Pumpkin Soup So So

I had a lot of pre-conceived ideas about parenting prior to that glorious moment when I gazed into my son’s eyes for the first time. I know parenting is not supposed to be easy but I did not expect so much crying and whining – everyday. Which is kind of funny because I grew up in a house with nine fiercely competitive squealers, I like to call my siblings. You would think I could handle the drama…right. Well not so much as it turns out. 

A friend told me once that the child you get is supposed to challenge you in the areas you need to improve on. So far the list of challenges are quickly stacking up. Here are a few for your amusement (please note, these are just mine alone);

1. Diaper changes – my son hates to have his diaper changed but resists potty training.
2. Getting dressed in the morning – my son would love to stay in his pajamas all day if I let him.
3. Food tantrums – okay this one changes daily, it used to be food flying across the table and onto the floor. Followed by my son laughing and me crying. Now it is more, “I don’t like this…I won’t eat it.” That’s a fun one.
4. Hitting, biting and kicking – I really hope this is a short-lived phase because our cats are going to hate us – they bear the brunt of my sons animated outbursts.
5. Who’s the boss – I am often shocked and dazed when I find myself being pushed around (figuratively) by a 31lbs. toddler. My husband and I share this struggle with our mostly adorable tyke. This kid is so bossy and demanding, on the verge of down-right rudeness. We constantly remind him that he is the child and we are the parents. Aargh!

Okay, I think that this is enough for now. I will give this to an analyst for diagnosis later. I really want to get to the main reason for writing this. Since becoming a mom there is one thing I have discovered about myself, which for some who know me may be surprised to learn, is that I developed a certain flair in the kitchen. I cook more now than any other time in my entire existence. This is quite miraculous actually. I wouldn’t say that I have gone gourmet but I am making my own salad dressing from scratch and I am not afraid to use cumin in certain dishes. Part of the joy I get from cooking is having my highly skilled sous-chef, Julien S assisting me. He can’t reach the counter but he loves to smell the spices and mix the cookie dough. He is a little impatient but he follows instructions well. Last weekend Julien and I made Extra Good Alphabet Soup in a Pumpkin, a recipe we found in a children’s book The ABCs of Halloween. As all good chefs know, it is encouraged to take creative license when working with a recipe (I don’t really know if this is true or not) so of course we made some of our own enhancements. Et voilà – our first attempt at pumpkin soup. 

We had lots of fun making the soup and for the most part it turned out okay but not a good idea to serve it to friends on the first try. Especially when one of the guests is celebrating his birthday. Sorry Uncle Rob, we will make it up to you.