tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9493349145789067822024-02-06T22:07:05.583-05:00Mom's the WordMom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-20782519873017742662013-03-06T14:52:00.000-05:002013-03-08T15:59:41.275-05:00Letters to Lydia: Eight Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Lydia, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At 8 months you are approximately 18 1/2 pounds and 26 3/4 inches (I think the nurse-in-training measured your length wrong, but we'll go with it). You hair is coming in nicely, you are eating everything in sight, and you make sure to let us know when you need more attention (that's a positive way to say you've started the whining phase) :) You are still a jolly jumper and you spent a good part of the month happily clapping your hands to "if you're happy and you know it." You are still content to sit, but you are reaching and trying to inch towards objects around you, so I don't think it will be long before you take off. At the end of the month you really started chatting - "ba ba ba ba" - it's totally adorable. Your brother and sister were so surprised and excited to hear you "talk." When you are excited, every limb of your body starts moving, we love it. You are such a joy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You all are my life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love you forever, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Momma </span></div>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-33024104513252385492013-02-05T14:49:00.000-05:002013-02-05T14:49:54.937-05:00Letters to Lydia: Seven Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqxMJgbFKnU3-9S2Ax0Ys6w7cfiNSDCJVV6enaFalWojCc3gb6DZLUEC2PNumyxt-uIhq_BRghlnC7FHOqRAmCvD-408CC05fgX4rzxjWbts66wUZsKKRsvTDStpnnu-L-ybX1qxFfJM/s1600/DSC_0221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqxMJgbFKnU3-9S2Ax0Ys6w7cfiNSDCJVV6enaFalWojCc3gb6DZLUEC2PNumyxt-uIhq_BRghlnC7FHOqRAmCvD-408CC05fgX4rzxjWbts66wUZsKKRsvTDStpnnu-L-ybX1qxFfJM/s320/DSC_0221.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Baby Lydia, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please stop growing up. We are so thankful that you are healthy and well and growing, but my heart wants you to stay, just like you are, just a while longer. You are the sweetest. There have been many times this month (well your whole life, really) when your dad and I have been talking after you all are in bed and he says "Lydia is such a sweetheart." You are so sweet, in fact, that I (self-proclaimed sleep trainer) was tempted to crawl into your room one night and pick you up just to have one more cuddle with you. I almost always tear up when I read <u>Love You Forever</u>, but I've always thought it was ridiculous, too. What mother, in her right mind, would chance waking up her peacefully sleeping baby? Not much about that book is realistic. But in that moment, I understood. I resisted, but I understood. "I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be."</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This month you have been enjoying your new view of the world from a sitting position. You are quite content to sit and play. You've even started doing a little dance while you're at it. You like to spend time in your exersaucer, too, and really enjoy jumping in the jumper - especially when we have one of our "dance parties" in the living room. You dislike being on your tummy or your back now. You managed to roll over several times this month, but only because there was a bottle or some other enticing item within your reach :) You are extremely ticklish, just like me. And you are a lover of food, for sure. It would be hard to list all the foods you've tried, there are so many! Almost all with good results. The ones that come to mind are carrots, zucchini, pancakes, grapes, cucumber, blueberries, banana, millet, apple, green beans, kiwi, and strawberry. Is there anything you won't eat? I can still picture you when you saw your first pancake - you opened your mouth and started flapping your arms - you looked just like a little bird! You <i>love</i> pancakes. One night I gave you zucchini and carrot sticks and you ended up eating the carrots and hoarding all of the zucchini in your high chair, it was really cute. Another night you fussed until I let you try my lentil soup and then you kept fussing for more! The night we had burritos you were begging for something so we threw some rice and beans on your tray, it was hilarious to watch your intent little face go after those beans! We've come to realize there's no sitting Lydi up to the table without giving her some food! You don't look much like your sister right now, but there are moments when you open your mouth with a great, big smile that remind me so much of Zoe when she was your age. I love that. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I always want to remember the way, at bedtime, you snuggle your head into the crook of my neck and put your arm around the other side, almost like a hug. And as much as I want you to stay just as you are, I know there is so much more in store, God willing. So with that, I <i>do</i> look forward to another month of watching you grow! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mommy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">P.s. you really don't smile for my big black lens anymore!</span></div>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-74893630845755738702013-01-23T15:29:00.001-05:002013-02-05T20:17:51.408-05:00Letters to Lydia: Six Months!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUcr1N1lILic-Nm6u8DFhh9W0IP_yQhXTINbxkEcnDtMp6azlKRYMElwpf1-4EyyGsDvUtAeAjLTsKRSALcZEBS6ndjWMK5N-tW3V0eVgFCj3H9p1DvAjTuSECzAfIBgFSdZJy6Zn3k4/s1600/DSC_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRUcr1N1lILic-Nm6u8DFhh9W0IP_yQhXTINbxkEcnDtMp6azlKRYMElwpf1-4EyyGsDvUtAeAjLTsKRSALcZEBS6ndjWMK5N-tW3V0eVgFCj3H9p1DvAjTuSECzAfIBgFSdZJy6Zn3k4/s320/DSC_0192.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Lydia, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You are half a year old! You turned six months on January 4th, the same day your Grandpa turned 71. Grandma had a big party to celebrate. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Overall the month was pretty uneventful. You had your first real cold and spent almost two weeks with an annoying cough that kept you up at night (and us, too!) Everyone had their turn with the cold. Colby had a fever several times, so we spent a lot of time at home. Just before Christmas, I took you in to the doctor to make sure everything was okay before we left town and the nurse wanted to weigh you. You were a petite 16.4 with a diaper and your clothes on! I was shocked. I was expecting bottle feeding to pack on the pounds. I think I'm surprised, too, because of your birth weight. I suspected I might have a chubby baby on my hands this time around, but you're just following suit - you've got skinny genes (one day you'll thank me for this!) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For the holiday we went down to Pennsylvania and then D.C. You were a great traveller for the most part and everyone enjoyed getting to meet you for the first time!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">At six months you are touching your toes and scrunching your nose. You are quiet and sweet tempered. You still *love* to suck your fingers. You are almost sitting up on your own. And you are eyeing food like a hawk - we tried cantaloupe and rice rusks, both of which you loved. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking forward to what next month brings! But don't go too fast. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love you forever, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mommy</span></div>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-68760993802219745272012-12-07T21:05:00.002-05:002012-12-07T21:06:18.795-05:00Letters to Lydia: Five Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA6jLzfDbFzY90z0gcuDlu5ra24XtwRShKpSsYl8ZWfXVIJ_jBanGunG9mdxfIQ7zwJ3eqvnuJ7N1mwC57uDoVRw4uvD4BKcJyJ9Cfli0BBbIoXER-a1qdOfGy15AHGO5yr0lT_vMW4M/s1600/DSC_0564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA6jLzfDbFzY90z0gcuDlu5ra24XtwRShKpSsYl8ZWfXVIJ_jBanGunG9mdxfIQ7zwJ3eqvnuJ7N1mwC57uDoVRw4uvD4BKcJyJ9Cfli0BBbIoXER-a1qdOfGy15AHGO5yr0lT_vMW4M/s320/DSC_0564.