Some merry Christmas cakes to start the day! We didn’t have the best night’s sleep last night. I was up for the better part of the early morning and kept telling myself I could just sleep in if I needed to recover. But then it was morning and then I smelled the coffee and then I thought about pancakes and soon enough I was up cooking them!
These were Kodiak cakes with 1/4 cup pumpkin stirred in topped with banana, granola, sunbutter and some Christmas sprinkles!
Santa Claus is comin’ to town.
Maze and Matt had some fun play time before work – they did not want to part!
I worked on the computer during naptime today (cloth diaper post underway…) and also made my lunch an hour before I was ready for it. Gotta make hay while the sun shines!
When it was time to eat, I had sweet potato slices baked and a salad assembled and just had to add the fun toppings!
This was a pile of mixed greens, bell peppers, carrots from our garden and cucumber in a drizzle of oil and salt.
Next layer was goat cheese, a sliver of smoked salmon and almonds.
Baked sweet potatoes dotted the edges.
This salad totally rocked! Sweet potatoes, goat cheese and salmon are 3 of my top 10 favorite foods (don’t ask for the others – I could never decide! Although Greek yogurt, oats and buttercream frosting would be on that list!)
Later this afternoon I met some friends on the trail for a walk. Stroller power! We covered nearly 4 miles in 90 minutes and the babies loved every second.
Is your mama a llama?!
Post hike snack was chopped pear with granola and almond butter with chia seeds on top. One of my very favorite snacks!!
This evening, Matt and I had the pleasure of attending the Junior League Holiday Party as a guest of my friend Sarah. It was fun to put on heels and a dress for the first time in a looooong while!
Karen graciously watched Mazen while Matt and I went out together {thanks Karen!}.
We walked to the party – I wore boots and packed my heels on my back and swapped right when we arrived.
The party was a blast – tons of amazing apps from Bang!
Shrimp cocktail
Breads with cheese + hummus
Tomatoes with basil and mozzarella
Mac and cheese, chickpea spring rolls, crab empanadas, chicken skewers, bacon-wrapped dates!!!
And some amazing butternut squash soup
For dessert there was a candy bar, and I loved the pretzel chocolate sticks and M&Ms! M&Ms are sooo Christmas to me – my grandmother Younger always had a bowl of them for munching at Christmastime!
Unfortunately our evening was cut a little short when Mazen decided to refuse his bottle. We rushed home (thanks for the ride John!) to swoop in. He eventually calmed down and took it, but not without some serious soothing first. Poor little guy. He’s having story time with his dad now, and bedtime’s not far behind for us all.
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat says
What a fun foodie party! I’m glad you enjoyed the time you had there!
Jordan @ Eat for Health, Eat for Fun says
I’m glad you made kodiak cakes, it reminds me to put it on my list to pick some up!! Love Mazen’s little expressions, he’s such a doll
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
What a fun night out, even if it ended on a quick note home. 🙂
Lindsey @ Pas de Deux says
I love the penguin PJs Maze is wearing in those photos! What a lovely day.
Hillary says
all of those appetizers sounds delicious… and what a pretty pearl necklace 🙂
Patty says
Looks like a fun party! Might want to double check that typo around the empanada line.
Crab empanadas sound more delish! 🙂
KathEats says
I did : )
Katy says
Sounds delightful, but do tell on the “crap empanadas” 🙂 Never had them!
KathEats says
Hahahha. Ooppps!
Katy says
Typos are funny when they spell naughty words 🙂
Marcia says
Ha! For some reason I always mistype crab as crap. And I love crab!
coco says
I want your lunch salad, it looks scrumptious!!!!!!!!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
Looks like a fun party! YUM! I’m glad you chose the bare leg. 😉
I need to remember to use sprinkles on breakfast, that’s a great way to start the day!
Vivi says
That party looks lovely! I don’t know how its possible, but Maze gets cuter by the post!
