Snow and no

It has been snowing since about 6 this morning, we have about 5-6 inches and counting. It is really beautiful and offers some sort of peace to the trying past couple of days. Overnight my little guy decided that it was more fun to snub his nose at any kind of food I offered him. Rather than eating his food he proceeded to squash, smear, play, throw, and reject anything that touched his tray. I was ready to yank out my hair and had a few good crying sessions as I somehow took his rejection as a reflection of my mommy skills. Thankfully I received good news.....this is normal.

Whew.  I seriously thought somehow I had completely ruined my child and turned him into a ritz cracker and cheese guy for life. This morning I actually woke up feeling refreshed and somewhat normal as I had finally had a full nights sleep....it had been about a week. A week of no sleep does something awful to a person and their ability to look at life with a clear focus.  I was more tired than the first months after Cole was born. Thankfully I no longer felt like a walking zombie and was actually feeling pretty optimistic about the whole "food" situation.  My focus was clear and I was ready to embrace this stage that my sweet boy was at.

Then he decided that naps were for babies. And that he was a toddler. And that the two were not meshing to his liking. 

3 hours later......

I had a baby that could barely hold his eyelids open and he finally succumbed to the sleep that he so desperately needed. And I have a moment to stare blankly at the beautiful fluffy fluff that is gracefully falling from the sky.

Honestly, I think someone was just too excited about his first "snow day". 

He stood with his face smashed against the window for a good ten minutes.  

I love him, food fights and all. He is my joy. But as much joy as he brings me I still look forward to his naptime. It gives me a few moments to make myself presentable, and sit down to eat something. Today I couldn't have been more thankful that I had a bowl of this waiting for me....

This was exactly what I needed, the perfect snowy day combo. It warmed be from the inside out and made me want to curl up next to a fire and sleep for awhile. Who knows, maybe I will.

Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
Adapted from All recipes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 pound cooked, chicken breast shredded
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (16 ounce) package mini potato gnocchi
• 1 (6 ounce) bag baby spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (optional)
• 1/2 can of condensed 2% milk
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1-2 tsp Costco's Organic 21 no salt 21 spice (the best ever!)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion, celery, garlic, and carrots in the hot oil until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in cubed chicken and chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
2. Stir gnocchi into the simmering soup and cook until they begin to float, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in spinach; cook until wilted, about 3 additional minutes.
3. Whisk cornstarch into cold water until smooth. Stir cornstarch mixture and milk into simmering soup. Cook until soup thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt, black pepper, and seasoning.