New glasses + new tastes

Okay, the glasses aren't really NEW ... Rowan has had them for quite awhile but wouldn't wear them long enough for us to snap a picture until recently.  Though the surgery back in May was generally successful, his right eye is still a little weak and tends to list outwards (especially if he is tired) and he still has an astigmatism (though the doctor recently said it appears to be getting better.)  It's kind of funny that all the doctor's tests and exams report that Rowan has sub-par vision because he certainly has never acted like he has any difficulty seeing.  Perhaps he has just acclimated to his shortcomings, but he developed almost all of his fine motor skills well ahead of schedule, he routinely picks the tiniest little crumbs and whatnot off the floor and brings them to us, and he reacts to very small pictures and stimuli from across the room.  Whatever.  If he needs the glasses, we'll get him to wear them.  And he'll look good doing it.

Our studious little guy :)

Oh, I see what you mean ... literally!

Last winter was basically non-existent (it snowed twice) and Rowan was a cranky infant, so there was no winter wonderland-ing to be had.  This winter I managed to get him outfitted with boots, fleece-lined jeans, mittens, hats, and several coats ... and of course as soon as I had all his gear there was an immediate thaw.  Oh well, it's only January and there is some snow in the forecast.  Rowan was not to thrilled to check out the last of the snow a couple weeks ago, though, so we'll see if he actually puts any miles on those boots.  He is a July baby, after all ...

All geared up!

Ready to hit the slopes! Or at least backyard!

Yeah, this wasn't so great.  Glad Mom is here now.

I have written at length about Rowan's difficulties with solid foods.  He still rejects most things we offer him, but he has developed a few eccentric favorites.  He LOVE chevre (fresh goat cheese), though he rejects most other cheese, and he has developed a distinct taste for leek risotto with turmeric and paprika (though he turns down many other, tamer versions of rice.)  He is eating both in the picture below - it has become a common dinner for him.  See the recipe for Rowan's Risotto below.  Of course, lest anyone think I am insane, I've only made true risotto like this once - I usually just throw together an orzo version. :)  Rowan also (usually) loves raspberries, bananas, cereal bars, and dark chocolate.

Hmm, which should I stuff in my face first?

Rowan's Risotto
2 leeks, diced
1 red pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. turmeric
1 cup arborio rice
1/2 cup white wine (optional :)
3 1/2 cups chicken (or vegetable) broth
butter
salt
grated parmesan cheese

Note: I like to use a sturdy, wooden-handled spatula due to the large amount of stirring required to make a creamy risotto.

Keep the broth warm in a separate pan on the stove.  In a deep, non-stick skillet, saute the leeks and red pepper in butter over medium heat until softened slightly. Add the garlic and spices continue to saute another minute.  Add the rice and a pinch of salt and saute another 2 minutes.  Add the wine (if using) and cook until it is mostly evaporated, stirring continuously.  Begin adding the warm broth, a few ladlefuls at a time and stir continuously (the near-constant stirring is what makes risotto so starchy and creamy and delicious.)  The rice should be cooking at a vigorous simmer.  Once most of the broth has been absorbed, add more.  Continue until almost all of the broth has been used, then check for doneness.  If you have used all your broth and the rice is still a little toothsome for your taste, just add some warm water.  When the rice is done, remove from heat and add a generous pat of butter, about 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese, and salt to taste.  Serve immediately.