Ellen says
Fun!
ps. crap empanadas?
KathEats says
Fixed it : )
Elise @ Expeditions of Elise says
Those pancakes look amazing, as does that salad! Smoked salmon is so amazing. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!
Ashley @ Coffee Cake and Cardio says
What a fun evening!!
Sara @ fitcupcaker says
Aw poor baby needed his momma. All that food looked so good and reading all these Friday posts makes me want to make pancakes this weekend! I am excited!
Jen says
Aw, poor Karen. It’s so hard when a baby won’t eat. Have you guys considered going back to doing a bottle once a day?
KathEats says
Yeah, we might need to do one every few days to keep him used to it. I think he was just upset or really tired in combo because he took half of it fine from Matt once we calmed him with nursing. Or it could have just been something else that was wrong.
Allison k says
Anderson did the same thing at that age for my mom. I went to a wedding and it took my mom 3 hours to get him to take the bottle. I felt terrible! Eventually he took it and went to sleep. He has subsequently taken bottles from various people with no problems..and he doesn’t get one regularly. I think the episode with my mom was just him being a baby/the tail of a wonder week.
KathEats says
It must be so frustrating to be the grandmas in that situation! 3 hours of crying : (
Claire says
We had HUGE issues with our DD refusing bottles around Mazen’s age (after initially being fine it), so I really recommend having Mazen take one every few days if possible – what I would recommend is having Karen try to give him a bottle when he’s happy and relaxed and not too hungry, so they can start to figure it out together in a non-stressful situation. It took 3 weeks of trial and error for my DD to take a bottle from my husband (and I had to go back to work only one week after she started taking the bottle – it was nerve-wracking!). We also had to switch to the bottles that work best with bottle-refusing babies – Playtex drop-ins with latex orthodontic nipples. If you do some research, most bottle-refusing babies do well with that combo.
Good luck!
KathEats says
That’s definitely what we need to do re. Karen when he’s calm. I think he was upset first, refusing second
Anna W. says
you’re not alone….
neither is karen.
or mazen for that matter!
hope things improve…
Allison k says
I know! My mom told me she would have called me to come home earlier…. But she thought he was always on the verge of stopping…he would almost settle with the bottle and then start up again. Poor little man!
JenP says
The llama reminds me of some of my favorite books when my boys were younger – Llama Llama Mad at Mama, Llama Llama Red Pajama, etc. They are very cute! I’m loving all of your stories and pictures of Mazen. He’s adorable and makes me whistfully remember my boys’ baby years. Sigh. It goes so fast!
Jenny says
Sounds like your party was a blast! My youngest daughter refused bottles until she was 3 months old. I started to panic when I was about to return to work because I do not have a job that would accommodate me leaving twice a day to feed her. We discovered that she would take a bottle only if it was warm. So, we bought a bottle warmer from target and it changed everything. Might be something to consider…. Your son is adorable!
Averie @ Averie Cooks says
When I used to live downtown Chicago when I was young and going out, I would wear boots to parties and bring my heels with me – between the weather, walking, Windy City, snow, and drinks 🙂 not walking in heels in the winter was nice! ha!
You look great all decked out in the dress and glad you had a fun time!
Your sweet potatoes look glorious.
Liz @ Tip Top Shape says
Aaww, you looked so pretty for that event! Love that dress!!
Melissa says
As a fellow nursing mom I’m curious on if you pump when Mazen has a bottle or not? It’s my understanding that is what you should do to not screw up your supPly so I thought I would ask. Also when do yOu pumP to get the milk for the bottle you do give him? Thanks!
