peeled and cut into medium-ish pieces
2 14oz cans of diced tomatoes. Drain the tomatoes and reserve the juice
2 serrano chilies chopped ( remove some seeds and ribs for less heat )
1 ½ Tbsp chopped garlic
1 ½ Tbsp grated fresh ginger root
1 Tbsp dried cumin seeds
2 tsp turmeric
1 ½ - 2 tsp salt
¾ tsp paprika
2 tsp garam masala

Preparation :
-Add oil to large wok type pan and heat to medium high heat.
-Add onion and cumin seeds and stir fry until onion is translucent / lightly golden.
-Add chopped cilantro stems, fry for one minute, then add turmeric, paprika and salt.
-Stir fry mixture for a few minutes until the spices have combined with the oil/onion mixture.
-Add the chilies, diced tomatoes, ginger, garlic and about 1/3 cup of reserved tomato juice.
-Stir and cook until the mixture is well combined.
** Remaining instructions will vary depending on temp, vegetable size, and preference....
** If at any point the mixture becomes too dry, add water or more reserved tomato juice
** Stir occasionally to ensure coating, cooking and to prevent burning
-Add potatoes, mix thoroughly, reduce heat slightly, cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
-Add Cauliflower, any needed water/juice, stir well to coat, cover cook for another 10 minutes
-Once potato and cauliflower is cooked through, sprinkle the garam masala and some chopped cilantro leaves over the top of the meal. Remove from heat, allow to stand for 15 minutes before serving