Still talking food

Okay, so I intended for a lot of this to be about food, as well as being a mom and having a family. Even more than pregnancy, breastfeeding is about eating for two. You are 'supposed' to eat 2,700 calories to support it, but I'm pretty sure that I don't come close to that on most days. I thought it would be no problem, but I still try to eat the 'right' calories (including at least one cookie per day) and really, eating at all can be an issue.

As you know now, poor little Zeke had to be in the NICU the first two days of his life, which lead to issues with my milk coming in and his weight loss. At our 1 week doctor appointment, I was threatened that he would be put in the hospital if we didn't get it up. We pumped him full of high calorie formula and all the breast milk I could produce, and viola! he gained 8 oz overnight. Yes, half a pound and all of the docs were amazed. Anyway, the pediatrician that we saw the next day (to confirm that he had gained weight) perscribed some natural ways to help with my milk production: oatmeal for breakfast, barley soup for lunch, mother's milk tea and Guinness. I was so happy to drink a Guinness per day on doctor's orders. I do love oatmeal, and took this as an opportunity to get creative with it. So, here is my breakfast, most days. It's delicious and nutricious. Plus, at our 2 week appointment, Zeke had grown and inch and a half and gained one pound and 3 ounces since the weigh in appointment (that's a whopping 27 ounces since his one week appointment).

Mama's oatmeal:

Bring 1 cup water and 1 T half and half to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and add a heaping 1/2 cup oats (quick or regular, your call), about 20 raisins or more to taste and 1 t vanilla. Stir until cooked, about 2-6 minutes. Pour into a bowl and sprinkle with 1 t brown sugar (if you need the extra calories, of course). Yum.

And a cute Isaiah shot, b/c that's really why you're reading...