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Lydia, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How is it possible that you are five months old already? That's almost half a year! Big happenings this month were moving you into your own bedroom and moving your hooligan siblings into a shared bedroom! The transition has been seamless for you and better than expected for brother and sister. And I'm thankful I no longer have to tip-toe around my room during the day while you're napping. You are still loving the moses basket so we just put that in your crib and will keep you in it until you outgrow it...probably next month! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Since transitioning to the one arm swaddle last month you now have a full-blown addition to finger sucking. It is hilarious and oh, so cute! The first time I found you doing it, you had your middle and ring fingers in your mouth so it looked like you were signing "i love you." But from then on, it's been your pointer and middle fingers of your left hand. As soon as we wrap you up and sit down in the chair, you *immediately* pop those two fingers into your mouth, your eyes roll back, and you're out. Lately, you don't even need to be rocked! Quite a difference from your first month of life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your activity level is really starting to change this month; you enjoy being up and around more. We tried out the bumbo, exersaucer, high chair and the jolly jumper and you seem to like them all. You like playing with your toys a lot, too. You love to chew on Sophie giraffe's feet and pull on all your hanging toys from the play mat. You also love chewing on books and foam shapes from the foam books, just like your sister did as a baby. Interestingly enough, you don't seem to care about rolling over anymore! One day you rolled from your back to front for the first time just as I was walking into the room. I'm glad I got to see it, because you haven't done it since! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In terms of eating, you are fully weaned - a bottle baby now. As hard as the transition has been, bottle feeding is simple and very routine which, I have to admit, is really nice for a stressed mother of three! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One last thing -- you love baths. Putting you in the bath is the best way to chill you out - even when your brother and sister are in there with you! It's really sweet. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love you forever, my happy, little Lydi. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mommy </span></div>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-4278428388411320332012-12-03T14:32:00.000-05:002013-02-05T14:50:03.472-05:00Letters to Lydia: Four Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAM-veQ6J6y1QTsjDfhc6oLRe9IrMhaOZ1jheQ5YhJJRIWkX2D1WpYQMd4rmFFgqPT2bO0gU7g1chKHIwAMWY6N68hZOHUrIhnQx3wSyXHVidAxmRlixMJY8lF574dLQJh563jQe7o14/s1600/DSC_0389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyAM-veQ6J6y1QTsjDfhc6oLRe9IrMhaOZ1jheQ5YhJJRIWkX2D1WpYQMd4rmFFgqPT2bO0gU7g1chKHIwAMWY6N68hZOHUrIhnQx3wSyXHVidAxmRlixMJY8lF574dLQJh563jQe7o14/s320/DSC_0389.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">October 4 - November 4</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear Lydia, </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Happy 4 months, baby girl! To pick up where we left off last month, things are definitely getting better around here. I am still incredibly sad and disappointed about having to wean you, but it is helping me more than you will ever know. This month you were taking three bottles and having three nursing sessions pretty consistently each day. However, you are now down to one sweet feeding in the afternoon when all the house is quiet and asleep except for you and me. I'm thankful I had the wherewithal (though that was questionable at times!) to do this slowly enough to savor it and to give you as much good milk as possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You have officially entered the teething stage as was evident from the amount of drool we saw this month. From now on, any "misbehaving" on your part gets blamed on teeth. Cranky? "She's teething." Short naps? "She's teething." Not sleeping through the night? "She's teething." It is THE go-to answer. Thankfully, the only real symptoms you've had are drool and crankiness. You're still napping quite well (thanks to a few cio lessons) and sleeping through the night like a champ. You still enjoy being swaddled but have graduated from the full-swaddle to the one arm swaddle. If we try putting you down without your right arm tucked in, you almost always wake yourself up with that thing! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We simply adore watching you grow and change. Lately, you have added a sweet little squeal to your laugh and have become more talkative. You love <u>Brown Bear Brown Bear</u> and your whole body starts shaking with excitement when it's put in front of you. You are definitely still a mama's girl -- some nights when I'm exhausted, instead of rocking you to sleep I will put you in our bed, lie down next to you, and lift my arm up over my head for you to snuggle in underneath. We aren't sure if this knocks you out or if you just love the smell of your momma but, either way, I love it. :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can't wait to see what next month brings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Love, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mommy </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">P.s. Will you have lots of thick hair like your brother? Or be bald until you are two like your sister? We just can't figure it out yet!</span></div>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-28485446178080333572012-10-11T17:00:00.001-04:002013-02-05T20:17:00.791-05:00Letters to Lydia: Three Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dear sweet Lydia, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This was a hard month, wasn't it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of tears have been shed on my part. But even with tears streaming down my face, you were always looking back at me, smiling from ear to ear. You are just what I need. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The truth is, since about 3 weeks post partum, I've been battling what is known as a "post partum mood disorder" in the form of intense anxiety. And this month, it got the best of me. None of my worries are logical and it's hard to explain, but so much of it is wrapped up in breastfeeding that we have made plans to wean. It breaks my heart to tell you this. You are doing so well. It's not you (except for that latch ;)) it's me. I told myself to make it to three months, and here we are. I wish I could give you more. But I've lost the ability to be a good mother and wife because I am overcome with anxiety. I need to kick these extra hormones to the curb. At your two month check up the doctor was very happy with you. They did confirm you had a minor posterior tongue tie, but advised against clipping it. We were supposed to get your vaccinations done, but they had me administer the rotavirus (via syringe) while they stepped out of the room and you threw it all up, along with your feeding, so we immediately headed home (me in tears) to try again another time. We cancelled your appointment at the Newman Clinic - momma couldn't take anymore advice or things to work on in the breastfeeding department. We introduced one bottle into our routine in the morning because it was crazy trying to nurse you, get your grouchy brother up, and get your sister ready and to school on time. That has been a "relief bottle" for sure. Just before 3 months we did get your vaccinations done, and you weighed in at 14lbs 6oz. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You have been having more awake time during the days and are enjoying smiling at yourself in mirrors and trying to grasp toys on your play mat. Shortly after your two month birthday you rolled over from your tummy to your back and have been doing that throughout the month. You have become quite lazy again with tummy time, especially now that you've figured out how to escape it! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There have been a handful of weird evenings this month where you just wanted mommy. It hurt your daddy's feelings a little bit. He usually rocks you to sleep, but on these particular nights, you would scream through the bedtime routine. We weren't sure what was going on, but I decided to take you back to the bedroom and snuggled up next to you in my bed and sure enough, no nursing required, you happily fell asleep. It was so sweet. I want to remember that forever. But don't do it too often, your daddy wants some sweet time with you, too. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Speaking of him, I'm starting to think you are 98% Dad and 2% Mom (I carried you, after all!). When I look at you - your looks, your love for sleep and snuggling, your laid-back demeanor, the ease with which you smile - I can't help but see so much of your daddy in you. I love it. I'm excited to watch your little personality develop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's to a better month! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I love you so much it hurts, baby. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Mom</span></div>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-89990899618431523172012-09-22T12:33:00.000-04:002012-10-06T21:54:19.511-04:00Letters to Lydia: One Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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August 4, 2012</div>
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My dearest Lydia, </div>
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I still have a vivid memory of seeing you for the first time. As you were finishing your exit, they placed your head on the right side of my lower stomach and I remember thinking "Who is this?! She/he doesn't look like any of us!" When I picked you up to move you to my chest, I saw that you were a girl! Of course you were, I had known all along ;) Later, I was shocked to hear that you weighed 9lbs 8oz! Of course, it <i>felt</i> like you were that big, but I still couldn't believe it! You had no neck - just a big roll of fat. And super-long fingernails. During your first 24 hours on the outside, I don't think you opened your eyes once - very different from your big sister and big brother. We could tell you had been sucking your thumb on the inside, as you quickly found it after being born. But after we showed you the breast, you were more pleased with finding comfort and food in mommy and quickly dropped your little habit. You were definitely an overachiever in the elimination department. Your daddy was a champ changing all those sticky, black poos! And when they weighed you on your third day, sure enough, you had dropped a whopping 15oz - and immediately started looking like an Abel. We just had to get rid of all that fluid build-up first. </div>
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Your brother and sister met you on the evening of your birthday. They were in awe. When we told them your name, Zoe confused it with Olivia, and turned it into Alydia. She called you that for the first day or so until I came up with the idea to give you a nickname in an effort to change her mind. It worked, and that's how you became our little Lydi-bug! </div>
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Your first month was pretty normal for a newborn - you spent your days eating, sleeping, and pooping. In the eating department, you struggle with latching on properly but you are still able to get what you need. You have a characteristic "squeak" when nursing that, while at home is cute and funny, can actually be quite loud and embarrassing when we are out! :) During the first two weeks there were bouts of colic in the evenings but I tried to remind myself that your little system was just working itself out, and sure enough, the "colic" disappeared. You proved difficult to get to sleep for a while. We found what worked was giving you a pinky finger to suck on while walking the halls with our little swaddled bundle. If we tried sitting down in the rocking chair, forget it. Thank you for helping me lose some baby weight :) Once we got you to sleep, however, you were a champ at sleeping long stretches early on (thank you for that, too!) Later in the month, we realized you despised the baby swing and the bouncer and our routine of getting you to sleep proved difficult after Daddy went back to work. But, then, I found you a <i>new</i> swing and it worked like a charm! You started having content awake time and napping in it and mommy was actually able to accomplish things again - like feeding the rest of the family! </div>
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There was an outpouring of love with your arrival. Even as the third child, you received so many beautiful gifts and sentiments from so many lovely friends and family members! We also received lots of delicious meals, which was very helpful this month. Your Daddy and I are so thankful for the support network we have. Among some of the visitors you've had this month are Grandma and Grandpa Abel, who met you on your first day. Grandmommy and Granddaddy, Auntie Jo, Auntie Abi (from AUS!), Uncle Graeme and Aunt Carol Wilson, Aunt Leslie, Hannah, Laura, Bethany, and Carmel to name a "few." We also celebrated your first month birthday with Uncle Daniel and Auntie Lindsay and their four, as well as Uncle Peter and Auntie Karly and the girls. </div>
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You are loved, sweet girl, and we are so happy you're here! </div>
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Love, </div>
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Mommy<br />
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P.s. How could I forget?! You started smiling at just 3 weeks old, a major highlight for the month :) </div>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-69456421210350172812012-09-04T18:44:00.000-04:002013-02-05T14:51:49.432-05:00Letters to Lydia: Two Months<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dusting off the ol' blog to write monthly updates for Lydia. Who says the third child doesn't get much attention? I want to savor the little things and writing these letters will help me with that. I have Lydia's first month highlights, but it's not quite ready to share. So we're starting with 2 months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dearest Lydia, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today you are two months old. It's hard to believe you're that old already but we couldn't imagine our lives without you. It's also hard to believe that my first baby girl started school today, too! You all grow up too fast! A few highlights from the last month are:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You have really started kicking! Every time I watch you I think back to how active you were on the inside. Such a little miracle you are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Though you started smiling at around three weeks, this month you have been very liberal with your smiles - capturing the hearts of many! Anyone who meets you comments on what a smiley baby you are. For example, when our lactation consultant came for a visit, you not only smiled, but also gave her a giggle immediately when she held you. Shortly thereafter, you also pooped while she was holding you - such manners. I guess you were feeling pretty comfortable around her. ;) And one night while the rest of the family was at Bible class, you and I had a belly laugh session that lasted a few minutes - it was adorable.