KathEats says
Yes I do, although in the early weeks I slept through one feeding (4 hours) and didn’t pump but never two. My supply seems fine with that. Now that he eats less frequently, I don’t think I could skip one
Anna says
my babies never took to the bottle — i met a lot of moms who had the same situation. i hated pumping – time consuming, painful, no real break from nursing, and pump clean up. i gave up trying the bottle when my 1st was 3 months and it was a relief (we tried so many types, using a doll, blanket, sometimes i would leave, making sure she was hungry, etc). we did solids around 5 1/2 months which gave me that small babysitting window. i think by 9 months she was only nursing before naps and bedtime. i gave up quickly with my newborn — now at 2 months old, i’ve found nursing is way less hassle than even trying bottles.
every mom has do to what works for them but i wanted to let you know it’s not odd that your little guy hates bottles! i think i was traumatized by all of our attempts and thought something was wrong in a way since so many babies take bottles like it’s nothing. the baby period is over so quick i really wouldn’t stress.
Stefanie @ Thin Vegetarian says
Such a festive breakfast! I had trouble sleeping last night too…hopefully we both have better luck tonight!
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
Mazen is so stinkin’ adorable! Sounds like you got some good adult time in before having to get back to the little man. I hope you have a great Friday Kath!
sarah venn says
So excited for the cloth diaper post!!!
Jackie says
I finally did it. I made spicy pecans. I kind of wish I didn’t..ok that’s a lie. I have made them twice. They’re so incredible 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
[email protected] says
Those pancakes looks INCREDIBLE!!! So thick and fluffy! Love the dress! Not a baby tummy insight, what’s your secret 🙂
Rachel says
It sounds kind of odd when you say “Mazen decided to refuse his bottle.” He’s a baby. He can’t decide anything. He refused the bottle because he’s not used to getting them! Maybe I’m just being pregnant and hormonal but a lot of the time, the way you write about your son makes it sound like he’s purposely interfering with your life. (Wanted to nurse so you had to eat a cold meal, he was fussy so you didn’t get enough sleep, etc.) These seem to me like things that are to be expected with a completely dependent baby, but you make them sound like purposeful inconveniences to your life. Just food (no pun intended!) for thought about the way you write about him and his needs.
KathEats says
Rachel, comments like these are why mom blogs are peppered with disclaimers. “John refused a bottle” is a VERY common phrase, and it isn’t implying by the speaker that they are blaming the baby for anything. I’m the one writing the blog, so if he was fussy and I had to eat cold food or I’m sleep deprived, that’s what happened. It’s part of the story of my meals and days. That doesn’t imply at ALL in the moment I didn’t drop everything without a thought to tend to his every need.
Aimee says
I believe Rachel’s point was that you use the word “decided”. Have to agree with her – I’ve picked up on that too. I don’t think anyone doubts that you tend to his every need, but the way it is written comes across the way Rachel described.
Mom says
I disagree about the “decided.” I believe we all make decisions, right from birth. Babies are smart!
Maeve says
I don’t know….I have a hard time believing that a 3 month old is making a conscious decision to refuse a bottle. If the little guy is upset, he is at that moment caught up in his emotions. I know that when I’m upset, I have no interest in eating — but it doesn’t feel like a conscious decision to not eat.
Mom says
Well maybe they don’t make decisions like we do, but I used to love watching my babies study their toys and then choose one. To me, that’s a decision. Maze, whom since I’m the grandma I get to say, seems very smart, might not have liked how the bottle was working and so he decided not to try anymore and just to cry. I adore babies and think they have senses and skills we don’t think they have!
Lisa says
I don’t want to get in on the discussion about whether or not Kath correctly describes her interaction with Mazen (because, quite frankly, it is silly to demand that someone perfectly meet our reading needs) HOWEVER, I must chime in on this comment in the name of science. Babies do not have fully functioning cognitive abilities, meaning the parts of their brain that make “decisions” are not developed until the age of 2-3. So, no babies do not make decisions.
KathEats says
Lisa I don’t think she is talking about cognitive decisions. We all know he’s too young for that. More instinctual or need-based decisions are still decisions.
