There are specific stages in the verbal development of a child. First they babble, then they speak in such a way that only their parents and closest caregivers understand. Lastly, the words they say are comprehensible to all.
Vida Lev has started speaking. First it was a word here and there. Then it was short sentences explaining what she sees, needs, hears. Most of it is factual. "Arms." "Toes." "Goat." Then "Mama arms." "Blue toes." "Baah, goat."
"Happy" is the only word she uses sparingly. It is also the only word she has to describe a feeling. For the rest, she relies on other modes of communication to explain what she is going through emotionally.
"Vida, happy." she says.
"Mamma, happy," she points at my tea.
"Pappa, root beer."
I feel like we spend so much time talking about emotions. Our joys, our fears, our sadnesses, our triumphs. When I look at my little girl, and all she feels without needing to explain it in words, it makes me wonder whether talking about it all has a bit of a dulling effect.
Vida Lev is happy. She is sad. She cries with her heart, she laughs with her soul. DW and I? We talk it out. So many words, so many explanations, so many doubts and "rationalisations"
Where are the actual feelings?
Maybe, just maybe, our little one is on to something...
Speaking of happiness, I have made these little squares about 25 times since I stumbled on the recipe a few weeks ago. They simply can not stay put -- in fact the neighbour's babysitter (who has become a friend), plans playdates for the sole purpose of having her some...
If you're looking for the easiest, most delicious sweet treat to share, look no further.
Happy Summer!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites
(adapted from Julie Morris' no-bake brownies*)
1 cup walnuts
1 cup pitted medjool dates
1/2 cup raw cacao powder (if you don't have access to raw, go for 100%, unsweetened cacao)
pinch salt (optional, add only if your peanut butter is unsalted)
3 Tablespooons natural crunchy peanut butter** -- lightly salted or unsalted
Instructions:
Combine the walnuts, dates, cacao powder and salt, if using, in the food processor.
Process until the mixture becomes smooth and almost oily. Then pulse in the peanut butter.
Press down into a small cake pan and freeze for at least 40 minutes. Cut into squares and serve. Alternately, you can store these guys in an airtight container the freezer though I can't tell you for how long -- they seem to disappear quite quickly!
*forgive me, other than having no time to update this site, I have even less time to come up with my own recipes from scratch. Luckily the world-wide-web is full of amazing, interesting, inspiring ideas.
** in keeping with general Picky Foodie guidelines, please stick to peanut butter that has only one ingredient: peanuts.
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