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You love ceiling fans. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tummy time is coming along, though I think you're my laziest baby as far as this is concerned. You're getting there, though. And with the breastfeeding "olympics" we've been trying, you're getting very strong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In terms of sleep, you are definitely a third child. You love to sleep. You seem to fall asleep more easily when there are lights on and noise in the background. I usually take you into the living room while the older two are running around like crazy and it doesn't take long for you to drift off. At nap time I wrap you up and carry you in my arms during the hustle and bustle of getting Zoe and Colby down for naps, and you often fall asleep by the time I've sung one song! Very convenient, baby girl! Thank you :) Night time sleep has been unbelievable thus far. Over the last month, I can count on one hand the number of times you've woken up more than once a night or before 4am (after being put down around 10). Many mornings we don't see you until 5 or 5:30. Go, you! After your early morning feed, I roll you onto your tummy in our bed and you sleep soundly there for the rest of the morning, it's completely adorable. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: start;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This month I have been conflicted over how to deal with your eating and sleeping. After meeting the lactation consultant I was told that your eating and sleeping patterns are very unusual for someone your age. You have started a slight descent on the growth charts, however, when you are awake you are the sweetest thing - alert, happy, and cute as can be. You don't cry very much either! We think you must be doing alright. As suggested though, I will try to squeeze in more feedings, but I won't push it too much. We have an appointment at the Newman center in Toronto later this month to try to figure out your latch problems/possible tongue tie?! Breastfeeding has never been easy for your momma, but you are worth the effort! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, we took you on your first big road trip! We visited Grandmommy and Granddaddy in Mansfield for our traditional labor day weekend (shrimp boil included). You traveled like a champ and didn't skip much of a beat while we were there. You even got in your first trip to Target!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We love you, sweet Lydia! </span></div>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-39721090974024786262011-04-20T20:21:00.001-04:002011-04-20T22:05:47.491-04:00What's Cookin'I think sharing about good food should be a mandatory public service. When you find something really special, it should be shared with others, right? That being said, consider this a public service announcement :)<br />
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I am generally not into cookbooks. I think they're beautiful, but they're also expensive, and I usually don't end up trying enough of the recipes in the book to make it feel worth the cost. However, there is one cookbook to which I find myself going back repeatedly -- and I'm really chuffed about it! (Does that give you a hint as to what it is?) Jamie's Food Revolution. The premise is how to cook simple, delicious, affordable meals. And I should add fresh and healthy (keeping in mind that "healthy" is relative). I won't go into describing Jamie's mission in the U.S., but if you don't know much about him, it's worth looking into.<br />
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I wouldn't say that all the recipes are outstanding (then why am I recommending it?) but, rather, when I sit down at the table to eat with my hubby and the quickly growing children, whatever the meal may be lacking in taste, it makes up for in nutritive value. I guess what I'm saying is -- it's not about me anymore. Hands down, every time I serve a dish with msg in it (things made with cream of this or that) Johnnie always thinks it's amazing. Then I frown and say "yep, it's the msg." Don't get me wrong, I think things like that are fine in moderation (donuts are my favorite food and I'm a white sugar/white flour baking queen!) but day to day, I want to serve my family -- <i>my children</i> -- fresh, healthy foods that are going to contribute to good health. So, with that, I have some recommendations (because cookbooks can be so overwhelming!)<br />
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Recipe: My Sweet and Sour Pork<br />
This was the first recipe I tried and it remains a favorite! Pork tenderloin in Chinese five-spice powder, red and yellow peppers, fresh ginger (trust me), red onion, heat {optional}, pineapple chunks, serve with basmati rice piled high on butterhead lettuce. Delicious! If you like cilantro, it adds even more freshness!<br />
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Recipe: Evolution Tomato Salad<br />
Tomatoes with olive oil and red wine vinegar - delicious. Add salt and pepper. Add black olives if you like. Add a can of cannellini beans. Add a small can of tuna. Simple and healthy lunch!<br />
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The chopped salads are amazing and fun!<br />
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Recipe: Macaroni and Cauliflower Cheese Bake<br />
Simple and comforting without msg :)<br />
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Recipe: A Cracking Burger<br />
A delicious, homemade burger! The cream crackers the original edition calls for are made with lard and not the most healthy choice, but they do make for a delicious texture. The newer book I have calls for unsalted saltines.<br />
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Recipe: Chili Con Carne (the recipe that spurred this post)<br />
Hearty and tasty. I was worried about the addition of cinnamon, but it turned out well. Gave it an exotic taste. It felt so good to watch the kids chow down on chickpeas, ground beef from a local farm, carrots, onions, peppers, celery, etc.! Served with basmati; leftovers go on top of baked potatoes.<br />
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Recipe: Perfect Roast Chicken<br />
It's been a while since I made this so I don't remember much about it aside from the fact that it was pretty darn perfect.<br />
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Recipe: Salmon Baked in a Foil Parcel with Green Beans and Pesto<br />
This was good, but not a favorite. I think that's partly because I grew up on salty canned green beans, still transitioning into liking the fresh stuff. But, again, I feel like eating it because I know it's good for me :) Should add that the salmon took at least 40 minutes to cook (the recipe states 20).<br />
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Recipe: Tropical Yogurt<br />
Ripe bananas, unsweetened shredded coconut (let sit overnight in yogurt to soften) and natural unsweetened yogurt. Delicious on our whole wheat buttermilk pancakes with just the slightest drizzle of real maple syrup!<br />
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Wow, that was a lot! I'll keep you posted as I explore more recipes. I hope someone out there finds this helpful!Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-19956208037037322572011-03-28T14:40:00.002-04:002011-03-28T14:49:38.064-04:00A Weekend of BakingSometimes yeast is intimidating and frustrating, like when you follow the directions precisely and your dough not only doesn't rise but still has little balls of yeast in it, too. Bleh. Don't let it get you down. Go back to the store at 10:30pm for more ingredients if you have to, come home, and show that yeast who's boss! It's SO worth it.<br />
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Make PW's cinnamon rolls.<br />
Two notes: measure the temperature before adding the yeast (needs to be around 100F) letting it cool for 45min to an hour (as the recipe states) may not be enough time to get it down to that temperature. Use your stand mixer if you have one. So much easier. <br />
