2018 is here and I have returned to work after a 3-month maternity leave. It’s been an adjustment, for sure. Yesterday morning I sleepily spent a good 2 minutes wiping off my glasses because they were so blurry before I realized it was because I had already put my contacts in. I’m a little socially awkward after spending 3 months talking to only a baby and 2 dogs. And I’m pretty sure I’ve shown her photo to people in the halls who hadn’t even asked to see it.
Life looks a little different these days. Laundry and mail pile up a little more easily and I’ve used my coffeemaker and crockpot more than I ever have (especially for recipes like this beef stew).
And then there’s our little Sofia. She smiles when I yawn. I yawn because it’s 3 am and she’s hungry. And then I yawn again because it makes her smile.
Trying to balance being a new mom and a good employee will take some time. But for now, I am thankful for the time I’ve had with her, a wonderful support system, and a job with people I care about. And for that extra cup of coffee.
- 2 pounds beef stew meat, (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery ribs, sliced
- 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 6oz can tomato paste
- 32oz beef broth
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 cups baby carrots carrots
- 4-5 small red potatoes,cut into bite-sized pieces (about 3 cups)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 cups frozen peas
- 1 cup frozen corn
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup water
- Combine beef, celery, carrots, red onion, potatoes, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and tomato paste in the crock pot. I used a 6 qt crockpot for this stew. Cook on LOW for 10 hours or on HIGH for 6-7 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, mix the flour and the water together in a small dish and pour into the crockpot. Mix until well combined. This will add a nice thickness to the stew. Next add in your frozen peas and corn. Continue cooking covered for 30 minutes.
Sweet! ;-> I remember those days!
Virtual hugs,
Judie
<3 Thank you, Judie!!!
I’m glad things are going well Jasmine! Sophia, such a beautiful name. ❤️😬
Thank you, John!!!
Thinking of you as you make this transition! Sofia is so lucky to have such a strong mama. You eat that stew and have that extra coffee, girl! You earned it!
❤️ Thanks for the kind words, Rach! It’s been one bittersweet week. I hope you guys are doing well and had a happy new year!
That looks delicious and I your comment about putting on glasses on top of wearing contacts made me laugh because I can’t even tell you the amount of times I have done that! Congratulations on the new lovely baby <3
It’s either that or looking for your glasses when they’re on your head! 😀 Thank you so much, Joyce. Happy New Year!
I love to use my crock pots – I think I am down to about 5 different sizes! Stew is a perfect meal to make in one. Congrats on your new addition to your family 🙂
5 different sizes!! That’s wonderful!! I have been looking into getting a smaller one for dips! Thank you so much – we are overjoyed.
Hugs sweet Jasmine. It’s amazing how great that extra cup of coffee tastes 🙂
Crockpots are the best and your beef stew sounds amazing. 🙂
That coffee is so much sweeter! 😀 Thank you, Lynne! I hope you guys had a happy new year!
What a delicious stew to come home to! I hope work gets a bit easier, it must be hard to go back!
Thank you for sharing this with us at Fiesta Friday!
Thank you, Petra!! I appreciate your kind words! It’s definitely an adjustment. 🙂
Gosh, Jasmine, the 3 months went so fast!! Hoping your transition and changes with Sofia go smoothly… And the stew looks like the perfect winter meal. thanks thanks!! Blessings to your dear family. xo
Thanks so much, Rhonda!!! <3 I hope you and the family are doing well!
mmm. . . this looks like the perfect comfort food for a cold winter day.
Congratulations Jasmine! It’s been a while… Sophia! I’m so happy for you. I can’t wait to scour your site for some pics! The sleep will come- eventually. Think of it as your new mom rite of passage. Hahaha! (You’ll have to excuse me, I haven’t slept in 12 years, lol.) And your beef stew looks delicious. 😉
Sadie, I’m so incredibly happy to hear from you!! Thank you so much!!! She turns 6 months today and I can’t believe I have a 6 month old baby! She’s always so happy and smiley – I’ll be sure to share pictures soon. I hope you and your sweet family are doing well!
I am so glad that all is well dear Jasmine!
Thank you so much, Lynn!! <3 <3 I hope you are doing well! I've been a little out of touch lately!