Right now, I believe...

in drinking enough water.

in longer days and blossoming trees.

in a cup of tea every afternoon.

that there's nothing more incredible than watching your partner become a parent.

that 5 hours of sleep is a lot compared to 2 or 3.

in simple Valentine's Days.

in little, new routines (like a bowl of oatmeal and a latte every morning on the couch).

What are some things that are true for you right now? Happy Valentine's Day!

Dear Sophie,

You're almost three months old now; sometimes it feels like exactly that short a time but often it feels as though you've always been here.

I'm sitting on the couch, pumping as you nap; stealing away some time with my laptop as you sway back and forth in the Rock N Play beside me. You always fall asleep when you're nursing and I still mostly hold you while you nap, staring at your face and running my fingers through your hair, which is the exact same color as your dad's beard. I’ve been trying to put you down more often so I can get a few things done but sometimes (most of the time) I just want to have you close.

At night when I'm in bed and you're still in the living room with Rob, I swipe through pictures of you on my phone and marvel at how much you've changed from the day you were born, the day we brought you home, the day before this one. You grow and learn and grab things and I swear to God the other day you laughed, although you haven't done it again since then.

You're finally sleeping for some longer stretches at night, which means your dad and I actually get to sleep next to each other again. For weeks we took turns holding you and passing each other in the hallway between our bedroom and the living room at 3AM, but this morning I woke up with you still sleeping in the bassinet beside me and your dad curled up against my back and I couldn't believe how lucky I am to have this life and to know this kind of love.

The other day I came across a quote and now I can't remember where I saw it or who said it, but it was something to the effect of this: I love you so much that sometimes I don't even think I can bear it, and then I realize that there are so many other people out there in the world going about their days, quietly harboring the same intense love for their children. It really is the most incredible thing.

I knew you'd change my life and my self, Sophie Ray. I just didn't realize how much or how fast.

I love you to the moon and back,

Megan (Mom)

Happy Friday! I'm back with another recipe from my new cookbook today (and in case you missed it, I answered some reader questions earlier this week right here). This zucchini spaghetti and meatballs is one of my favorite easy comfort food recipes made Paleo, and it's perfect for a cozy weekend at home with family or friends! 

Ingredients:

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground beef
• Half of a small white onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

For the sauce and zoodles:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small white onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 16-18 oz can or jar of diced tomatoes with juice (no sugar added)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3-4 large zucchini, spiralized
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, parsley, garlic, egg, basil, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. Roll into meatballs using your hands, then carefully add them to a large skillet over medium heat with the olive oil.
2. Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning every couple of minutes. Transfer the meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2-3 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is softened slightly.
4. Add the tomatoes with their juice and the red pepper flakes. Bring to a low simmer and add the meatballs back in. Cover and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
5. Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything together. Remove from the heat, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately, garnished with the parsley.

Tip: Add some grated Parmesan cheese to this dish as a topping if you aren't dairy-free or Paleo.

This post is brought to you in partnership with Rockridge Press.