Full to the Brim

I don't mean to brag but ... wait. Actually, I do mean to brag. Our home is SO filled with laughter these days. It's absolutely something that should be shouted from the mountain tops.

Laughter is the best. Period.

Part of the never-ending symphony of laughter comes thanks to Mila's good nature. She's a happy, giggly baby. She wakes up happy and generally maintains her happy all through the day. If ever a human could prove that happiness comes from the heart, not from the things around you, Mila is that human.

And then there is the Alexis Factor. Alexis lives to hear Mila laugh, so she spends her every waking moment dreaming up ways to keep the giggles rolling. Alexis doesn't care if she has an audience. She will make crazy faces, purposely make a fool of herself, and whatever else it takes. She's all about the humiliation if it will make Mila laugh.

There are downsides to this singular mission, of course. For example, on the way home from dance class tonight, Alexis kept yelling "BOO!" at the top of her lungs. While it was adorable hearing Mila laugh hysterically after each "BOO!" it was SO LOUD. I mean, Alexis is a trained professional when it comes to loud. Her loud is CHEERLEADER LOUD. That's other level stuff and inside a small car, it's something spectacularly jarring.

My ears are still ringing.

So loud.

I'm not entirely sure how I don't crash the car when the shenanigans are going on. Magic, I suppose.

This is magic, too.

That's Mila's "I see Alexis" face. It's like sunshine and 75 degrees in the dead of winter.

But now there is a new twist to all of this laughter. (Watch Mila's face. She's definitely blowing raspberries with a face full of water for a singular purpose.)

Happiness comes from the heart, not the things around you. Sometimes, though, the things around you are exactly the things you need to fill your heart with happy.

Tortellini with Parmesan Tomato Sauce

Mila just had her 9-month appointment, which means it was time for the usual quiz about sleeping and eating and all of those things that babies do. I like the quiz, for the most part, because it's fun when we get to the part where the doctor asks what the baby eats.

"Whatever we eat," I reply.

That seems to cause confusion, but it's a fact. Whatever is on the table for everyone is what is on Mila's tray. She sometimes gets the "cleaner" version of things, meaning she gets cut up hot dogs and some beans instead of a chili dog, but usually she gets exactly what we get.

It's the best.

This time what we were having was Tortellini with Parmesan Tomato Sauce. Which, yum. Thank goodness both girls like it because it's super easy and super good.

The sauce is essentially a vodka sauce, but not really because there's no vodka. I don't know why there's not, there just isn't.

Mila seems to approve of it just the way it is.

Tortellini with Parmesan Tomato Sauce

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup frozen chopped spinach
1 can petite diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup shredded parmesan
1 pound frozen tortellini (approximate size -- I used a 19 oz bag and there was still plenty of sauce for it)

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil. Toss in the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat.

2. Toss in the spinach. Sauté until the spinach is heated well.

3. Tomato time! Throw them in the pan, liquid and all. Heat them until the liquid begins to simmer then add the cream, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Let the sauce continue to simmer (stirring every few minutes) while you prepare the tortellini. Cook the tortellini according to the instructions on the package. It should take about 5-7 minutes.

5. By the time the tortellini is done, your sauce should be starting to thicken. Toss in the parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well mixed.

6. Drain your tortellini and toss it in the sauce. Stir to coat.

7. You can garnish with extra parmesan, if you're feeling fancy. Or don't. I won't judge you either way.

So Much Love