🏠Solo Parenting and Sweet Reunions

Author

Cara Jorgensen
September 30, 2025

Hey Friend,

This last week, Charlie and I were on our own for three days while Andy traveled out of town for a work conference. Charlie mentioned Dad often—way more than I expected—and it was so sweet to see how much he thought of him. This boy loves his dad.

But while we were home, we made the most of it. We even had a friend stay over one of the nights—my old roommate—and it was such a sweet time for me to be able to connect with her and catch up. It's amazing how much you need those moments of adult conversation when you've been solo parenting a toddler.

When we went to pick Andy up at the airport, our 22-month-old was holding a sign for his daddy, and he ran right up to him as Andy was getting off the escalator. Watching that reunion? Pure gold. This boy and his excitement never gets old.

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Serves 4-6 | All the comfort of chicken pot pie, but in a bowl—with cheesy crust dippers on the side.

This soup has everything to love about classic pot pie: tender chicken, vegetables cooked in butter, creamy broth, and the best part—a flaky, cheesy crust served as dippers. Perfect for those cooler fall evenings when you want something cozy but don't want to fuss with an actual pie crust.

👉 Get the full recipe here (The Pioneer Woman)

Why it's perfect for fall: It uses rotisserie chicken for easy prep, can be made ahead, and seems like a warm hug. Plus, the crust dippers make it fun for toddlers (and adults who like to dip things).

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đź“… Weekly Meal Ideas

Here's a mix of comfort food and easy healthy options for the week:

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🍎 Quick Snack/Treat – Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Muffins

These have been all over social media for good reason—they're high-protein, fall-flavored, and surprisingly moist!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese, blended smooth

  • 2 eggs

  • ½ cup pumpkin puree

  • ÂĽ cup maple syrup

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1½ cups oat flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

  • ½ tsp cinnamon

  • Pinch of salt

  • Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with liners.

  2. Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth.

  3. Mix cottage cheese, eggs, pumpkin, maple syrup, and vanilla.

  4. In another bowl, combine oat flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.

  5. Fold wet ingredients into dry until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

  6. Divide batter among 12 muffin cups.

  7. Bake 22-25 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

These muffins are naturally sweetened and give you that warm, comforting pumpkin flavor with each bite. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or when you need something that feels like fall but won't wreck your energy levels.

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đź’­ Encouragement

Those three days solo went better than I expected. Sure, we were sad to see Andy go and so glad to have him back, but I made it just fine—and honestly, that felt good too. Sometimes we surprise ourselves with what we can handle when we have to.

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🍂 What's in Season (October Spotlight)

  • Fruits: Apples, pears, cranberries, late grapes

  • Vegetables: Butternut squash, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, pumpkins

  • Bonus: Peak apple picking season!

Best,
Cara