Kate says
I hate to beat a dead horse, but there is a clear difference between instinct and decision. Beings with cognitive abilities can choose to make a decision that takes their gut instinct into account. Or, they can ignore their instincts and make a decision based on other factors. Babies and animals, who do not have cognitive reasoning powers, act on instinct alone. They do not make decisions in the true sense of the word!
Mom says
Maze does! He told me so.
Annie says
Curious as to what “decisions” a newborn/infant could possibly make. I know there are theories re: sleep training, schedules, etc., but most of those exclude newborns.
Jen says
I think you could also be more cognizant about talking about Karen. She is so sweet to babysit so often for you, and I am confidedent you don’t mean to do this, but it sometimes sounds like you blame her for Mazen not taking a bottle. It seemed like from her comment the other day, she feels like that, too (she explained why she wasn’t comfortable giving him a bottle.) Ultimately, it’s her choice to help out and babysit and I think you could write in a way that seemed more appreicative of that, and not that it’s Karen’s fault (or Maze’s) that you had to leave the party early.
KathEats says
We are very appreciative and I thanked her in the post (so I wouldn’t be accused of being ungrateful!) and several times in person. I also didn’t blame anyone for leaving the party…again, I’m just sharing what happened. The crying was upsetting to us all, but it’s not anyone’s fault.
Patti says
I’ve picked up on this as well… I don’t think you actually FEEL that way, kath, because you are probably a sweetie, but it’s more about how it SOUNDS to the reader. That’s what makes writing so hard–what we MEAN doesn’t always come through to the reader, especially if we don’t choose our words carefully. It’s our job as writers to make our tone and words mean the same thing rather than competing with each other, and that can be hard work. But if the reader doesn’t understand something or gets the wrong idea, 9 times out of 10 it’s the writer’s fault, not the reader’s. That’s what I tell my 6th graders, anyway!
Rachel says
Exactly. You didn’t say he refused it. You said he “decided” to refuse it, which gives the phrase a whole different tone. I was not criticizing your mothering skills or saying you didn’t care for his needs. I was simply trying to draw to your attention something that often occurs in your writing–you tend to make it sound like your son is doing normal baby things (crying, being hungry, being fussy) on purpose to disrupt your life. Since you make your living as a writer, I don’t feel my comment is out of line. It is just something to think about as you proofread your posts.
Emily says
There you all go again, nit picking apart this poor woman’s life. Why can’t you all just look for the best in people and not take things so damn literally. I get the sense that Kath writes this blog like she’s talking to a girlfriend not as a graduate thesis to be revised and critiqued by others.
Darla says
Kath, I completely understand that often moms talk about their children’s actions as if the moms know exactly what the child is thinking and therefore doing. I see this all the time on facebook picture comments: “Baby loves eating pureed food now” or “Baby didn’t want to take a bath,” etc. People seem to like to give their kids a more developed personality by imagining them making choices. I don’t think readers should identify a negative connotation as a result.
ps. You look great in your dress, and I think Mazen’s penguin onesie is adorable!
KathEats says
EXACTLY! This.
Kay Lynn says
Don’t worry… I have a 4 month old and didn’t get that vibe at ALL! I would say something about my little girl, too….it’s just a lighthearted way to make the best of a tricky moment. Whatever. 🙂
Jane says
Wow I didn’t get that vibe reading this at all. In fact, I actually said out loud, “so Karen’s fear a few days ago of giving Mazen a bottle was well founded!” Give Kath a break! Ha doesn’t hurt that I say things like that about the dog (no kids yet) all the time “Wendy girl decided she didn’t like her bfast this am”. I think it’s fun!
Ray says
Have you considered trying a different make of bottle or a different nipple on the bottle? Some
babies who refuse one model will readily take another.
KathEats says
He’s been open to all of them thus far, so I don’t think that’s the problem
Sars says
Sorry, I am confused… He’s obviously been having a problem bottle feeding for a while, but now you say he has liked all of the bottles. This makes no sense! What is that you think IS the problem?
