Today I made catnip popsicles. I infused catnip from my herb garden for 20 minutes. Poured into popsicle molds with a tiny drop of orange juice and agave nectar. Norah won’t take straight catnip so I have to hide the taste.
I might make a few (without any oj or nectar) for Cedar to suck on. Catnip is reputed to help with teething. And teething is the preoccupation these days. And nights.
I thought this might be a nice treat before bed. Norah gets so wound up in the evenings when daddy comes home. Her body flails like a fish knocking over any object that isn’t nailed down. Catnip = mellow.
And speaking of knocking things down–
Norah is clumsy with her body these days. Full of cooped-up-winter energy. I won’t name everything she has dropped or spilled this morning. Just before I wrote this, she spilled a cup of milk. My first instinct was righteous indignation. You know, the exasperated mom voice. The drawn out “norahhhhh” with a trace of adult whine.
Then I remembered my own spills when I was a kid. Whenever I broke something (and later, when I got a speeding ticket or two), my parents reacted with patience and kindness. My memory of it is something of kinship. My mom saying something like “we all drop things sometimes” or “I got a speeding ticket once and…” It checked me today. As it has other days.
Thanks mom and dad for providing a pattern of grace and gentleness for this flailing-like-a-fish mama to follow.
Aren’t these the coolest popsicle molds? Norah’s great grandparents gave her these for Christmas. Adorable no-spill (very important) ring pops.
Inexplicable Ways 
How do you go about infusing the catnip? I would like to know more about this for the new baby coming, but also for Liam. He has all of his teeth, but sometimes he really could use some aid in mellowing out. I could probably use it too, especially once the new baby is here. He very much enjoys chamomile tea, which I could probably use a bit more often, but I never remember to.
We used to buy the teabags and just make a strong cup of tea for Norah before bed. Then we let the habit die b/c she was sleeping fine.
I wanted an infusion for Cedar and have been giving her some mixed with breastmilk with a dropper.
To make an infusion, take about a handful of dried leaves and put in a quart jar. Fill to top with boiling water. Close lid. Steep 20 minutes. Store in the fridge.
Scott takes a dropperful of tincture when he has trouble sleeping. We found some at a health store but you can make that too. It just take a long time!
Okay, so I found 100% Organic catnip (dried) in the pet section – is this cool? Husband raising an eyebrow to my wanting to give Jack something that says “Stimulating for Cats” on the package. 🙂 I assume it’s all the same.
Hee hee. Yes, catnip is like cocaine for cats. I will warn that a small percentage of the human population is likewise stimulated by catnip rather than relaxed. Hopefully Jack is not one of them!
As to whether the catnip in the pet section is ok for human consumption…I have no idea! I’d probably drink a cup of tea first before giving it to the kiddos.
I learn something new from you everyday…what a sweet role-reversal! 🙂
Wow! I should have tried this on preston, will it help him sleep? He still gets up all the time and this mommy could take any advice on how to get an active child to settle down in the evenings! My child wakes up dancing to his wave machine 🙂 I wonder if this would help him chill a little?
Brady, catnip is usually the first thing I try. Norah is very susceptible to it. However, I think I’m going to move on to Valerian for Cedar. She’s been having loads of difficulty going to sleep.
You might like the book Naturally Healthy Babies and Children by Aviva Jill Romm. Wonderful book!!