To my Doodle

I know all moms say that they love their kids, but goodness. My heart is just filled with love for my boys. Robbie is learning 'mine' and 'you'. It just blows my mind. New Year's will always be a time of reflection for me. Robbie's birthday is just a week away, and he's my first baby. I can't believe he's going to be two!! Before having kids I gave great thought to becoming a mother, what my motive was. I didn't just want a snuggly baby, I understood that babies grow into toddlers who grow into children, then teenagers and adults. I knew that making the decision to have a baby really meant I was deciding to bring a life into this world and it would be my job to teach and mold this child into a functioning adult who could contribute to society. That being said, when they put that baby in my arms I just melted, fell right in love with the baby who rushed to make an appearance. He hasn't changed one bit. He likes to be first, to be right up in the middle of whatever is going on. He is fearless the way little boys are. He likes to climb high, slide fast and run until he falls down. He's a tough little guy until he needs a kiss to make it better. He is strong willed and just because I tell him to do something doesn't mean he's going to. He likes to push the limits. He's also so tender hearted. Robbie is an amazing big brother, he loves Timmy and gives kisses and hugs all the time. He's so helpful too. Just today as we were headed back to my room for nap time, joking I told Robbie to carry Timmy back to bed. Without missing a beat he sticks his bottle in between his teeth and holds his arms out. Tonight as I was watching him fall asleep I saw the trust and love in his eyes, as he peacefully went off to dream land. In the midst of a horrible time in my life, God dropped this precious child right into my life. He brightens my day and makes me want to be a better person. Momma loves you Robbie.

One of Robbie's favorite dishes, Chicken un pot pie

I use leftover rotissere chicken or roasted chicken for this, I just cube up what I have and set it aside.
In a pot I bring 2 quarts of chicken stock to a boil and add in a bag of frozen dumplings and boil until almost done, reduce heat and add a jar of chicken gravy and a bag of frozen mixed veggies. Then I add the chicken and let it bubble on the stove until it thickens a bit. What you end up with tastes like the insides of a chicken pot pie, but you don't need the pie crust because of the noodles.
Have a picky eater who doesn't like the veggies? Before you add the noodles to the broth to boil, add the veggies and cook until tender. Then puree the veggies with the broth and add the noodles to cook. :)