KathEats says
This was the second time (over a month apart) he refused a bottle from someone other than his dad (and I’m not blaming them!)
susan says
Whew. So glad you omitted the word ‘decided’ there … 😉
Melissa says
Can I ask what type of bottles you are using? My daughter would only take ONE – that was suggested to us and given to us by a friend’s sister who had nursed all 3 of her babies. My daughter LOVED the Breastflow bottles and would ONLY take those. At the time, they took them off the market to make them BPA free and we had ONE bottle that was used constantly throughout the day and it was only a 5oz bottle! LOL. Before that, she would literally not eat but MAYBE 2 oz. a day and then reverse cycle like CRAZY. (nurse more at night). Within those first 3-4 weeks when I was back at work, when I was at home, she was almost always nursing.
KathEats says
We use both Dr. Browns and Breastflow and he seems to like both. Medela too. Did not like Avent
[email protected] MuscleUpMom says
Might be worth giving Tommee Tippee a try, that was the one that garnered the highest reviews from breastfeeding moms as to how natural the nipple is, most likely to appeal to a baby who dislikes bottles, etc. Can’t hurt to give it a try. My guy takes it once in awhile although you can tell he’d rather nurse.
Marcia says
Funny my kid hates breast flow. Total fail. We use Avent size two.
Katie @ SkinnyMinnieMoves says
Wow I love the look of that shrimp cocktail. So cool!
Rosie @ rosalicious says
Now I’m wondering if Linden will take a bottle from HER Grammy? Hmmm.
You and Sarah looked hot! 🙂
KathEats says
🙂
Heidi says
Not sure if you give Mazen a pacifier, but we made sure that the bottle and shape of the pacifier were the same for both of our daughters. One is 5 now and breastfed from me and from a bottle for two years. The other is one month old and is doing great with breast, bottle, and pacifier.
I know some women choose not to give pacifiers, and that is totally cool. Just my advice. 🙂
Claire says
I didn’t even have to click that link and I know the book you’re talking about! It was my favorite to read with my mom when I was little. I can still recite most of it!
[email protected] of Pace says
The pancakes look great! What a party. The food looks delicious!
Christine says
Mazen is so cute! I love the penguin shirt! Where is it from?
KathEats says
Old Navy!
Sarah (The Simple Dietitian) says
You look stunning, Kath!!! I love your dress…so festive and elegant. 😀
I also LOVE your down jacket!! Which brand is it, if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve been looking for a warm down jacket to carry me through the New England winters. 😀
KathEats says
Thanks!
It’s Land’s End and was $47 bucks on sale 2 years ago. I love it!
Nancy says
I agree the Llama Llama series is one of the best! http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_3/180-9416638-3824119?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=llama+llama&sprefix=lla%2Cstripbooks%2C294
So much fun!
Tiffany says
I saw kodiak cakes at target the other day and I didn’t buy them! Now looking at your pictures…I totally wish i had especially because today is my birthday and birthdays should be celebrated with pancakes and sprinkles lol 🙂
I will buy some next time I am there. They had two kinds honey oat and buttermilk…which do you think is tastier? Thanks!
KathEats says
The buttermilk!
lindsay @ Fuel My Famil says
i see kodiak cakes all over the blogworld, but never see the mix in the stores.
I love your dress. As a mom it really is nice to wear heels and dress up sometimes!
Ingrid says
Mazen is, seriously, one of the most beautiful babies I have ever seen. If I lived by you, I would offer to babysit him for free, he is so adorable!!!
Kavi says
Kath, you look fabulous all dressed up! Glad you guys had a chance to go out to a fancy holiday event, at least for a little while 🙂
Annette @FitnessPerks says
What a lovely evening–that was nice of Karen to watch him!
Elizabeth says
Your meals are always so beautiful! And your life looks so fun! Ha! Love it, thanks for sharing!
