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A not-so-frazzled new-mom moment.

The first days after having a baby are wonderful. They are also tiring, uncertain and hectic. I recall wanting to do nothing but hole up in a room with my newest baby and snuggle for hours, sleep and spend time doing nothing but watching that amazing little bundle. Honestly, I think every mom should be able to have that time to bond with baby and get some much needed rest. The reality, however, is that there are other things that need attention, and there are many people who want to visit and catch a glimpse of your precious new commodity.

If you have other children, they still need to be taken care of, and if you don't have someone to help with that, it falls on you to get it done. Even if you can't get the kids into matching outfits or have them brush their hair, you still have to feed them. Nothing can frazzle a mother in those first weeks like the thought of having to get dinner (or any meal) on the table. After the birth of my third child, I recall my 5 year-old standing by my chair as I nursed the baby, again, and saying, "Mommy, are you ever going to feed me lunch?" I didn't even realize that I hadn't fed her. 

Almost all baby gifts are appreciated and helpful, but the thing that I always needed help with the most was getting meals together. It became more difficult with each child and I finally learned to start making and freezing meals ahead of time. But some moms just don't get that chance. The last few weeks of pregnancy are a busy and tiring time, and for many moms, the thought of standing to make meals in addition to ones they are already making, is not a welcome thought. Even I am not exempt from that!

What if you can't cook? Not to worry; there are meals in the freezer section of your local grocery ready to purchase and be put into the oven. They may not be the healthiest choice, but anything at that point is helpful, you just have to trust me on this one! A gift certificate for home-delivered meals from restaurants would also come in handy for those nights when even turning on the oven takes too much time.

My best advise is this: Call ahead and then plan to see mom and baby (or just baby if mom is tired, or just mom if baby is resting) for no more than 10-15 minutes. That's just enough time to offer congratulations, peek at the new babe and pass on a very welcome meal.

This is a quick and easy meal for even a novice cook to put together and give as a gift.

Anne's Easy Taco Casserole

1 lb ground beef , turkey or chicken
2 cups shredded cheddar
2 cups mild salsa
2 cups corn kernels
1 bag corn tortilla chips

Brown ground meat and drain. Mix with corn and salsa.

Layer half of the chips on the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 pan.

Top with half of the meat mixture and half of the cheese.

Repeat the layers and cover with foil.

Freeze at this point, if desired.

Bake at 350 degrees F  for 30 min. (if not frozen) until the casserole is bubbly and cheese is melted.

If previously frozen, bake at 350 degrees F for about 50 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted.