This is the Title of an Uncreative Violinist.:)

So the little cupcake is now mobile! She started crawling around 8 1/2 months and a few days ago, pulled herself up to a stand. Other things she is doing recently: - waves bye-bye or hello - shakes head "no" lol - hands things to you - understands the word 'no' (and protests loudly!) - says 'mama' (won't be able to say 'dada' until after her surgery which is in a MONTH!) She will be 9 months tomorrow. Time needs to slow down. I can't imagine how much faster it would feel if I didn't get to stay home with her. I'll try to write more *interesting* stuff later. She finally fell asleep in my arms (really fighting sleep these days) so I'm going to put her in her crib and try to get some pumping (YES, I'M STILL PUMPING ARGH!) and practicing, and cleaning out of the way.

Let's talk food. Even before kids, I think I was always on the lookout for meals that were easy to make; maaayybe once in a blue moon, I'd be up for something more challenging and time-consuming, but overall, it's always been about fast, easy and delicious. So it's super important to me now that I have a baby-soon-to-be-walking-tornado that dinners are efficient.  But I hate to skimp on flavor so thought I'd share a recipe I recently made. This Honey Pineapple Chicken Teriyaki Skillet  got good reviews from my husband (and he's always honest about whether or not my meals are good...unfortunately, lol) so I know it's something to keep in mind for future meals.  I also added in tofu and threw in whatever nuts I had instead of cashews, since I didn't have any. Other ideas for when I'm in a dinner slump: - pasta, pasta, PASTA!  Ha, but no seriously...pasta is so versatile and whereas before, when I'd immediately think spaghetti and meatball...

My little girl turned 8 months yesterday.  I wish I could slow time down :( Some recent developments in the last few weeks: - she is a pro army crawler! (hasn't quite gotten the hang of actual crawling, but we're getting there) - in the last few days I've found her sitting up in her crib--uh oh! So last night we lowered her crib. - She can bring herself up to a sit from lying down - Eating more and more solid foods (which means more and more REAL poop *pee-ewww*!) - Just in general likes to get into everything and make messes! She loooves our Yorkie, Zoe. But Zoe wants nothing to do with her! I just want to eat her up!!! Can't get enough BLUEBERRIES crawling faster and FASTER. UH-OH. Whenever I get down or worked up about the current election, I just start playing with or snuggling with my little girl and that seems to do the trick ;) Life does, overall, seem to be getting better; more sleep, easier to go out with the baby, being able to...