Patti says
I agree Elizabeth! Looks like a lovely holiday party, and I remember how nice it was as a SAHM to get dressed up and go somewhere without the kids! Love the candy bar!
Lauren says
I saw that salad posted on Instgram yesterday and was swooning over it all day. I couldn’t agree more, goat cheese, salmon and sweet potatoes are 3 of the very best foods, especially all together..
Jeanette says
Poor Karen and Mazen for a bad night!
I think when a mom (her boobs, her choice) decides to exclusively breast feed she needs to remember that she is going to be physically tethered to her baby. And no matter what any baby book says, not one child will be on a true feeding schedule. Hey, Dominic is 8 and he’s not on a real feeding schedule! 🙂 Some days he’s hungrier than others and eats all day, sometimes you can’t get that kid to eat and he’s been like that since he was a baby. You may be able to feed Mazen before you go out only to have to turn on your heel and head back home to feed him, like last night. So always be prepared for that; take the car, turn on your phone, be prepared for a quick goodbye 🙂
OR!!!!!
Get him comfortable with a bottle! Coming from a mom that could only bottle feed her babe, I was always appreciative that my options were so open. As much as I love my son he’s got three great sets of grandparents that would practically kick us out for the evening or take him for the weekend. Or I could meet the girls or work on the weekend and I knew hubby would be able to handle it easily. It was lovely!
Diane says
Great to have an evening out on the town. Do you pump and dump when you go out drinking? If so for how long.
Erin says
I think it’s quite obvious that Kath loves her little guy–and may I add that he is ADORABLE. He is so clearly happy and well cared for. I certainly wouldn’t want to be on the receiving end of all the criticism Kath receives. It’s hard enough as it is to be a first time mom without it. Nevertheless I have to agree that there are a couple of things in her writing style that come across a little … off. That thing with the baby deciding this or that does read as slightly put out. Plus virtually every time there’s anything nice about Karen there’s a corresponding (unintentional?) comment that can be interpretted as critical. I know you don’t want to cave to haters, Kath, but I think sometimes there are valid criticisms which, if taken as such could really improve your writing.
Kath says
First: you look fantastic 🙂
Second: Your son is so cute. He is developing a happy personality—- you can tell by the pictures. How lucky is he to have you,both, for parents 🙂
Julia H. @ Live Young & Prosper says
I just had pumpkin pancakes yesterday (and today, being that I had leftovers)! My friend had a box of Trader Joe’s pumpkin pancake mix she wanted to use up, so she brought it to my apartment and I whipped up a batch for us & some other friends. YUM. Yours still sound better, though 🙂
Jill says
Yum. M&M’s are tasty. Looks like it was a fun party. Merry HOHO.
susan says
You are a fabulous mom!! 🙂
Diana @ Eating Made Easy says
Just added Kodiak Cake to the grocery list! Their products look delightful!!!
Catherine H. says
Hi Kath — You should get better at recognizing a hater’s comment so that you can just be silent. They seem to be fairly skilled at getting your spun up, and you should not play into their hands. Clearly, people can disagree with things you say or write (I oftens do) and they can offer an opinion, but it seems pretty obvious when they’re just looking to push your buttons. And it is also obvious that they work in teams, and – in my view – end up resembling a clique of high school girls intent on putting people down. I am saddened that so many people would spend so much time being negative. The fact is, you have a high quality blog which is very nicely designed and to which you are extremely dedicated. You have an absolutely beautiful little boy and a wonderfully close relationship with all of your family members.
The haters should spend more time paying attention to the important things going on in the world– the wars in Syria and Libya, our fiscal cliff, today’s horrible tragedy in Connecticut – rather than targeting someone who creates a lovely diversion to these realities.
Hope you and Matt and Mazen have a great weekend!
KathEats says
You are so right. I’m probably being baited.
Allison k says
Do you really think there are people out there who say to each other “hey…lets team up and pick on kath in her comments?”
Man, if so people should get a life. I also think, since mothering is personal it’s almost impossible to NOT feel attacked when people tell you that you should do it differently.
