Santa Baby

We took Chloe to see Santa on Saturday.
We were wondering what her reaction would be. It wasn't bad. At first I thought I saw her bottom lip quiver. Thank goodness she realized she could grab his beard. I think that stopped any meltdown she may have had.
I can't believe it is her first Christmas already.




Merry Christmas to you and your families. I wish you all a joyful holiday and a wonderful New Year.

Baking Like There's No Tomorrow

I love to bake.

There is something soothing about putting on my apron and mixing and measuring and rolling and spooning. Not to mention that one of my favorite smells is freshly baked cookies or bread. Mmmmmmm....

I especially love to bake Christmas cookies.

This year I baked chocolate chip cookies, gooey butter cookies, snickers surprise cookies, peanut butter blossoms and holiday pretzel treats.


This year, instead of giving out gift certificates, I decided to give cookies. I think a homemade gift is more thoughtful. So, our neighbors, mail carrier, playgroup instructors and some of Keith's students got cookies in these adorable boxes I found.

I had a great time last weekend, baking my lil heart out. If only I didn't have to clean up after myself.

Do you bake for the holiday? What are your favorite things to make?

Our Week in Pictures

Playing in the leaves


My first attempt at homemade baby food... peas and sweet potatoes

Chloe's first bite of peas

Our Christmas tree

Our first outside Christmas lights

Little stocking stuffer

Just us

Just Another Day

Time is a funny thing.

I feel like my days go so quickly and so slowly all at the same time. It's weird.
When I am living my days, it feels like bedtime can't come quick enough. But, when Friday rolls around, I can't believe my week is almost over.

Does this make sense? Is it just me? Anyway.....

We are STILL in the midst of boxes. That's right. We've been living here for almost 2 months and I still have unpacked boxes. We don't have a single thing hung on the walls.

We have managed to put up our Christmas tree and Keith hung our outside lights this weekend. This is the first time we have had a home to hang outside lights! Very exciting! My mom always hung lights outside when we were little and there is just something magical about seeing your house lit up with Christmas lights.

Chloe is 6 months old. That means time for solids. I spent yesterday making baby food for her. I am going to start with peas and sweet potatoes. She has been having rice cereal since for about 3 weeks now. Yesterday she was introduced to peas. She took them really, really well. I was surprised. So, we'll eat peas for a week or so and then try sweet potatoes. I also found frozen squash that I plan on making soon.

I wanted to make Chloe's food since I am home and have the time. I learned yesterday that it is actually really simple to make the food. I would do it even if I was working, I think. AND, so much cheaper. The cheapest jar of baby food I have found around here is 38 cents per jar. I bought a bag of frozen peas for $1 and it yielded 26 servings of baby food! So, Keith and I figured we saved about $6-$7. The sweet potatoes cost a bit more since I bought fresh, but still a savings of about $3-$4. Plus, I have to admit it was kinda fun to make the food. It took me about an hour or so and I won't have to make any more for over a month.

Oh, did I mention that Chloe is 26.5 inches and weighs 17 lbs 5 oz? I am so thankful every time we go to the doctor and I learn that she is still growing so well. She is such a healthy little girl. And, she had 4 shots at her well baby visit and she didn't even cry for the first two! I'm not even that brave when I have shots. It was a proud moment for me.

I promise, promise, promise to try to post some pictures soon. I know I have been saying that for months now.
But, for now, I am going to enjoy the rest of Chloe's nap and treat myself to a hot cocoa.......

Smart Poo?

I swear my daughter has the smartest poo ever.

They always seem to know when she is wearing a white onesie. They take the opportunity to shoot up the back of her diaper and adhere to said white onesie.

Oh the joys of parenthood.