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I've been dying to try something fun like homemade hostess cupcakes for a while now. So when the Agape in Action fundraiser was looking for cupcakes, I knew just the ones I wanted to make. I wasn't overly excited by the taste, and it was more work than usual (4 bowls, 2 baking pans, 2 pots!), but they turned out pretty cute. Johnnie has a new favorite -- chocolate ganache. He's already placed an order for his birthday cake. <br />
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A while ago Colby gave up his morning nap. He still gets pretty cranky around that time, though, so I've been putting him in his crib and letting him "rest" for about 45 minutes. Zoe and I still usually do something that we can only do while he's away and sometimes I do a quick treadmill workout, too. This morning he seemed like he was going to protest, so I found it odd that when I turned the monitor on, he was completely silent the entire time. I figured he may have just been extra tired from the Sunday craziness. When I went up there, though, I spotted something on his sock -- blood. Then I spotted lots of blood on the crib railing. Blood on his teddy, his shirt, his pillow, his blanket! It was everywhere! Why didn't he cry out?! Upon further inspection (turning the light on) I come to find that this blood is<br />
chocolate. <br />
He had a grand old time up there in his crib today. Not one single complaint when you're put to bed with a chocolate egg that fell out of mommy's pocket while she was trying to hide it from sister! whoops.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Man, he needs another haircut.</td></tr>
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Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-18996707413784881802011-03-03T15:30:00.003-05:002011-03-03T15:39:08.610-05:00Embrace the Camera: March 3, 2011 - Photo Booth EditionWhen Daddy is away, the mice will play! J is out of town again so I took the kids to the mall to get out of the house and our usual <i>free </i>activity took a turn for the worst (worse?) when I got the brilliant idea to take both of the kids into a photo booth. One teeny tiny little stool that <i>swivels</i> and two children up past nap time = not the greatest pictures in the world (that second picture is awful!). Especially when you consider the <u><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">$5</span></b></i><i><b>!!</b></i></u> spent (sorry, honey). But, alas, we have a fun memory...right? :) <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i54.tinypic.com/15yi6ad.jpg" /></a></center>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-18944994146896428042011-02-18T15:06:00.003-05:002011-02-18T15:12:48.840-05:00Embrace the Camera: February 17, 2011<center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/e_t_c.jpg" /></a></center><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG4MwzlxY-Mz5wOPWbOzYKSq2PTYEYvbhqCOiAU93Tknfl41sMT9ZWd4887ve2KRY-LJ1t8S24wpk55ki7J8IwIaG0PpBQO1t7QHnAd0-rj7BUw8LaBOTBZ7crJwEyUZIl-p-4w0YOpo/s1600/Nikon+1381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYG4MwzlxY-Mz5wOPWbOzYKSq2PTYEYvbhqCOiAU93Tknfl41sMT9ZWd4887ve2KRY-LJ1t8S24wpk55ki7J8IwIaG0PpBQO1t7QHnAd0-rj7BUw8LaBOTBZ7crJwEyUZIl-p-4w0YOpo/s400/Nikon+1381.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuddles with Dad: so exhausted, yet so bored.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Did you know cell phones disrupt heart monitors or something like that? It is with good reason, then, that I don't have a sad little picture of me and my baby boy lying on a hospital bed. That's what we did today. Yesterday was a low-grade fever, but this morning he was having a very hard time breathing and looked awful, awful, awful. As an <i>over</i>exaggerator I have a hard time figuring out if I'm just worstcasescenario-ing (yes, that's a verb) a situation or if it truly is an emergency. Turns out, my intuition was right this morning. He has croup and poor baby was administered epi through a mask (screaming bloody murder fun) and then given a steroid to help out his little lungs. He looked <i>so </i>much better on the way home from the hospital and actually gave me a smile or two. Apparently croup is much worse at night and I've read it is a "three night thing." If there is one thing that really gets me, it's sleep deprivation. This is not quite how I imagined family time for our "family day" long weekend (for all you US residents, Canada now has a holiday (this coming Monday) called family day). However, I am so thankful he is feeling better. Now, does someone want to come make dinner for me? ;-) {This post was written yesterday, the 17th of February, but I went to bed early without publishing!}Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-53245078889319434542011-02-04T13:42:00.000-05:002011-02-04T13:42:34.560-05:00Quick Venting SessionI have so so so so much stuff to do before Sunday morning! But before I get to all of that stuff, I need to vent. Most days, I don't try to accomplish too many things while the kids are awake. I don't want them to remember me as the mom who never spent any time with them. However, due to all of this "stuff" that needs doing, I was going to try to check some things off the list while they were around. I figured if I just sat at the kitchen table and finished making a birthday card they would just <span style="color: black;">play nicely around me</span>. False. I sat at the table for less than a minute, cut out one measly circle, and there they were hanging off the edge of the table whining at me. Disappointed, I slung myself onto the couch and pouted. And what did they do next???? Well, they <span style="font-size: small;"><i>played nicely around me</i></span> while I stared at the wall, of course!!! What is up with that?!?!?Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-57082244450860226732011-02-03T15:32:00.000-05:002011-02-03T15:32:39.243-05:00Embrace the Camera: February 3, 2011It has been insanely busy at our house lately which is why I've missed a few weeks of Embrace the Camera. I feel okay about that, though, because in doing so I feel like I've really been living intentionally around here so far this year. Other than birthing a baby and nourishing it for a year, I didn't do much else in 2010. I really want to step up my life in 2011 - spiritually, personally, physically, etc. Basically in all aspects (except having a baby!) ha, ha. So please excuse my absence, but know that I'm doing good things :) <br />
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I really am in this week's picture, it's just hard to tell. I'm the one on the left, the big, fat troll -- <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N8JybeoWi_ZVv66W6QHfQdtKWuhMSDXa0Q7ybeBG02niLvgNiAssvJYtl9YLtJEoJ-5N111-dD-LtYZnu2RHH5MTzc7-c8RryihPd8-LrBnAX93vPiFtAKCM1s3DuCIsOIShaUiNlow/s1600/Nikon+1378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_N8JybeoWi_ZVv66W6QHfQdtKWuhMSDXa0Q7ybeBG02niLvgNiAssvJYtl9YLtJEoJ-5N111-dD-LtYZnu2RHH5MTzc7-c8RryihPd8-LrBnAX93vPiFtAKCM1s3DuCIsOIShaUiNlow/s400/Nikon+1378.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Zoe and I recently made a shadow box and are slowly growing our list of characters. During brother's nap we tip toe back to mommy's closet, close the door, turn on the flashlight, and set the stage. She <i>loves</i> it. And so do I. This is such a special time I'm trying to hold onto -- one-on-one time with my little girl. She is growing up so fast! I know Colby will drop the two nap schedule soon, but until then, I'm going to cherish these moments. <br />