Ray says
Shaking my head… I really don’t think there is a shadowy clique of commenters thinking up new ways to bother Kath. I do agree that it must be incredibly difficult to accept even the smallest questioning or criticism when it comes to her child. This is why I would never ever “mommy blog.” With that being said Kath has one blog exclusively about motherhood and Mazen, and this blog appears to be moving in that direction with daily pictures and updates on Mazen. Therefore I would suggest, Kath, that you find a way to
respond to not-as-positive comments in a friendly and neutral tone. You seem defensive
in your responses which I believe escalates the tone of your commenters as they feel
their opinion was not welcomed.
For example, when I first read your post my reaction was “Now wasn’t that silly of
M + K to walk to this event? They sure needed their car to make a quick getaway when Mazen needed them. Good thing someone gave them a ride.” But I didn’t comment because I
anticipated a very defensive response from you, and then a bunch of people calling me a
hater.
KathEats says
Because by the time we could have walked to the parking garage, gotten out of the garage and driven home, we could have walked faster. Case in point: Matt walked and I got a ride and he beat me there! I only got a ride because we thought there was a chance it was faster. It wasn’t.
I feel the need not to defend everything but to clarify all of these misconceptions and assumptions. I feel that people always assume the worst… Like you thinking it was irresponsible to walk to the event.
KathEats says
Also based on all the comments I spam there is indeed a shadowy clique with nothing better to do but read blogs they supposedly hate.
Nancy says
It’s called hate reading Kath. You’re such a train wreck that people can’t look away.
I actually used to like your blog, back when it was relevant and before I noticed how horrible your writing is. Perhaps you should try listening to the constructive criticism you love to “spam” and become a better person.
KathEats says
^^^ See!!! They even have a name for their club’s mission!!!
Nancy you should be so proud of yourself and the difference you make in the world. How ironic is your comment!
Em says
Soooo ironic indeed! Get a life Nancy!
Katelyn says
PLEASE. Kath is quite the opposite of a train wreck. I’d like to see YOUR blog about your day to day life, since it must be so perfect compared to everyone else’s! Nancy, I don’t think that readers like you are contributing an ounce of “constructive criticism” to any blogs that you’re “hate reading.” Since when is calling someone a train wreck constructive? I, as well as hundreds of other readers I’m sure, certainly do not read blogs for that reason. Act like and adult and have enough respect to step away from the blog rather than trolling it for an opportunity to write something unkind and downright hateful.
Sara B says
Hi Kath, First, I really enjoy your blog and you have an adorable little boy! There is in fact a group of immature mean girls (that likely were bullied or bullies in their younger years) who pick apart your blog on a daily basis. My guess is that some of the nasty judgemental posts you receive are their attempts to get more topics for their rantings. It might be best to stop giving them more content with your replies or just block their comments entirely. I’m sorry you have to face that kind of harrassment. After yesterday’s painful and hateful act, can’t people realize that we all need to treat each other with more compassion? Try not to take it all too personally and keep enjoying your little cutie…
Sara B says
Nancy why are you so cruel? Get some help — you must have such a miserable life to spew so much hate. Seriously!
KathEats says
I think I am going to filter more and respond less. You’re right.
Tracy says
Yes! It’s your blog, Kath! Keep up the great work, both in writing and mothering!!
Courtney says
My 2 yr old never took a single bottle. He simply refused them all. At one point my ped suggested I offer him no food but from a bottle until he broke just because she and everyone else felt he really needed to be able to take one. We last about four of five hours before I caved. I couldn’t stand to see him hungry and more than the food he needed the comforting he was used to from nursing. Anyway, just sharing because we survived and all is well even though he never took a single bottle. We were/are super attached from the experience and I treasure that!
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Those are some super festive looking cakes! Mazen looks adorable… and I have to say, is looking a lot like you these days! Have a great weekend Kath!
