Homemade Baby Food

We are back in the baby food stage again! It is with joy and sadness that this venture begins. I am never in a hurry for my babies to begin eating food, but with Sam, it was definitely time.

Even though I am sad that he is no longer exclusively nursing, I actually do enjoy preparing his food and watching him try new things. For anyone with soon to be eating babies, I highly recomend trying to make their food yourself. It is much easier than what most people think and incredibly rewarding, (not to mention drastically cheaper!) This is my favorite tool for preparing the food. It was given to me as a bridal shower gift and it is the perfect tool for mixing baby food! Economics aside, I feel so good knowing exactly where Sam's food comes from and how it is made. So far his new diet consists of: avocado, peas, green beans, sweet potato and banana. We will be trying apples later this week, and I have no doubt that they will be a hit.

Big Sister

During our month long hiatus, the big sister of this household has been very busy. I am convinced that just when you think you are really coming to know and understand a child, they up and change again. :) I often catch myself looking at her and wondering to myself, "When did she become such an independent little person?" A few of her recent highlights include:

1) A trip to Jamestown with my family. She was quiet intrigued by the Indians, which was anyone wearing a costume. This is now a regular point of discussion in our house, despite the fact that it took place over a month ago. I am thinking we need to go somewhere else, just so we can talk about something different.

2) A beach trip! She was utterly fearless in the water, and was fascinated by it. In her own words, "It was winderful!"

3) She has graduated from helping with the baking, to helping make dinner fairly regularly with me. I have to say, I LOVE this! It gives me quality time with her, while I am cooking and I truly do love having her companionship in the kitchen. Thus far, her meals have included: Chicken Enchiladas, Chicken Marsala, Chicken Parmesan, Beef Stir-Fry, Scalloped Potatoes and Ham and homemade pizza (of course!) She loves to do the prep work and it keeps her occupied for a long time. :) The trick of course is, that dinner prep begins much earlier these days, so that I can factor the length of time it takes to scrub a potato for instance. :) But it is well worth the effort!

4) Tricycle riding is now a daily activity. I think that she rides in order to wear her helmet. She wants to wear it all the time, but I really do need to draw a line somewhere. I am not sure what people would think if she was walking next to me through the grocery store wearing her helmet...I am not THAT protective. :)

5) Her pride and glory right now (and mine as well!), are her plants. Her little basil plant is overflowing, we have more tomatoes everyday and we have way too many peppers! Every morning we go out and check on them, water them, talk about them and she gently "helps" the plants to grow. I love watching her, watch her plants.

Anyway, these are just a few of the things she has been up to this past month. She is so amazing and I am so incredibly proud of her and grateful for her companionship.

Here We Are!!

Hello Dear Blog,

I apologize for once again abandoning you for a month! (Can it really have been so long!) I have missed you so much, but my life seems to have taken a direction recently which has not allowed me to visit as often. I am still here, and I will report on all the beautiful (and some not so beautiful) moments that are taking place in our lives. Honestly, I think I have needed a break, time to step back, sip on some lemonade, play a game of doctor with Rose Marie or airplane with Samuel. I have taken time to reflect and I am back now. Thank you for your patience, little blog. :)

Love always

Me