7 Quick Takes (volume 12)

-1-

I think I am becoming an insomniac, or something. Gus has been staying up late (till about 10) and then sleeping in until 9, which means I get to sleep in--yay! But I have compensated for that by not going to bed before 2am the past three nights, and then not being able to fall asleep once I get into bed. This is not okay. And I have not even been doing anything useful--I have recently become mildly addicted to Mahjong. Help!

-2-

Related to that, how do you get a baby to go to sleep earlier? I would like him to go to bed closer to 9 rather than 10, but he doesn't seem to agree there. Yesterday Gus only had one nap--I neither actively helped nor hindered his falling asleep a second time--and when he fell asleep right at 9pm, I thought I had cracked it. Until he woke again 45 minutes later, not really sure if he wanted to sleep or play. But he was so adorable, we couldn't possibly not play with him, which probably perpetuated the problem, as he didn't fall back asleep until after 11. At least I had an excuse for staying up late--I had to take Gus out of the bedroom so we wouldn't wake Jon up, and I was worried about waking Gus up again if I moved. (We'll ignore the hour I was awake after I finally put Gus back into bed) :)

-3-

I hate making phone calls. There has been one call I have been meaning to make for a couple of weeks now (re volunteering at the local breastfeeding cafe), and I keep putting it off, even though it is for something I would quite like to do. Obviously, it isn't very happy with me and has decided to get back at me by rounding up some friends. So now I have about 6 phone calls I need to make. Maybe I should call this Phone Friday and just get them over with.

It doesn't help that the one call I actually made this week consisted of me waiting on hold for an hour and 20 minutes, only to have my call answered by the wrong department. They tried to transfer me, but apparently they are updating their phone systems, and the correct department's lines were down. I left my details with the promise that I would get a call back once the lines were working again, but so far nothing. This one could save me money on my energy bills, so I really should try again!

-4-

I saw this recipe for Sweet Potato Brownies in the Guardian, and I definitely need to try them. I really like recipes for sweet things that have vegetables or other healthy things in them because then I, um, don't feel quite so guilty for eating a whole pan myself? (Can't let them go bad!) Maybe one sweet potato does not magically make brownies a health food, but a girl can dream, right?

Although, they probably won't stack up to my friend Rosie's brownies. She makes pretty much the most delicious brownies ever. If you like baking yummy treats, head over to her blog. (Even though she doesn't have her regular brownie recipe on there! She's got others, and her banana cake is pretty amazing, too).

-5-

Speaking of sweet potatoes in baked goods, I have recently made Sweet Potato Crackers a couple of times. I put in a tablespoon or two of tahini, which makes the dough super sticky and unable to actually roll into crackers unless you add a lot more flour. But, it also makes them delicious, and taste kind of like Goldfish crackers? Aren't goldfish crackers supposed to be cheddar flavour? Very strange. But still a good recipe for a homemade snack. Also good with beetroot instead of sweet potato. Dip in hummus or cream cheese. Done.

-6-

Does anyone else changed their child's diaper in unconventional positions? Half the time, Gus will not lie still for a nappy change, so often just change it while he is standing up.  I've gotten pretty good at it, if I do say so myself. Although I do dread changing him away from home now. Recently I had to change him while we were out, and he just screamed and cried the whole time, as I tried to keep him from crawling right off the changing table. And of course, there was a line of people waiting to use the room as we walked out. *lower eyes and move past quickly*

-7-

Jon just realised this week that he still has half his holiday days left to take for the year, and we don't really have any trips planned till Christmas. He wants to take a full week off for a stay-cation, whereas I suggested taking a bunch of 3-day weekends. The only thing he vetoed is taking days off for DIY! I'm kind of excited about these extra days--we almost never have days off where we just stay at home, so this will be a real treat for us!

Hope you have a great weekend! Don't forget to head over to Jen's for more Quick Takes :)