Anna says
I don’t understand why being a blogger means you suddenly have to be perfect. You can’t please everyone or nuance every phrase to avoid criticism. People are viciously critical of bloggers as it is, but when you blog about your kid(s) that opens up a HUGE opportunity for them to attack you and judge every single thing you say or do regarding parenting.
The point is, none of us REALLY know what kind of a mom you are. A previous commenter mentioned that Mazen is an adorable baby who always looks happy and well-cared for. That’s what I get from your blog too.
But are you a perfect mom who is never selfish or frustrated? No, but neither are any of the rest of us. Do I agree with everything you write about your life as a mom? Nope, but I just calmly click over to another website and forget all about it. There are a lot bigger issues in the world to worry about than whether your description of your son’s bottle refusal was phrased delicately enough.
And all the criticism frustrates me because it makes bloggers like you over-think what they write and posts begin to sound less natural and friendly… but I suppose that’s just what happens the more popular a blog is.
Rant over…
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
How fun!! The soup looks delicious!
Katelyn says
Love your blog, Kath! Don’t let the negative comments of some take away from the positive comments from the majority of your loyal audience! You look beautiful in that dress by the way! 🙂
Katie @ Real Food Katie's Way says
Oh my gosh you must have LOVED playing dress-up for the night!!! The food looks absolutely delicious!
Melanie says
My advice from a much older (not necessarily wiser) woman who has no children but enjoy’s your blog everyday. DON’T CHANGE A Thing….and ignore the negative comments. Life is too short to let anyone get under our skin without a valid reason. If they aren’t happy with your blog…let them find another one. There are many to choose from. So, keep doing what you’re doing!
Laura says
ay yay yay.. i cannot believe the number of people that take the time out to comment on every little thing you do they don’t agree with. it’s absurd! i can’t imagine the types of comments you receive that don’t even make it onto the blog. if you use a yellow spoon, i’m sure you have 10 comments asking why you didn’t use a blue! sheesh, guys, let’s put it all in perspective. kath is a first time mother who obviously has admitted she isn’t doing everything 100% perfectly. are any mothers out there perfect? she’s doing the best she can, but she just tells everyone about it all. heaven help us if you shared every aspect of YOUR life…I’m sure you’d realize you’re not perfect either!
Wren says
Hi again, Kath! I’m a newer follower to your blog, as I have said previously… Just wanted to say again that I enjoy your blog and you have given me some fun ideas to try out with me and my own newborn (so close in age to Maze)… Also, I appreciate your strength in just being yourself, putting it out there so that others may be inspired and learn and discuss… As many readers have already said, I wouldn’t want to do it myself! I also understand how reading some comments would upset you… yes, bloggers may expect both positive and negative feedback, but even the things we expect may still surprise us and make us feel emotional… and that is understandable. Some of the greatest experiences and most worthwhile experiences in life leave us feeling vulnerable, hurt, but make us better people. I do not expect you to be perfect, and I hope that I will continue to witness your journey through motherhood as you cope with things that many of us cope with, such as sleep deprivation, learning to navigate in your new role, how you process the many eyes upon you now from both your community and society at large, etc. I hope to continue to take from this blog the undercurrents of love, playfulness, and growth moreso than anything else. I don’t know if critique will ever stop, and not all of it is meant in a hateful manner. As moms — all of us moms — we probably should expect a fair amount of it in our lives. However, somehow we must navigate through this and maintain true to ourselves, choosing what we feel is best for our own unique children and families, always in love and always with patience because we won’t always know, or it might change, whatever! Well, what do I know. Just wanted to send a virtual hug your way and let you know I think you’re doing well doing your best. Maze is a little cutie-pie, and so are you and your husband!
W.
Jennifer says
I know I am a couple of days late but I am a long time reader but have never commented before but just wanted to say I love your blog.
I never read anything into what you had written and I always read what you write as an account of what happened not as an assault on others.