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<center></center><center></center><center></center><center></center><center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/Embrace_the_camera-2.jpg" /></a></center>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-69410968232960345632011-01-13T15:42:00.002-05:002011-01-13T15:45:19.460-05:00Embrace the Camera: January 13, 2011Me and Zoe soaking up our vitamin D while "little brudder" takes a nap. This is such a cozy spot on sunny, winter days!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG56siDqzy6IL60irT-pZxS8-a-YBeDl0RWqm4ILGE7rIi1xf1n-MMppTcbwGwJTxXjzHB7aAVrH5C3ZKwAx_MWxFLhMRQhGYSZ18Q6uWZyCUH_Sbpv27BQq_R_tQ2CV-mHWUqSFIy_xc/s1600/Nikon+1207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG56siDqzy6IL60irT-pZxS8-a-YBeDl0RWqm4ILGE7rIi1xf1n-MMppTcbwGwJTxXjzHB7aAVrH5C3ZKwAx_MWxFLhMRQhGYSZ18Q6uWZyCUH_Sbpv27BQq_R_tQ2CV-mHWUqSFIy_xc/s400/Nikon+1207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
And, just for fun, a flashback to me and Zoe last year at this time --<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AfRXKnMM2I4exJXWkgM_EwkMyCv8lg-w0oLkpZNjkZ9rx6ArC-l4XSdV5IyDYftGmSxfsoubS78wuGqVZeNIL2sZoxlf-RwWm0N5Z4AJ7tQaxcKs6lFpKikIc2oiHoZNnsDVssn3xVY/s1600/Our+House+617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AfRXKnMM2I4exJXWkgM_EwkMyCv8lg-w0oLkpZNjkZ9rx6ArC-l4XSdV5IyDYftGmSxfsoubS78wuGqVZeNIL2sZoxlf-RwWm0N5Z4AJ7tQaxcKs6lFpKikIc2oiHoZNnsDVssn3xVY/s400/Our+House+617.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
41 weeks pregnant. Everything about this picture cracks me up. The birthing pool in the background. Zoe's missing pigtail. Zoe's hair in general. The look on her face. The look on my face. How huge I am. Clearly, baby boy, we were doing nothing but waitin' on YOU! And, boy, were we tired of it!<br />
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Embrace the camera! It's fun!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/Embrace_the_camera-2.jpg" /></a></center>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-87734476409186295702011-01-06T14:19:00.001-05:002011-01-06T14:22:39.777-05:00Embrace the Camera: January 6, 2011That (above) was my first time writing 2011. Feels weird, like it always does at the beginning of a new year. I sure hope this one doesn't go as fast as last year. The years seem to fly by now that we have kids. Time flies when you're having fun, right? Or, maybe, time flies when you're sleep deprived, changing countless diapers, nursing 8 times a day, constantly cleaning up puke, making dinner, doing laundry, etc. etc. etc! :) 2010 was a great year (I can say that now that it's over :) ) But I'm really looking forward to new beginnings around here. Happy new year! <br />
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This week's picture is from our time in the states {over the holidays} at my parents' house. J and Zoe playing in the snow. Zoe is officially <i>not</i> my daughter. She<i> loves</i> the snow. I do not. I'm more like Colby, who, yesterday, as I was dressing him for an outing in the snow, screamed the entire time. I sat him near the window as I was putting on my coat hoping the view would intrigue him, but the poor boy was so padded in snow gear (think A Christmas Story) that he fell straight back, hitting his head on the air vent. I just kept telling myself that once we got out there he would love it and stop crying. I was wrong. He cried the entire time. Then I cried once we got back inside and finally took off all of our layers. Can we say - not. worth. it?! <br />
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Without further ado, here are my two snow bunnies on a beautiful snowy day in Pennsylvania <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/Embrace_the_camera-2.jpg" /></a></center>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-27436328330774036772010-12-15T13:27:00.001-05:002010-12-15T13:28:48.449-05:00Peppermint Bark Cookies<div><div style="background-color: transparent; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">I <i>love </i>peppermint bark so, naturally, I was very excited to try out this recipe. It is now my new favorite holiday treat. And a very festive addition to my holiday baking! Here's the recipe -<br />
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2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1/4 tsp salt<br />
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature<br />
1 cup granulated sugar<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 large egg yolk<br />
6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped (or use chocolate chips)<br />
1 cup chopped Hershey’s Candy Cane Kisses (or use crumbled candy canes)<br />
2 ounces white chocolate<br />
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1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan with nonstick spray. Line bottom of pan with long strip of 9-inch-wide parchment paper, leaving overhang on both short sides of pan.<br />
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2. Whisk flour and salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat butter in large bowl until creamy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in sugar. Continue beating until mixture is light and fluffy, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of bowl, about 3 minutes. Beat in vanilla, then egg yolk. Gradually add flour mixture, beating on low speed just to blend.<br />
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3. Drop dough into prepared baking pan, spacing evenly. Using moistened fingertips, press dough to form even layer over bottom of pan. Pierce dough all over with fork.<br />
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4. Bake cookie base until light golden brown and slightly puffed and edges begin to come away from sides of pan, about 30 minutes. Place pan on rack; immediately sprinkle bittersweet chocolate over. Let stand until chocolate softens, about 3 minutes. Using small offset spatula, spread bittersweet chocolate over top of cookie in thin even layer. Immediately sprinkle chopped candy cane kisses over (or candy canes).<br />
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5. Stir white chocolate in medium metal bowl set over saucepan of simmering water until melted and smooth. If it’s too tough and thick to stir, add a tiny drizzle of vegetable oil or 1/2 tsp. of shortening to thin it out. Remove from over water. Using fork, drizzle white chocolate all over cookies. Chill until white chocolate is set, about 30 minutes.<br />
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6. Using paper overhang as aid, lift cookie from pan and transfer to work surface. Using large knife, cut cookie into irregular pieces.<br />
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<b>Cooking Tips:</b><br />
*DO AHEAD Can be made 1 week ahead. Store in refrigerator (or freezer) in airtight containers between layers of waxed paper or parchment paper. Can be stored in the freezer for several weeks.<br />
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Yield: About 36 pieces<br />
Source: Adapted from Bon Appetit<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEGQ-WetcOj6TxuzRvFFG66DesG6T5rtb7XrPTzV9qrHZMojrDIvpKS6bagYiIBiCgolntqw3zxKSBPHRwz0FKAbM2mp5ty-Nn2TmG7ZITWDFZnJMer8BQFQ_j2KHQ4pc9Vp3bYgyDmo/s1600/Nikon+983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtEGQ-WetcOj6TxuzRvFFG66DesG6T5rtb7XrPTzV9qrHZMojrDIvpKS6bagYiIBiCgolntqw3zxKSBPHRwz0FKAbM2mp5ty-Nn2TmG7ZITWDFZnJMer8BQFQ_j2KHQ4pc9Vp3bYgyDmo/s400/Nikon+983.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.recipegirl.com/2007/12/16/chocolate-peppermint-bark-cookies/#ixzz18ByzEnc8" style="color: #003399;"></a></div></div>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-52427940189696239502010-12-09T13:48:00.002-05:002010-12-09T13:55:21.053-05:00Embrace the Camera: December 9, 2010 - FlashbackWe didn't take a single picture this week (until today; I got my camera back!), so today's embrace the camera features a flashback to last year at this time. Looking at this picture, I have to laugh. It was only the second week in December, my due date was January 10th, but I was so completely certain that my baby was coming early. In fact, I was pretty confident he'd be here on or before December 29th. He had to be. I was huge. And very uncomfortable. But baby boy didn't show up until January 19th! Yes, 9 days AFTER my due date! Oh well, he came when he was good and ready. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoe's hair {and outfit!} crack me up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUPZywLeoYDBc6BUp9Fv-oxw5LlwBwInU_O1Bzn97lyPcs9GMpWD0IpUPXk_VZV7xaTtbJOVUjgAXHRRsHexTc06W1gdMiX7AYTXc0n8WAD1DJcBUZ96nkxldLzxvf05cw8Kko9aOcsU/s1600/Our+House+608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxUPZywLeoYDBc6BUp9Fv-oxw5LlwBwInU_O1Bzn97lyPcs9GMpWD0IpUPXk_VZV7xaTtbJOVUjgAXHRRsHexTc06W1gdMiX7AYTXc0n8WAD1DJcBUZ96nkxldLzxvf05cw8Kko9aOcsU/s400/Our+House+608.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To make matters worse, my husband and child liked to mock me.</td></tr>
