Creamy Watermelon Popsicles

I know it's been a loooong time since I posted.

I even missed National Watermelon Day! (It was 8/3).

But hey- having a newborn and a toddler leaves very little free time for mommies.  And anyway, there is still plenty of summer left for you to enjoy these yummy popsicles.

You know what I've been enjoying this summer?

This face.

Yup, the Minion was born on June 17!  He was almost two pounds bigger than his sister at 8 lb 4 oz, and 20 inches.

Unfortunately I don't have any crazy stories for you, like driving myself to the hospital less than 2 hours prior to having the baby at exactly 37 weeks or having a 3 day-old baby during the worst hurricane our area has seen in the past 100 years.

Actually, thank God I don't have any crazy stories for you.

This little fella was in no rush, and made a much quieter appearance.  He stayed three days past his due date, to the point where I would have tried almost any trick to evict my overdue tenant.  Then a friend from work texted me the morning of June 16, asking "Have you tried triple chocolate cake yet??"

I stared at the phone, puzzled.  Was that, like, code for something?

But nope, she meant good old fashioned chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. Didn't have to twist my arm with that suggestion!  At worst, I'd have an enjoyable treat and add a pound or so to my already-massive body.

So I made the cake that afternoon, then ate some after dinner.  By 8:30 that night, I could tell the baby was coming.  I told Mr. Vittles he had better shower, because it might be a long night.  By 10PM, we called the doctor - then called my stepdad to come stay with Mini, and got to the hospital a little after 11.  Our little muffin made his appearance at 3:53AM the next day.

He definitely takes after his mommy and big sister with his love of food.  By his one-month checkup, he had already gained over 3 pounds.  I am interested in seeing his weight at his two-month checkup because I swear he's pushing 14 lbs now at 8 weeks.

Speaking of big sisters, the Mini has been a great one so far.  I can tell she is a little attention-starved, and getting sick of all the crying (join the club!), but she has not complained once about having a baby brother.

She might remind guests who come to meet or visit him that "He can't talk yet," but other than indignantly telling a Starbucks barista "My baby brother is NOT cute!" she has been very kind to him.  She kisses him, gives him her most special toys when he cries, and calls him "my Grayden." It's actually pretty adorable.

What's not so adorable is the harsh reminder of how awful it is to wake up in the night (luckily we are down to one time, but it still feels like I haven't slept in years) and spending what seems like one endless day trying to balance two kiddos and my own sanity.

I know this is nothing special, and people do it all the time- many with 3 or even more children. But yikes is it work!  The Mini is a very active little nugget, both in mind and body, so constantly tending to both of their needs often seems like more than a full time job.

I just keep reminding myself it's all temporary. Some day I will long for these summer days of snuggles and giggles and bubbles and mornings at the park and watching "Despickle-To-Me 2" a million and one times.

And, watermelon popsicle juice running down my chin.

Creamy Watermelon Popsicles

• 3/4 C. sugar
• 3/4 C. water
• 4 C. cubed watermelon, seeds removed
• 3 T. corn syrup
• 1 T. fresh lemon juice
• 1 C. heavy cream

Make simple syrup by combining sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Allow syrup to cool, then pour into blender with watermelon - blend until liquefied. Strain watermelon mixture thru fine mesh sieve into a large mixing bowl.

Add corn syrup, fresh lemon juice and heavy cream - whisk well to combine.

Chill mixture, then pour into popsicle molds. Freeze overnight until solid, or at least 8 hours.

Makes about 4 1/2 C liquid which makes 10-12 popsicles in Zoku's classic mold (shown in photos). Or, you can use popsicle sticks & any mold of your choosing (paper cups, etc).

Recipe Adapted from Paula Jones, for Dixie Crystals