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<center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/Embrace_the_camera-2.jpg" /></a></center>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-4340777612931260522010-12-02T14:04:00.001-05:002010-12-09T13:28:21.598-05:00Embrace the Camera: December 2, 2010My last Embrace the Camera featured pictures from my birthday "party," during which, the flash on my camera completely and randomly died. So, my <i>NEW</i> Nikon was rushed to the shop in hopes that we might get it back before the holidays! Despite the fact that I haven't had my camera, I do have some fabulous embrace-worthy photos to share today. We got the rest of our pictures back from our family photo shoot and I am <i>beyond</i> pleased with them! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WtpsM0yUBD4f64jQaY_zTMgHBVwJM8Z_0AXhboAmAXYPhphBnIzsvLqzfVe6LtdtpJafcUiCKShgIrfTAKOaWY3DGdEIq4Tw5idmxkElzyYvHAGYeHSKQ2cTzGa-f5Gb0KrB0Ru01fQ/s1600/84.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7WtpsM0yUBD4f64jQaY_zTMgHBVwJM8Z_0AXhboAmAXYPhphBnIzsvLqzfVe6LtdtpJafcUiCKShgIrfTAKOaWY3DGdEIq4Tw5idmxkElzyYvHAGYeHSKQ2cTzGa-f5Gb0KrB0Ru01fQ/s400/84.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXzMzmx-zYyaqy84YAxLiDLY5i6LN3E6Hh7zK4Q5u3I0pQrpDSlR7T3bb8s6ocVf3DHqhgDns_s4lmuE308wIGuhGkknQ8yUpX2n0MPrmt2lFokbD1II3YN1ZSJie_MLfwzvlKQdKf2c/s1600/39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFXzMzmx-zYyaqy84YAxLiDLY5i6LN3E6Hh7zK4Q5u3I0pQrpDSlR7T3bb8s6ocVf3DHqhgDns_s4lmuE308wIGuhGkknQ8yUpX2n0MPrmt2lFokbD1II3YN1ZSJie_MLfwzvlKQdKf2c/s400/39.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI-pleQlncGnWV9Z2GHPKjgPxC61ie2KyunImHGS42aQcWMlP6IqHUAuskqAJEXluPf6OltuIveDe6zvAg_qD7a_Oxoy7IBrk5CfxW9eN1AkQN0bZupIDUDXoIjhsfOMa64GyoV-g6tI/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGI-pleQlncGnWV9Z2GHPKjgPxC61ie2KyunImHGS42aQcWMlP6IqHUAuskqAJEXluPf6OltuIveDe6zvAg_qD7a_Oxoy7IBrk5CfxW9eN1AkQN0bZupIDUDXoIjhsfOMa64GyoV-g6tI/s400/11.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOjUdZb5TzvTLqqBAu7sgR7NtBzP1NnbmuQmdstYo3K-318H_QYGAldgx4ZOZWsHRcPCwN4aoN6Y2OgqUFjgRwQGZcDb93ASwD_15V4op86HicKdZDn7noJAvwNjbEldz6K2e7Kit0To/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOjUdZb5TzvTLqqBAu7sgR7NtBzP1NnbmuQmdstYo3K-318H_QYGAldgx4ZOZWsHRcPCwN4aoN6Y2OgqUFjgRwQGZcDb93ASwD_15V4op86HicKdZDn7noJAvwNjbEldz6K2e7Kit0To/s400/24.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
There are many more to share, but at an average of 10 minutes per photo to upload onto here, forget it!<br />
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Enjoy...and embrace your camera!<br />
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<center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/Embrace_the_camera-2.jpg" /></a></center>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-69858485627133052752010-11-24T14:05:00.004-05:002010-11-24T14:10:54.673-05:00Chocolate Chip Cookies<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I lied. No blueberry spice crumb bars here today. I didn't have all the ingredients on hand, so I opted for a quick and delicious fix that I hadn't tried -- vegan chocolate chip cookies. They are delicious and comforting and homey, just as chocolate chip cookies should be. And, once again, I don't know why I am still surprised by this, they don't taste like they're missing a thing (i.e. butter or eggs). They're amazing. The girls who wrote Vegan Cookies Invade Your Cookie Jar (among other titles) deserve metals -<i> many, many, metals</i> - for they're amazing vegan recipes!!! Did I mention they took about 30 minutes from start to in-my-mouth?!</span></div><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 18px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuxWotGAG7L59-jhueqnZ-2d_ceMkCUfwJf0QHqYQJtDKpj-UiYJmoUGf0i0t_SNXKRkpTb9s_tNVZULsxH9R1fDXDcsNByIxzohp2aqkpL9wpzztOs5G5uroUmcovD0PVYn1wzKGLVA/s1600/Nikon+959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuxWotGAG7L59-jhueqnZ-2d_ceMkCUfwJf0QHqYQJtDKpj-UiYJmoUGf0i0t_SNXKRkpTb9s_tNVZULsxH9R1fDXDcsNByIxzohp2aqkpL9wpzztOs5G5uroUmcovD0PVYn1wzKGLVA/s320/Nikon+959.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture courtesy of the old Olympus camera!</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b style="border-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Chocolate Chip Cookies</b> {adapted from VCIYCJ}<br />
<i style="border-width: 0px; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Makes two dozen two inch cookies or about 16 three inch cookies</i></div><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1/2 brown sugar<br />
1/4 white sugar<br />
2/3 cup canola oil<br />
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk<br />
1 tablespoon tapioca flour<br />
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract</div><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">1 1/2 cups all purpose flour<br />
1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt</div><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">3/4 cups chocolate chips</div><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly grease two large light metal baking sheets.</div><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Mix together sugars, oil, milk and tapioca flour in a mixing bowl. Use a strong fork and mix really well, for about 2 minutes, until it resembles smooth caramel. There is a chemical reaction when sugar and oil collide, so it’s important that you don’t get lazy about that step. Mix in the vanilla.</div><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Add 1 cup of the flour, the baking soda and salt. Mix until well incorporated. Mix in the rest of the flour. Fold in the chocolate chips. The dough will be a little stuff so use your hands to really work them in.</div><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For 3 inch cookies, roll the dough into about ping pong ball size balls. Flatten them out in your hands to about 2 1/2 inches. They will spread just a bit. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 8 minutes – no more than 9 – until they are just a little browned around the edges. I usually get 16 out of these so I do two rounds of eight cookies. Let cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack.</div><div style="border-width: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.22em; margin: 0px 0px 1em; outline-width: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">For 2 dozen two inch cookies roll dough into walnut sized balls and flatten to about 1 1/2 inches and bake for only six minutes.</div></span></span></div>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-18013622171308481042010-11-23T13:40:00.002-05:002010-11-23T13:44:30.168-05:00Red Plate Smoothie?Baking has been minimal around here the past week or so because we've been so busy, and because a dear friend made me a dairy-free apple crisp for my birthday! I do, however, have a smoothie recipe to share. Fortunately, there is no picture of a smoothie on a red plate (weird) because, unfortunately, my camera is broken! <br />
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So here it is, in rough form, because every smoothie (and blender) is different and everyone enjoys a different consistency --<br />
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Chocolate Almond Milk<br />
Chunks of frozen bananas<br />
A tad of vanilla extract<br />
A tablespoon or so of cacao nibs<br />
A glob or so of smooth peanut butter, optional <br />
Ice, if needed<br />
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Blend to desired consistency and enjoy! Kids love it, too!<br />
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Coming up this week - Blueberry Spice Crumb Bars!Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-89979737599146537962010-11-18T14:45:00.009-05:002010-11-18T20:36:26.049-05:00Embrace the Camera: November 18, 2010 -- Birthday EditionTuesday was my birthday and, boy, did I get <i>spoiled</i>! My sweet husband did so many thoughtful things to make this birthday a special one. I think my most favorite moment was when Zoe came blasting through my bedroom door at 7am (I'm sound asleep, mind you) shouting "Happy birthday, Mommy!" Then she pulled herself up onto the bed, handed me a gift and an envelope. As I opened the card, I heard, in a soft whisper - "go, go" and then, in a sweet little voice - "happy birthday to mommy, happy birthday to mommy..." {Johnnie recorded her singing; it was one of those recordable cards}Ah, it melted my heart. Thank you, Johnnie and Zoe and Colby for making momma feel so special this year!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So, without further ado, here are some photos from my special day -- <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8abJoi8PQyIw_2DQoZU8QQeNgUvKaKkcp1X7pTLv4Q1yDHdYu_62yxwc0_o41kpPZInux8_wU-PDTHFpgWT5MlplutKxXjWrfL_DRhHx8v01J8qNNsySyMMjhJrC4yyYnL4gE_WjOCjg/s1600/Nikon+928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8abJoi8PQyIw_2DQoZU8QQeNgUvKaKkcp1X7pTLv4Q1yDHdYu_62yxwc0_o41kpPZInux8_wU-PDTHFpgWT5MlplutKxXjWrfL_DRhHx8v01J8qNNsySyMMjhJrC4yyYnL4gE_WjOCjg/s400/Nikon+928.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Discussing the art of blowing out a candle. Zoe loves it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUub671ay0JdRVMUV3YxUc5h7biwoCkv33eIylKE-3JI55WiuvfIZYkEkL0hQiUEWa-GYoaVQ2HQzZl8ol8sDVb8obTjbFhrOMJmpu6PKiGXBXcSwd4QaK81Qjfu47-Mw96x2AF23Ix8/s1600/Nikon+935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfUub671ay0JdRVMUV3YxUc5h7biwoCkv33eIylKE-3JI55WiuvfIZYkEkL0hQiUEWa-GYoaVQ2HQzZl8ol8sDVb8obTjbFhrOMJmpu6PKiGXBXcSwd4QaK81Qjfu47-Mw96x2AF23Ix8/s400/Nikon+935.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy96hxgsy7-sinmkgiT3QdY5_P5eJjkb6OqWsc3IQ_orJnF1YrYtKz46ZWAUVK2VALErBOQYV5MmJMO-pVDB-X_fxtZXyy_SrDZyI71y-VnAEbum6vPjEtbTYlVoe9KscN8PBGVZqlJE/s1600/Nikon+931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNy96hxgsy7-sinmkgiT3QdY5_P5eJjkb6OqWsc3IQ_orJnF1YrYtKz46ZWAUVK2VALErBOQYV5MmJMO-pVDB-X_fxtZXyy_SrDZyI71y-VnAEbum6vPjEtbTYlVoe9KscN8PBGVZqlJE/s400/Nikon+931.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzHc05ftQRpap5aczo8eUEtdSH-_NrvMJZWmi_BzVRQ6xFsDUx1G6JJ7Ex7xqfyTbPOc4NplXVm6U5QbMfu_z88KprKo1cyLfzyonlVh7QZspkrOEmc5kSmy-FuCkYoQmzj-hFv5dntA/s1600/Nikon+956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRzHc05ftQRpap5aczo8eUEtdSH-_NrvMJZWmi_BzVRQ6xFsDUx1G6JJ7Ex7xqfyTbPOc4NplXVm6U5QbMfu_z88KprKo1cyLfzyonlVh7QZspkrOEmc5kSmy-FuCkYoQmzj-hFv5dntA/s400/Nikon+956.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A special red plate for a red-plate-series-cupcake! (Thanks, mom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06LEczjqvTCWDE0Wi1bEeCKFXsCN7vSd_00AuZkPWE7varfRb0n1ZWbJ26ucU3vDbWBE2yh-JVlZa4HfbZgix4sJyNk-pdQ8fvUR1GH5_-ex148yWkZ7375ZXgfdP7V6dZxRsdPyloQU/s1600/Nikon+946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06LEczjqvTCWDE0Wi1bEeCKFXsCN7vSd_00AuZkPWE7varfRb0n1ZWbJ26ucU3vDbWBE2yh-JVlZa4HfbZgix4sJyNk-pdQ8fvUR1GH5_-ex148yWkZ7375ZXgfdP7V6dZxRsdPyloQU/s400/Nikon+946.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The chaos that is my life :)<br />
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</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Side note #1: I really need to figure out my camera. I think the cupcake is in focus in most of these shots!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Side note #2: I think it's time for an Embrace the Camera: Spouse Edition. We are definitely lacking in that department! </div><br />
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<center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/Embrace_the_camera-2.jpg" /></a></center>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-15193862801596726032010-11-11T14:46:00.001-05:002010-11-11T14:49:50.826-05:00Embrace the Camera: November 11, 2010This week I am sharing about a sweet routine that's fallen into place in our household. Every night around 6:30-7pm our baby boy crashes and is miserable until he's put to bed. Apparently his daddy was the same way, though I can't imagine :-). So as me and the babe make our way to the back of the house for the last nursing session of the day and bedtime rituals, Zoe and her father snuggle up on the couch to read two Bible books and, Zoe's favorite, Curious George. It's very sweet. And I'm willing to bet it's her favorite time of day. Love them! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW2TvGTGi6lWrZjvCne92sx7Wbap5SvGyFSyjqSX5AKFlPq_rAB06G0FbeOzos6EbDNSF97qKduPGgVdWLGavcPcGxiKMi_0UqfF6aCgUGOCnrEAA309lG2lYVN2xLaxB5IGNPSw06-A/s1600/Nikon+907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZW2TvGTGi6lWrZjvCne92sx7Wbap5SvGyFSyjqSX5AKFlPq_rAB06G0FbeOzos6EbDNSF97qKduPGgVdWLGavcPcGxiKMi_0UqfF6aCgUGOCnrEAA309lG2lYVN2xLaxB5IGNPSw06-A/s320/Nikon+907.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAc-JuNZmwwG22lXKnfz0iidcZ3C_K3b2ijSnN5CQ0Ph3vYfT1HvHOaL4sNDBqYU9jDeRzsCp2dCBpjWl7dcXd6V8tL3GHjgAYjvrNhaK09LOOWwyWedAyh6D4uaHeTeHn8IReDBtGnQ/s1600/Nikon+906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVAc-JuNZmwwG22lXKnfz0iidcZ3C_K3b2ijSnN5CQ0Ph3vYfT1HvHOaL4sNDBqYU9jDeRzsCp2dCBpjWl7dcXd6V8tL3GHjgAYjvrNhaK09LOOWwyWedAyh6D4uaHeTeHn8IReDBtGnQ/s320/Nikon+906.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting to read along :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcagBdFPtJu6xErJyIMk1ySkwy5FhiOQy0i7b1AXkHZvnfNqdMxUwSexQidtmOcB7ldSjca9hSBQ87tp2HIrFXryaiTTyO0FXtrKmqCRXB-MwQcOD0_6SjAWZId4eJ3eUxwLGtw3p5kUY/s1600/Nikon+895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcagBdFPtJu6xErJyIMk1ySkwy5FhiOQy0i7b1AXkHZvnfNqdMxUwSexQidtmOcB7ldSjca9hSBQ87tp2HIrFXryaiTTyO0FXtrKmqCRXB-MwQcOD0_6SjAWZId4eJ3eUxwLGtw3p5kUY/s320/Nikon+895.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Next week, I promise, I'm going to be in the picture! <br />
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<center><a href="http://www.andersonfamilycrew.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm99/emilymaeanderson/Embrace_the_camera-2.jpg" /></a></center>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-949334914578906782.post-7252502479600254222010-11-05T09:57:00.001-04:002010-11-05T10:02:27.394-04:00Fun & Fancy Marble Cupcakes!It was time to switch things up again and try out another cupcake recipe. From Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World (which I think I'm going to start abbreviating -- VCTOW) here are the Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cupcakes with vanilla buttercream frosting. Pretty and tasty! I love cake. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7pJRXwkUr9JIBDmeEvPz-sT2PayPhUXzUbJ31kwTgpOKzdGCzoakloYB16pZunFAG2MOg8gwRthjK_jh5NQL9Jch6ZHV4hSam0Yp4yrWAyC594rQW49ws33_FmZ3WNyGAerjTWyE46U/s1600/Nikon+883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT7pJRXwkUr9JIBDmeEvPz-sT2PayPhUXzUbJ31kwTgpOKzdGCzoakloYB16pZunFAG2MOg8gwRthjK_jh5NQL9Jch6ZHV4hSam0Yp4yrWAyC594rQW49ws33_FmZ3WNyGAerjTWyE46U/s320/Nikon+883.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsrHPHrIDyFxgt2iiD7AENBiMLKiubu73W16ohQpeRwRuL20xZyQmL4788HZyTmIdVUPg5LUcgvvuf4vDrnSiYFhOuAGqnUI8NRLjpqPpS3RnCvsfoPzMrHN46tdUdlOZHtLDdiz6Fc8/s1600/Nikon+884.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilsrHPHrIDyFxgt2iiD7AENBiMLKiubu73W16ohQpeRwRuL20xZyQmL4788HZyTmIdVUPg5LUcgvvuf4vDrnSiYFhOuAGqnUI8NRLjpqPpS3RnCvsfoPzMrHN46tdUdlOZHtLDdiz6Fc8/s320/Nikon+884.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's another shot because I love the marbling. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Mom's the Wordhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04130034710072054821noreply@blogger.com1